Business Loans for UK SMEs — Fast, clear connections to lenders & brokers

Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and growing SMEs find business loans and finance solutions from a curated panel of brokers and lenders. We’re an introducer — not a lender — and our free enquiry is a no‑obligation way to get tailored options fast. Typical funding starts from £10,000 and can scale to multi‑million facilities, depending on lenders’ criteria. Ready to check eligibility? Start your Free Eligibility Check.

What are business loans and when they help

Business loans are borrowed funds provided to companies for purposes such as working capital, equipment purchase, expansion, property, or refinancing. Loans can be secured (backed by assets) or unsecured (based on trading performance and credit). Terms range from short seasonal facilities to long-term term loans and commercial mortgages.

• Loan snapshot: typical amounts from £10,000 to £5m+ (subject to lender underwriting)
• Terms: days to years depending on product
• Use cases: cash flow, stock, asset purchases, refinance, property, green projects

Fast Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers who specialise in the type of finance you need — helping you avoid unsuitable offers and save time.

Why use Fast Business Loans?

• Save time: one short enquiry connects you with multiple matched partners.
• Sector-aware matching: we match you with providers experienced in your industry.
• No cost to you: our service is free and there’s no obligation to accept quotes.
• No hard credit search at enquiry: initial matching does not affect your credit file.
• Secure handling: we only share details with lenders/brokers relevant to your request and with your consent.

If you want a quick, impartial way to view possible options and compare likely terms, Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

How our matching service works

1. Complete a short enquiry: tell us a few facts about your company, funding need and contact details — it takes around 2 minutes.
2. Smart match: we connect you with lenders or brokers who typically handle similar businesses.
3. Receive tailored contact: matched partners contact you with realistic options and next steps.
4. Decide with clarity: compare offers and choose whether to proceed. You’re free to decline.

Start the process now: Get Quote Now.

Types of business finance we can arrange

Through our network you can explore a wide range of facilities. Below are common products and quick notes on when they help.

Unsecured business loans

Quick working capital without taking property as security. Typical for short-term cashflow and smaller growth investments. Amounts and rates depend on credit profile.

Secured business loans

Larger facilities backed by property, equipment or stock—often lower rates and longer terms for established businesses.

Asset & equipment finance

Spread the cost of machinery, vehicles or specialist equipment via hire purchase or leasing. Preserves cashflow and matches repayments to asset life.

Invoice finance

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices to steady cashflow. Ideal for businesses with long payment terms from customers.

Merchant cash advances

Repayments linked to card sales—good for businesses with variable daily takings but can be higher cost.

Revolving credit & overdrafts

Flexible short-term access to funds for seasonal peaks or unforeseen items.

Commercial bridging & property finance

Short-term loans to bridge purchases or refinance property transactions quickly.

Want to know which of these fits your goals? Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Funding scenarios by industry

We commonly match businesses from construction, hospitality, retail, manufacturing and sustainability projects. Examples:

Construction

Pain: delayed client payments and peaks in supplier costs. Solution: invoice finance or bridging to pay subcontractors quickly.

Hospitality & Retail

Pain: seasonal cashflow and refurbishments. Solution: asset finance for equipment or short-term loans for refit costs.

Manufacturing & Engineering

Pain: need for machinery and working capital for orders. Solution: equipment finance plus term loans for expansion.

Whatever your sector, we match you with partners who know the market. Check your eligibility quickly: Free Eligibility Check.

Eligibility & documentation checklist

Each lender has different rules, but common criteria include trading history, turnover and the company’s credit profile. Typical documents lenders request:

• Company registration details and ownership structure
• Recent bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
• Management accounts or tax returns
• Proof of ID for directors (passport/driving licence)
• Invoices or purchase orders (for invoice or asset finance)

Preparing these in advance speeds the process. When you’re ready, Get Your Free Quote.

Costs, rates & repayment considerations

Rates depend on the product, term, security and the business’s financial strength. Expect:

• Lower rates for longer-term secured loans
• Higher effective costs for merchant advances or unsecure quick products
• Arrangement, broker or facility fees may apply — always check the full APR and all charges before agreeing

Important: affordability is crucial. Compare total cost, repayment schedule and early repayment terms when reviewing offers.

Responsible lending & compliance

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer, not a lender or regulated adviser. We connect you to lenders/brokers who will disclose full terms, costs and suitability information before you complete any agreement. Always read lender terms carefully and seek independent regulated advice if you need it.

How to strengthen your application

• Keep bank statements and accounts up-to-date.
• Prepare a short use-of-funds summary and a basic cashflow forecast.
• Be transparent about past credit issues — lenders prefer clarity and an explanation.
• Bring documentation for any assets proposed as security.

Small improvements can materially increase your options. To explore matched lenders, Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Client outcomes & case studies

Construction contractor — Challenge: delayed payments during a large project. Solution: invoice finance arranged via a broker. Result: £120k released within 48 hours and subcontractors paid on time.

Restaurant chain — Challenge: refit multiple sites. Solution: equipment finance and a short-term working capital loan. Result: refit completed and takings recovered within 6 months.

These anonymised examples show how the right product from the right partner matters. Ready to see what’s available for your business? Get Quote Now.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fast Business Loans a direct lender?

No. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who provide the finance directly.

How much can I borrow?

Our partners consider sums from around £10,000 up to multi‑million-pound facilities depending on the lender’s product and underwriting.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Enquiries through our platform do not trigger hard credit checks. Lenders only do credit searches if you proceed with an application.

How quickly can I get funds?

Timing varies: some short-term products can release funds within 24–72 hours once approved; secured or complex facilities can take longer.

Do I have to accept an offer?

No. You are under no obligation to accept any offer you receive after contacting lenders or brokers.

What fees should I expect?

Fees differ: lenders may charge arrangement fees, valuation fees or broker commissions. All fees should be disclosed before you accept any offer.

Get a fast, free quote

If your company needs finance from £10,000 and up, let us match you with lenders and brokers who best fit your needs. It’s free, takes only a couple of minutes, and won’t affect your credit score to enquire. Start Your Free Eligibility Check and get matched today.

Learn more about standard business loans and common product types on our guide page.

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK companies with lenders and brokers. We may receive commission from partners if you proceed. All finance is subject to status and lender underwriting. If you require regulated advice, please contact an authorised adviser.

– Are you a direct lender or a broker?
We’re an introducer that connects UK businesses with vetted lenders and brokers; we don’t lend or provide regulated financial advice.

– What loan amounts can I get for my UK business?
Our partners typically consider facilities from £10,000 up to multi‑million‑pound funding, subject to lender criteria and underwriting.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—our free eligibility check uses no hard search, and lenders only run credit checks if you choose to proceed.

– How fast can I receive a decision and funding?
You’ll usually hear from a matched lender or broker within hours, and some products can fund in 24–72 hours once approved.

– What types of business finance can you help me compare?
We match SMEs with unsecured and secured business loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, merchant cash advances, revolving credit/overdrafts, and bridging or commercial property finance.

– Who is eligible for a business loan through your partners?
UK limited companies and growing SMEs across sectors can be considered, with eligibility based on factors like trading history, turnover and credit profile.

– What documents do I need to prepare for a business loan?
Lenders typically ask for company details, 3–6 months of bank statements, management accounts or tax returns, director ID, and any relevant invoices or asset information.

– What rates and fees should I expect on a business loan?
Pricing varies by product, term and security, and may include arrangement, valuation or broker fees—always check the full APR and total cost before agreeing.

– Do I need security or a personal guarantee for a business loan?
Many options are unsecured, but larger or lower‑rate facilities may require property or asset security and/or director guarantees depending on the lender.

– Is there any cost or obligation to use Fast Business Loans?
No—our service is free to use and there’s no obligation to accept any offer you receive.