Business Finance for UK Companies: Compare Options & Get Matched Fast

Summary: If your company needs finance of £10,000 or more—whether for cash flow, equipment, property or growth—Fast Business Loans helps you find and compare suitable lenders and brokers quickly. We’re not a lender; we match your business to providers who can quote, usually without affecting your credit score. Start with a short, no-obligation enquiry to receive tailored introductions and fast quotes. Free Eligibility Check

What is business finance & why it matters now

Business finance covers the range of credit and funding products companies use to run, grow or restructure. Typical triggers include cash-flow shortfalls, purchasing equipment, expanding premises, property development, or refinancing higher-cost debt.

Right now many UK businesses are navigating higher operating costs and supply chain pressures. Accessing the right finance quickly—at terms the business can afford—can be the difference between seizing an opportunity and missing it.

Fast Business Loans exists to simplify that search. We’re an introducer that helps you reach lenders and brokers who specialise in business lending. Submitting an enquiry is not an application; it’s information that helps us match you to suitable providers.

Get Started: Free Eligibility Check

How Fast Business Loans supports your funding journey

We strip away the busywork so you meet the right people fast. Our process is designed to be quick, transparent and helpful:

1. Complete a short online enquiry (about 2 minutes).
2. We match your business to lenders and brokers who are likely to be a good fit.
3. Matched partners contact you with options and next steps — you compare and decide.
4. If you proceed, the lender/broker manages the formal application and credit checks.

There’s no obligation to proceed and making an enquiry does not affect your credit score. Our goal is to increase the speed and relevance of the connections you receive so you can secure funding efficiently.

Get Started Free Eligibility Check

Types of business finance we can introduce you to

Our network includes providers offering a wide range of commercial finance products for companies seeking £10,000 and upwards. Below is a practical overview.

Working capital solutions

• Cashflow loans and unsecured business loans — ideal for short-term cash gaps. Typical sizes: £10k–£250k; terms often 6 months–5 years.
• Revolving facilities or business lines of credit — for flexible access to funds as needs arise.

Asset & equipment finance

• Hire purchase, leasing and asset refinance — fund machinery, vehicles or IT without a large upfront capital outlay. Typical terms: 1–7 years; loan sizes vary by asset value.

Invoice & trade finance

• Invoice factoring/discounting — unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Can suit seasonal businesses or B2B firms awaiting client payment.
• Trade finance — for import/export working capital and letters of credit.

Commercial & property finance

• Bridging finance, development loans, commercial mortgages — for buying, developing or refinancing property. Timelines and terms vary; security is commonly required.

Specialist & sector-specific funding

• Sustainability loans (solar, EV chargers), fit-out finance, healthcare equipment finance and hospitality-specific packages. Lenders with sector experience can be particularly helpful.

For a broader introduction to options, see our business finance hub on business finance.

Eligibility criteria & what lenders look for

Each lender sets its own criteria, but the common factors are:

• Trading history and company structure.
• Annual turnover and profitability (or credible forecasts).
• Bank statements showing trading cashflow.
• Credit history for the company and, where required, directors.
• Security available for secured products.

Documents typically requested: company accounts, recent bank statements (3–6 months), management accounts or forecasts, and ID for directors. If you need help preparing paperwork, your matched broker can guide you.

Costs, rates & fees: what to expect

Pricing depends on product, risk profile, security and term. Key points to understand:

• Interest may be fixed or variable; some products charge fees instead (arrangement, facility, valuation, legal).
• Compare total cost: interest + fees + any early repayment charges.
• Ask for clear examples from any lender — total monthly cost and an APR equivalent where available.

Cost transparency checklist: request fees list, repayment schedule, any security or guarantee requirements, and examples of total cost over the term. Fast Business Loans does not provide rates — matched providers supply quotes based on your circumstances.

Timeline: how quickly can funding land?

Timescales vary by product and how quickly documentation is provided:

• Unsecured facilities: some lenders can offer decisions in 24–48 hours and funds within days once checks are complete.
• Invoice finance & asset finance: often 3–14 days when documentation is complete.
• Property or development finance: can take several weeks because of valuations, legal work and surveys.

Complete, well-presented paperwork speeds up the process significantly.

Ready to see how fast you can proceed? Start your enquiry.

Industries we regularly support

We match companies across a wide range of UK sectors. Common sectors include:

• Construction & trades — plant and materials finance, bridging for projects.
• Manufacturing & engineering — machinery and asset finance.
• Retail & e‑commerce — stock and working capital solutions.
• Hospitality & leisure — equipment, refits and seasonal cashflow.
• Agriculture & farming — vehicle and machinery finance, working capital.
• Healthcare & medical practices — equipment finance and working capital.

If your sector is specialist, tell us in the enquiry — we work with lenders and brokers who focus on niche requirements.

Success snapshot: real-world outcomes

Outcomes vary by business and lender; these examples are illustrative.

Step-by-step: submit your business finance enquiry

What to expect when you submit a quick enquiry:

1. Provide basic business details, funding amount (from £10,000) and purpose.
2. Confirm contact details and best time for a call.
3. We match you with relevant lenders/brokers; they contact you to discuss options and may request documents.
4. You receive quotes, compare offers and proceed directly with the provider you choose.

Your enquiry is free, non-binding and is used only to make appropriate matches. Checking eligibility will not affect your credit score.

Start your free enquiry now:
Get Quote Now

Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Completing an enquiry is not an application — matched lenders or brokers will provide any formal offer and carry out eligibility checks.

Frequently asked questions about business finance

Can I apply with less-than-perfect credit?

Yes — many lenders and specialist brokers consider applications with imperfect credit. The options and pricing vary, so it helps to be matched to a provider that understands your circumstances.

What’s the minimum and maximum funding size?

We match businesses seeking finance from around £10,000 upwards. Larger facilities into the millions are also available via specialist commercial lenders and brokers.

Will making an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not trigger a credit check. Matched lenders or brokers may perform checks if you choose to progress to application.

What if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

Being declined by one lender does not mean all doors are closed. Different lenders have different risk appetites — our role is to match you with providers more likely to understand and accept your profile.

Do lenders require personal guarantees?

Some lenders may ask for personal guarantees or security, especially for higher-risk or secured facilities. Always ask the lender to explain any guarantees and the implications before proceeding.

How do I compare multiple offers?

Compare total cost (interest + fees), term, repayment flexibility, security requirement and any early repayment penalties. Your matched broker or lender can help you understand the differences.

Next steps

If your business needs finance of £10,000 or more and you want a fast, practical route to the best lenders and brokers for your circumstances, complete our short enquiry and we’ll make the introductions.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Need more help? If you prefer to speak first, include your phone number in the enquiry and your preferred contact time. We’ll only share your details with partners relevant to your request.

– What is Fast Business Loans and are you a lender?
No — Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK businesses with trusted lenders and brokers; we don’t lend or provide regulated financial advice.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — making an enquiry with Fast Business Loans doesn’t affect your credit score, and any formal checks are only done by the lender or broker you choose.

– What funding amounts are available?
We match UK businesses seeking finance from around £10,000 upwards, with specialist providers able to arrange facilities into the millions.

– How fast can I get matched and receive the funds?
You’ll typically hear from a matched lender or broker within a few hours, and depending on the product funds can arrive in days for unsecured/invoice/asset finance or take weeks for property deals.

– Which types of business finance can you help me compare?
We can introduce you to unsecured working capital loans, revolving credit, asset and equipment finance, invoice and trade finance, and commercial property, bridging and development finance.

– What are the typical eligibility criteria lenders look at?
Lenders usually assess trading history, turnover and profitability, recent bank statements, company/director credit history, and available security.

– Can you help start-ups or businesses with less-than-perfect credit, or those declined elsewhere?
Yes — many partners consider start-ups and imperfect credit, and if you’ve been declined elsewhere we’ll aim to match you with providers whose criteria better fit your profile.

– How are interest rates and fees determined, and how do I compare costs?
Pricing depends on product, risk, security and term, so compare the total cost (interest, fees and any early repayment charges) from each provider’s quote.

– Will I need security or a personal guarantee?
Some facilities require asset security or a personal guarantee, especially for larger or higher-risk loans, and the lender will explain any obligations before you proceed.

– What’s the process to start and is there any obligation?
Complete a short online enquiry (not an application) to get matched with relevant lenders/brokers, and the service is free with no obligation to proceed.