Business Finance: Compare Options & Get Matched Fast

Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and SMEs find business finance from around £10,000 upwards by matching you—quickly and free-of-charge—with vetted lenders and brokers. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice; our role is to introduce you to providers that suit your sector, trading history and funding need. Complete a short enquiry and get matched fast: Start your Free Eligibility Check.

Why this page matters: if you’re exploring business finance options — working capital, asset purchase, invoice finance, refinance or sector-specific solutions — this guide explains types of finance, how our matching works, what to prepare and how to get a fast, no‑obligation response from lenders and brokers who specialise in UK SMEs.

Contents

• Why UK SMEs Choose Fast Business Loans
• What is Business Finance & Why It Matters
• How Our Business Finance Matching Service Works
• Types of Business Finance We Can Introduce
• Who We Help
• What to Consider Before You Apply
• Business Finance Costs & Repayments
• Real-World Scenarios
• Our Trusted Lender & Broker Network
• Preparing for Your Free Eligibility Check
• FAQs
• Start Your Business Finance Enquiry
• Compliance & Data Protection

Why UK SMEs Choose Fast Business Loans for Business Finance

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that saves you time and improves your chances of a suitable match. Rather than searching dozens of lenders, submit a short, free enquiry and we’ll connect you to brokers and lenders who understand your sector and requirements.

• Free service, no obligation to proceed.
• Quick responses — most enquiries get contacted within hours during business days.
• Matches based on sector expertise and funding purpose, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Enquiry does not affect your business credit score.

Check Eligibility in 2 Minutes

What Is Business Finance & Why It Matters Right Now

Business finance covers the funding options companies use to manage cash flow, buy assets, scale operations or refinance existing debt. In the current UK environment — with rising costs, supply chain pressures and opportunities for green investment — the right finance can mean the difference between stalled growth and taking advantage of market opportunities.

Common SME challenges that make business finance important:

• Short-term cash flow gaps around payroll or seasonal stock.
• Investment in equipment, vehicles or premises to grow capacity.
• Refinancing higher-cost debt to lower monthly payments.
• Funding sustainability or energy-efficiency upgrades with specialist lenders.

How Our Business Finance Matching Service Works

We keep the process simple and transparent so you can get on with running your business.

1. Quick enquiry: Tell us a few details about your business and the funding you need — it takes under two minutes.
2. Smart match: We share your enquiry with a small number of vetted lenders or brokers who specialise in your sector or finance type.
3. Contact & quotes: Matched providers contact you directly to discuss options and may request documents to run an application.
4. Compare & decide: Review offers, ask questions and choose the provider that best suits your goals.

Your enquiry is just that — an enquiry. It is not an application and will not trigger credit searches. When you choose to proceed, lenders/brokers may then conduct checks. Get Quote Now

Types of Business Finance We Can Introduce

Through our network you can be introduced to providers covering a broad range of solutions. Below is a concise overview — contact us to be matched with specialists for each type.

Unsecured Business Loans

Short to medium-term loans without business asset security. Typical uses: working capital, marketing, short-term stock purchases. Eligibility factors: trading history, turnover, director credit profile. Minimum introductions usually start from £10,000.

Secured Business Loans & Commercial Mortgages

Loans secured against property or other business assets. Typical uses: property purchase, large capital projects. Eligibility often depends on asset value, business cash flow and LTV (loan-to-value).

Cash Flow & Working Capital Facilities

Overdrafts, merchant cash advances or short-term lending to cover day-to-day liquidity. Ideal for businesses with predictable revenue that need flexible access to funds.

Invoice Finance & Factoring

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Use cases: service firms and suppliers awaiting large customer payments. Providers assess debtor quality and invoice history.

Asset & Equipment Finance

Hire purchase or leasing to fund machinery, plant or equipment. Spreads cost over time and preserves capital. Lenders consider asset type, age and business use.

Vehicle & Fleet Funding

Loans, leases and hire purchase for vans, trucks or fleets. Solutions available for single vehicles up to large fleets with structured repayments.

Refinance & Debt Consolidation

Replace multiple higher-rate facilities with a single, better-structured loan to improve cash flow. Suitability depends on existing terms and business performance.

Specialist & Sector-Specific Funding

Funding for construction, sustainability projects (solar, EV charging), hospitality fit-outs and other niche sectors. We match you with lenders who understand the technical and cashflow profiles of your industry.

Tell Us About Your Funding Goals

Who We Help: From Start-ups to Established Enterprises

We work with UK companies across many growth stages and sectors. Typical users include:

• Early-stage limited companies needing short-term working capital.
• Growing SMEs investing in equipment or premises expansion.
• Franchise owners upgrading outlets or expanding territory.
• Manufacturers, retailers, construction firms and hospitality businesses seeking sector-specific funding.

Minimum typical loan sizes start at around £10,000. If you’ve been declined elsewhere, our panel may still have suitable routes — many lenders have different appetite and criteria.

What to Consider Before Applying for Business Finance

Preparing first improves your chances and helps you compare offers.

• Define the funding purpose and exact amount needed — lenders ask for specific use cases.
• Prepare simple cashflow forecasts to show how repayments will be met.
• Understand security expectations — personal guarantees and asset charges can be required.
• Gather core documents: business registration, bank statements, management accounts, invoice examples.
• Talk to your accountant or adviser for tailored financial advice where necessary.

Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We do not provide regulated financial advice — matched brokers or lenders will explain terms and implications of any offer.

Business Finance Costs & Repayments: FAQs Answered

Costs vary by product and risk profile. Key cost drivers include:

• Business and director credit history.
• Loan term, amount and whether the loan is secured.
• Sector risk and seasonal revenue patterns.

Repayments can be monthly, weekly or seasonal. Some products charge arrangement or broker fees; others include fees within the interest rate. Fast Business Loans does not charge businesses to submit an enquiry — any fees for broker services will be explained by the provider before you commit.

Use Our Free Eligibility Check to Understand Your Options

Real-World Scenarios We Support

Retailer (seasonal stock boost): A high‑street retailer needs £25,000 to buy seasonal stock. We matched them with an unsecured short-term facility and an asset-backed option, enabling competitive pricing and improved margins.

Manufacturer (machinery upgrade): A small manufacturer required £120,000 for new machinery. Through our network they were introduced to an asset finance specialist who provided hire purchase with predictable monthly terms and tax-efficient treatment.

Professional services firm (invoice finance): A consultancy with long invoice terms used factoring to unlock working capital and smooth payroll, maintaining relationships with large clients without cashflow stress.

Our Trusted Lender & Broker Network

We partner with a broad panel of UK lenders and brokers. Partners are chosen for:

• Relevant sector experience.
• Transparent communication and turnaround times.
• Ability to handle deals from ~£10,000 upwards.

We only share your details with partners likely to help—this reduces nuisance calls and improves response relevance.

Meet the Right Funding Partner Today

Step-by-Step: Preparing for Your Free Eligibility Check

Have the following to hand to speed up matching:

• Company name and registration number.
• Approximate turnover and trading history (months/years).
• Funding amount required (from £10,000 upwards) and intended purpose.
• Summary of existing borrowing and monthly repayments.
• Preferred contact details and best time to talk.

Most businesses complete the enquiry in under two minutes. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Finance Matches

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers. Any credit decision and contract is between you and the provider you choose.

Will my enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting the enquiry will not impact your business credit score. Providers may carry out checks later if you proceed with an application.

How quickly will a lender or broker contact me?

Most matched partners contact businesses within a few hours on working days. Some enquiries receive near-immediate responses depending on match and urgency.

What loan amounts are available via your partners?

Our network supports deals from around £10,000 up to multi‑million facilities, depending on the provider and the purpose.

Can I use multiple types of finance together?

Yes—many businesses combine facilities (for example, invoice finance plus a term loan). Matched brokers can advise on compatibility and structuring.

Do you help businesses with adverse credit or previous refusals?

We introduce to lenders and brokers who consider a wide range of credit profiles. An enquiry can reveal alternative routes that may not have been tried before.

Are there any fees to use Fast Business Loans?

No. It’s free to submit an enquiry. Any charges from brokers or lenders will be clearly explained by them before you agree to proceed.

Can I apply if I already have business loans?

Yes. Many businesses seek refinance or consolidation to improve terms. Provide full details of existing facilities to help us find suitable matches.

Start Your Business Finance Enquiry

Ready to find the best funding options for your business? Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who fit your needs — fast, free and without obligation.

Get Your Business Finance Match

If you prefer to discuss first, you can contact our team by email or phone (details on our contact page).

Compliance, Transparency & Data Protection Statement

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer and does not provide regulated financial advice or lend funds. We aim to ensure all promotional information is clear, fair and not misleading.

Your personal and business data is used to match your enquiry with suitable partners and will only be shared with selected lenders/brokers for that purpose. For full details see our Privacy Policy. We recommend you review lender terms carefully and seek independent advice where appropriate.

Related resources

Learn more about business finance options in our pillar guide on business finance.

– Is Fast Business Loans a lender?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK SMEs with vetted brokers and lenders.

– Is the enquiry an application, and will it affect my credit score?
No—the enquiry simply collects details to match you with suitable lenders/brokers and doesn’t impact your credit score; checks only happen if you choose to proceed.

– What loan amounts are available through your partners?
Typically from around £10,000 up to multi‑million facilities, depending on the lender, security and purpose.

– How quickly will I hear from a broker or lender after submitting the form?
Most businesses are contacted within a few hours on working days, sometimes sooner.

– What types of business finance can you help me compare?
Unsecured and secured loans, cash flow facilities, invoice finance, asset and equipment finance, vehicle funding, refinance, and sector‑specific solutions.

– Who is eligible to use the service?
UK limited companies and SMEs across sectors and stages, including early‑stage firms and established businesses.

– Does it cost anything to use Fast Business Loans?
No—submitting an enquiry is free and without obligation, and any broker or lender fees will be clearly explained before you commit.

– What information or documents should I prepare?
Company details, turnover and trading history, funding amount and purpose, recent bank statements/management accounts, and details of existing borrowing.

– Can you help if I’ve been declined elsewhere or have adverse credit?
Yes—our panel includes providers with different criteria who consider a wide range of credit profiles and scenarios.

– Will I need security or a personal guarantee?
It depends on the product—unsecured lending may require a director guarantee, while larger sums often use asset or property security.