Business Finance for UK Companies – Find the Right Funding Fast
Summary: If your company needs funding of £10,000 or more, Fast Business Loans connects you quickly and securely with UK lenders and brokers who can help. We don’t lend and this is not an application — your enquiry is a no-obligation way to get a free eligibility check so you can compare options and receive quotes from the most suitable providers. Start with a Free Eligibility Check that takes under 2 minutes: Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.
Overview – What this page covers
This page explains what “business finance” means in the UK, the common funding routes available, and how Fast Business Loans acts as a fast introducer to suitable lenders and brokers. We focus on loans and finance solutions for companies that need from £10,000 upwards. Use the links in the Table of Contents to jump to the section you need, or start a Free Eligibility Check now to get matched.
What is business finance?
Business finance covers the money companies use to run, grow and transform their operations. Typical needs include:
- Working capital and cashflow support
- Asset and equipment purchases
- Invoice finance and factoring
- Commercial property and project finance
- Vehicle and fleet finance
- Refinance and consolidation
Financing can be secured (against property or assets) or unsecured, short-term or long-term. Alternative finance routes — such as peer-to-peer lenders, specialised invoice finance providers and specialist broker networks — can be ideal when mainstream banks are slow or decline an application.
Check your eligibility in under two minutes: Free Eligibility Check.
Why businesses struggle to secure funding
Securing the right funding can be challenging because:
- Lenders have different acceptance criteria and product ranges — finding the right match takes time.
- Some businesses are turned down by high-street banks because they don’t fit standard credit models.
- Application paperwork and documentation can be complex and time-consuming.
- Sector-specific needs (construction, hospitality, agriculture, sustainability projects) often require specialist lenders.
- Direct approaches can expose directors’ credit if lenders perform hard checks too early.
Using an introducer and broker network increases the chance of finding a lender that understands your sector and circumstances — saving time and reducing wasted applications.
Get Matched with Trusted Lenders
How Fast Business Loans helps
Fast Business Loans is an introducer: we connect your company to the most suitable lenders and brokers for your requirements. Our process is simple and designed to be fast and transparent:
- Complete a short enquiry with basic business details and the funding purpose (takes under 2 minutes).
- We match your request to lenders and specialist brokers in our panel who are likely to consider your case.
- Selected partners contact you directly with options — using your preferred contact method (phone/email).
- Compare quotes, ask questions, and proceed with the lender or broker you choose.
Important: the enquiry is not an application and does not affect your credit score. We do not charge your business to submit an enquiry — our service is free to use. Ready to start? Start Your Enquiry.
Types of business finance we can introduce
Our lender and broker panel covers a wide range of products. Below is a concise guide to common finance types and who they suit.
Working capital & cashflow loans
Short-term loans to bridge payments, cover seasonal peaks or fund urgent costs. Typical amounts: from £10,000 upwards; terms vary from months to a few years. Best for: businesses needing fast liquidity.
Asset & equipment finance
Finance or hire-purchase to acquire machinery, IT systems, catering or production equipment. Preserves capital while spreading cost. Typical term: 2–7 years depending on asset life.
Invoice finance & factoring
Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices — useful for businesses with long payment terms. Options include invoice discounting and factoring. Accelerates cashflow and supports growth.
Commercial & property finance
Funding for buying or refinancing commercial property, bridging finance for purchases, and development finance for refurbishment or conversion projects.
Vehicle & fleet finance
Loans or leasing for vans, trucks and fleet upgrades. Flexible terms and tax-efficient options available through specialist lenders.
Fit-out & refurbishment loans
Capital for shop, restaurant or office fit-outs. Often paired with equipment finance for a single package.
Sustainability & green finance
Specialist lending for solar PV, EV charging, heat pumps and energy-efficiency projects. Can include competitive terms where lenders support green initiatives.
Refinance & consolidation
Combine or refinance existing debt to reduce monthly costs or extend terms. Useful to stabilise cashflow or release capital.
Need help choosing? Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to the right specialists.
For a broader introduction to business finance, see our detailed business finance page.
Industries we support
We work with partners experienced across many UK sectors. Examples include:
- Construction & trades
- Hospitality, pubs, restaurants and hotels
- Healthcare and care homes
- Agriculture and rural businesses
- Retail & e‑commerce
- Manufacturing & engineering
- Logistics & transport
- Sustainability and renewable energy projects
- Franchises and growing SMEs
Micro-case: A regional café needed £25,000 for kitchen equipment and a refit; after a Free Eligibility Check they received 3 offers from equipment finance specialists and completed in under 3 weeks.
Tell us about your sector — Get Matched Today.
Eligibility & information checklist
While criteria vary by lender, most providers will ask for:
- Company name, registration number and trading address
- Approximate annual turnover and requested loan amount
- Trading history (months/years)
- Purpose of funds (cashflow, equipment, refinance, etc.)
- Details of directors and key stakeholders
- Information about security or assets (if available)
Submitting the enquiry will not trigger a hard credit search. Lenders may request full paperwork later if you decide to proceed.
Share your details for a no-obligation introduction.
Understanding costs & key considerations
Rates, fees and terms vary widely between lenders. Typical points to compare:
- Interest rate (fixed or variable), APR where provided
- Arrangement fees, documentation and valuation fees
- Repayment schedule and early repayment charges
- Security required and potential impact on company assets
- Total cost over the loan term
Fast Business Loans introduces you to providers — we do not give regulated financial advice. We recommend you compare offers carefully and seek independent advice if needed. To start comparing, Get Quote Now.
Our commitment to transparency & compliance
We act as an introducer and are committed to clear, fair and not misleading communications. Key points:
- We do not lend and we do not offer regulated advice.
- Your enquiry is free and no obligation — lenders/brokers may pay commission for introductions.
- We handle data securely and only share details with partners relevant to your request.
- We monitor partner behaviour and aim to introduce reputable providers.
Questions about privacy or partner conduct? See our Privacy Policy or contact us directly. Ready to be matched? Free Eligibility Check.
Why UK businesses trust Fast Business Loans
Businesses choose us for speed, breadth of panel and sector knowledge. Our benefits:
- Fast matching process — many businesses hear back within hours during business days.
- Access to specialist lenders that understand specific industries.
- Free and no-obligation introductions.
- Human support to explain the next steps.
If you’d like to see how it works in practice, Start Your Enquiry and a partner will contact you to discuss options.
How to get started
Next steps in three simple actions:
- Click Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.
- Complete the short enquiry (takes under 2 minutes).
- Receive matched lender/broker contact and compare offers — decide which to proceed with.
There’s no cost to submit your enquiry and no obligation to accept any offer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fast Business Loans a lender or a broker?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We connect UK companies to lenders and brokers who supply finance. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice.
Will making an enquiry affect my credit score?
No. Submitting an enquiry via our form does not trigger a hard credit search. Lenders may carry out credit checks only if you choose to proceed with an application.
What loan sizes can your partners offer?
Our panel can typically help with loans and finance from around £10,000 upwards, through to multi‑million commercial facilities depending on the lender and product.
How quickly will I hear from lenders?
Often within a few hours during business hours; for some enquiries you may receive contact the same day. Speed depends on lender availability and the complexity of your request.
What happens if I decide not to proceed?
There is no obligation to accept any offer. If you choose not to proceed, simply tell the lender or broker you no longer wish to continue — there are no fees for submitting the initial enquiry through us.
Ready to explore tailored business finance options? Complete a quick form and we’ll match your company with lenders and brokers who can help — Free Eligibility Check (takes under 2 minutes).
Fast Business Loans is an introducer connecting UK businesses with lenders and brokers. Submitting an enquiry does not constitute a loan application and does not affect your credit file. Funding approvals are subject to lender criteria. For full terms and privacy information see our Terms and Privacy pages.
– What is Fast Business Loans and how does it work? – Fast Business Loans is a UK introducer that uses a quick, free eligibility check to match your business with suitable lenders and brokers so you can compare quotes; we don’t lend or give financial advice.
– Is the Free Eligibility Check an application? – No, it’s a no‑obligation enquiry used to match you with providers, not a formal loan application.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score? – No, your enquiry does not trigger a hard credit search; checks occur only if you choose to proceed with a lender.
– What loan amounts can your partners offer? – We typically introduce finance from £10,000 upwards, with potential access to multi‑million facilities depending on product and lender criteria.
– How quickly will I hear from lenders or brokers? – Many businesses hear back within hours during business days, with speed depending on lender availability and the complexity of your request.
– What types of business finance can you introduce? – Options include working capital and cashflow loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, commercial property and development finance, vehicle and fleet finance, fit‑out loans, sustainability/green finance, and refinance or consolidation.
– What information do I need to provide for the eligibility check? – You’ll usually need company details, turnover, trading history, the amount and purpose of funds, director information, and any available security or assets.
– Do you charge any fees to use the service? – Our service is free for businesses and without obligation, and we may receive commission from lenders or brokers for introductions.
– Do you support start-ups and SMEs, or businesses previously declined by a bank? – Yes, many partners consider start‑ups and growing SMEs and can review cases declined by high‑street banks, subject to lender criteria.
– Do you offer secured and unsecured options, and will I need to provide security? – Both secured and unsecured business finance options are available, with any security required depending on your circumstances, loan size, and the lender’s criteria.
