Business Loans for UK SMEs – Find the right finance fast

Summary: Fast Business Loans is a free introducer service that connects UK limited companies and SMEs with specialist lenders and brokers for business finance of £10,000 and above. Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you to providers who can quote for secured or unsecured loans, asset finance, invoice finance, commercial finance and more. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score — only lenders or brokers will carry out checks if you choose to proceed. Free Eligibility Check – Get Started

Running a business often means balancing cashflow, staff costs and investment. Rather than researching dozens of providers, use our quick matching service to reach brokers and lenders that understand your sector and funding needs.

What is a business loan?

A business loan is a finance facility designed to help companies fund growth, working capital, equipment, property or refinancing. Loans can be:

• Unsecured: no asset required; typically higher rates and stricter affordability checks.
• Secured: backed against business assets or property, often allowing larger amounts or lower rates.

Typical uses include bridging cashflow gaps, purchasing machinery, refinancing existing debt, funding expansions or supporting seasonal stock. All borrowing carries risk — you must be able to make repayments and understand any security or personal guarantees required by the lender.

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How Fast Business Loans supports UK companies

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend money or give regulated financial advice. Instead we:

• Collect a short set of details about your business and funding need.
• Match you to lenders and brokers in our panel who routinely work with businesses like yours.
• Pass your enquiry securely to selected partners so they can provide a tailored quote.

We vet partners for reliability and track record. Your enquiry is used only to find suitable lenders/brokers and is not an application. Completing our form is free and carries no obligation — if you decide to proceed with a broker or lender, they will advise on terms and perform any necessary credit checks.

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Types of business finance we can introduce

Through our partner network we can introduce you to providers offering a full range of UK business finance solutions for companies seeking £10,000 and upwards:

Unsecured & secured business loans

Flexible term loans for growth or working capital. Secured loans typically allow larger amounts and longer terms; unsecured loans can be quicker but may have higher costs.

Asset & equipment finance

Funding to buy new or used machinery, vehicles or specialist equipment (hire purchase, finance leases). Allows you to spread the cost while keeping operations running.

Invoice & cashflow finance

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices or use short-term facilities to cover seasonal peaks and payroll.

Commercial & property-backed loans

Finance for buying or refurbishing commercial premises, development funding and bridging loans.

Sustainability & green funding

Specialist facilities for energy-saving upgrades, solar installations, EV chargers and other green projects.

Typical facility sizes our partners consider range from £10,000 to several million depending on security, turnover and sector. For a detailed overview of common loan types see our pillar on business loans.

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Eligibility snapshot & documents checklist

Each lender has its own criteria, but the common eligibility factors include:

• UK limited company or incorporated business details (we do not introduce sole trader facilities).
• Minimum loan amounts typically start around £10,000.
• Trading history and turnover — many lenders work with start-ups, but limits vary.
• Director and company credit history — previous adverse credit may be acceptable to some lenders.

Documents lenders commonly request:

• Company registration number and proof of trading (invoices, contracts).
• Recent business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Management accounts or latest annual accounts.
• Photo ID for directors and proof of address.

Submit your enquiry for a no-impact eligibility check — brokers will confirm what documentation they need if you proceed.

Submit details for a no-impact eligibility check

How the Fast Business Loans enquiry process works

1. Complete a short enquiry form — basic business facts, what you need the money for and contact details. It takes under 2 minutes. (Get Started Free Eligibility Check)
2. We match your request — our system and team select lenders/brokers best suited to your sector and requirements.
3. A broker or lender contacts you — they’ll discuss options and may request documents to prepare a quote. This is where any credit checks would occur, and only if you choose to proceed.
4. Compare offers and decide — review terms, compare costs and pick the option that fits your business. Funded deals are agreed directly between you and the lender/broker.

Response times vary, but most enquiries receive a partner response within a few hours during business days. For urgent needs, note it on the enquiry and partners that offer rapid decisions will be prioritised.

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Costs, interest rates & responsible borrowing

Rates and fees depend on the lender, the type of product, your business profile and whether security is provided. Key points to consider:

• Secured facilities typically have lower interest rates but involve risk to the asset used as security.
• Unsecured credit is often more expensive but may be appropriate for short-term working capital.
• Always compare APR, arrangement fees, early repayment charges and any ongoing administration fees.

Fast Business Loans does not charge businesses for introductions. We may receive commission from partners if you proceed, but this does not affect the quotes you receive. Before agreeing to any finance, ensure affordability and seek independent advice if unsure.

Important: All finance is subject to lender assessment, status and terms.

Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans

Our service is built for speed, relevance and simplicity:

• Speed & simplicity: A short enquiry quickly connects you with appropriate partners — no long application forms.
• Sector-specific matches: We match you to brokers who understand your industry so you only speak to lenders that can help.
• Free, no-obligation service: You choose whether to proceed after receiving quotes.
• Secure handling of data: We share your details only with selected partners relevant to your enquiry.

Speak to a specialist broker — Get Quote Now

Industries we commonly support

• Construction — funding for projects, materials and plant.
• Hospitality & leisure — fit-outs, refurbishments and seasonal working capital.
• Manufacturing & engineering — asset and machinery finance.
• Retail & e-commerce — stock finance and expansion funding.
• Healthcare & care providers — equipment and premises finance.
• Agriculture — tractors, machinery and land improvements.
• Logistics & transport — vehicle and fleet finance.
• Start-ups and growth-stage SMEs — working capital and early-stage facilities.

Not sure your sector is listed? Complete our quick form and we’ll check suitable partners for your needs.

Case study snapshot

An anonymised engineering firm needed £150,000 to purchase specialist CNC equipment. We matched them with an asset finance broker who arranged a hire purchase facility. The broker secured competitive terms and funding completed within five working days, keeping the production schedule on track.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Fast Business Loans a direct lender?

No. We introduce your enquiry to lenders and brokers who provide finance directly.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing our initial enquiry form does not impact your credit score. Credit checks are only carried out by lenders or brokers if you decide to proceed.

What loan amounts and terms are available?

Our panel can assist with facilities from around £10,000 up to several million, depending on the product and your circumstances.

Can businesses with adverse credit apply?

Yes — some lenders specialise in non-standard credit profiles. Complete the form and we’ll match you to appropriate partners.

How quickly will I hear back?

Most enquiries receive a partner response within hours during business days. Complex requests or out-of-hours enquiries may take longer.

Do you charge businesses for introductions?

No. Our service is free to use for business owners. If you proceed, lenders or brokers may pay us a commission for introductions.

Get started — free eligibility check

Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match your business to the best lenders and brokers for your needs. It’s quick, secure and carries no obligation. Click below to begin:

Free Eligibility Check – Get Started

1) Is Fast Business Loans a direct lender?
No—Fast Business Loans is a free introducer that matches UK limited companies with vetted lenders and brokers, and does not lend or give regulated financial advice.

2) Will completing the enquiry form affect my credit score?
No—the initial enquiry is not a credit application and won’t impact your credit score; checks are only done by a lender or broker if you choose to proceed.

3) What loan amounts and finance types can I access?
Our partners typically offer £10,000 to several million across secured and unsecured business loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, commercial property loans and green funding.

4) How quickly can I get a decision or funding?
Most enquiries receive a partner response within hours on business days, and some facilities can complete in just a few days depending on product and documents.

5) Who is eligible to apply through your service?
UK limited companies and incorporated businesses are eligible (not sole traders), including start-ups, subject to individual lender criteria.

6) What documents will I need to provide?
Lenders usually ask for your company details, 3–6 months of business bank statements, management or annual accounts, and director photo ID and proof of address.

7) Do you charge any fees to businesses?
No—using our introducer service is free for businesses; we may receive commission from partners if you proceed, which does not affect your quotes.

8) What interest rates and costs should I expect?
Rates and fees vary by product, risk and security—secured loans are typically cheaper than unsecured—so compare APR, arrangement fees, early repayment charges and any ongoing fees.

9) Can you help if my business or directors have adverse credit?
Yes—some lenders on our panel specialise in non-standard credit profiles, and we’ll match you to suitable options.

10) Is the enquiry an application, and am I obliged to proceed?
No—the enquiry simply helps us match you with appropriate lenders or brokers and there’s no obligation to go ahead.