Cashflow Loans for UK Businesses | Fast Business Loans
Summary
Short on time? Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and growing SMEs seeking short-term working capital with suitable lenders and brokers. We do not lend or provide financial advice; our free, no-obligation enquiry helps you quickly receive matched quotes for cashflow loans from providers who understand your sector. Typical funding starts at £10,000 and can extend to multi‑million facilities depending on product and provider. Ready to compare? Get a Free Eligibility Check.
What is a cashflow loan?
A cashflow loan is short-term business finance designed to plug gaps between money going out and money coming in. For many UK SMEs this means covering payroll, buying stock, bridging late invoices, or managing seasonal peaks. Cashflow loans are structured to return capital quickly and can be either secured (against assets or property) or unsecured (based on trading performance and creditworthiness).
Typical features:
- Amounts commonly from £10,000 upwards (some partners lend to £5m+).
- Term lengths from a few weeks up to 24 months for short-term facilities.
- Products vary in flexibility: single repayment loans, revolving lines, invoice finance, and merchant cash advances.
When cashflow loans make sense
Cashflow loans are practical when temporary shortfalls threaten operations but longer-term finance is unnecessary. Below are common scenarios where businesses use this type of funding.
Bridging invoice gaps
If clients pay late or you have long payment terms (30–120+ days), a cashflow loan can provide liquidity while you wait for invoices to clear. Invoice finance is often the most efficient solution in this case.
Seasonal peaks and stock purchases
Retailers, hospitality and manufacturers commonly need extra working capital ahead of seasonal demand or bulk stock purchases. Short-term loans or revolving facilities let you buy inventory without disrupting day-to-day cashflow.
Handling payroll and unexpected costs
Payroll must be met on time. One-off emergencies—equipment repairs, supplier issues, or temporary shortfalls—can be managed with a targeted cashflow loan to keep operations stable.
Cashflow loan options we can introduce
Through our network we can introduce a broad range of short-term funding solutions. Typical amounts and features vary by lender/broker; we help you find the best fit.
Unsecured business loans
Quick to arrange for established businesses with good trading history. No asset security required but rates depend on credit score and sector risk. Suitable for one-off cash needs from £10,000 upwards.
Revolving credit facilities & overdraft alternatives
Flexible working capital that you draw down when needed. Ideal for businesses that need ongoing, variable access to cash without multiple applications.
Invoice finance & merchant cash advances
Invoice finance unlocks cash tied in unpaid invoices (useful for long payment terms). Merchant cash advances give advance funds based on future card takings — both are designed specifically to solve receivable-driven shortfalls.
Short-term secured loans
Secured against assets such as property or machinery. These often offer lower rates and larger amounts, suitable where quick access to sizeable capital is required.
Funding range: many partners offer facilities from £10,000 to £5m+. Time-to-fund typically ranges from same-day decisions to a few business days depending on product and documents. Explore your options with a Free Eligibility Check.
How Fast Business Loans works
We keep the process fast and simple — our role is to introduce you to lenders and brokers who can help. Here’s how it works:
- Complete a short enquiry form — it takes under two minutes and does not affect your credit rating.
- We match your business to the most suitable providers based on sector, loan size and urgency.
- Matched brokers/lenders contact you (often the same day) to discuss offers and next steps.
- Compare quotes and choose the offer that suits your business — there’s no obligation to proceed.
We handle your data securely and only share details with partners likely to be able to help. Start now and Get Matched in Minutes.
Eligibility snapshot
What lenders typically look for
- Minimum turnover and trading history (criteria vary by lender).
- Management accounts and recent bank statements.
- Evidence of affordability — how the loan will be repaid.
- Sector and contract stability (some industries face higher cost of funding).
Documents you may need
Commonly requested documents: last 3–6 months of business bank statements, recent management accounts, proof of ID for directors, and details of outstanding invoices (for invoice finance).
Start-ups vs established SMEs
Established SMEs typically have more options and better pricing. Some lenders specialise in newer businesses, but these offers may carry different rates or require director guarantees. Complete the form so we can match you appropriately — Free Eligibility Check.
Note: Final lending decisions and eligibility are made by the lender or broker. We are an introducer, not a lender, and cannot guarantee approval.
Costs, rates and repayment expectations
Costs depend on product, loan size, term, industry risk and your credit profile. Short-term business finance can be priced very differently across the market, so comparing quotes is important.
Typical considerations:
- Interest rates: stronger, secured deals may be priced more competitively; higher-risk or very short-term products can carry materially higher rates.
- Fees: arrangement/origination fees, broker fees, administration fees and early repayment charges can all apply.
- Repayment methods: monthly repayment, single balloon payment, or percentage of card takings (for merchant cash advances).
Example ranges (illustrative only): well‑secured business loans might start from low double‑digit APRs in favourable cases, while certain high-risk short-term products or merchant cash advances may be priced higher. Exact terms are set by the lender and will be disclosed before you sign. Always consider total cost and affordability — if unsure, seek independent financial advice.
Benefits of using Fast Business Loans
- Fast turnaround — we prioritise partners who can respond quickly.
- Sector-aware matching — we connect you with providers experienced in your industry (construction, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics and more).
- Free service and no obligation to proceed.
- Dedicated UK support to guide you through next steps.
“Saved us hours of research — matched to a lender who understood our seasonal needs.” — Manufacturing MD, Leeds (anonymised)
Real-world scenario: cashflow funding in action
Business profile: Regional catering supplier, annual turnover £1.2m.
Challenge: A major client extended payment terms by 60 days during a cashflow-critical period; supplier invoices were due in two weeks.
Solution: Fast Business Loans matched the company to an invoice finance broker able to release 80% of invoice value within 48 hours.
Outcome: Payroll and supplier payments were met on time, the client contract was retained, and financing costs were contained below the cost of lost business. Results vary and the example is illustrative only.
Alternative funding routes if cashflow loans aren’t the right fit
If a cashflow loan isn’t suitable, other routes can include asset finance (fund equipment or vehicles), invoice factoring, equity investment, or government-backed schemes. We can introduce partners across these options — or see our related services such as invoice finance and sustainability funding. For further detail, view our dedicated /cashflow-loans resource or complete a quick enquiry to see suitable alternatives.
Why transparency matters in business finance
Fair, clear and accurate information helps you make the best decision. We clearly state our role as an introducer — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Lenders and brokers share full terms and fees before you commit. Please read offers carefully and consider independent advice where needed.
FAQs: Cashflow loans with Fast Business Loans
Is a cashflow loan right for my industry?
Many industries use cashflow loans effectively — construction, hospitality, manufacturing, retail and logistics among them. Complete an enquiry so we can match you with partners experienced in your sector.
Will an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — submitting our form does not perform a credit search. Lenders may run checks if you apply for a specific product.
How fast can funds be released?
Some providers can fund within 24–72 hours once required documents are supplied; others take longer depending on product complexity.
Can I apply with less-than-perfect credit?
Yes — we work with brokers who specialise in non-standard credit profiles. Pricing and terms will vary by provider.
What happens after I submit the form?
We match your details to suitable lenders/brokers. A partner will contact you to discuss options. There’s no obligation to proceed.
Are there fees for using Fast Business Loans?
Our introduction service is free. Any fees related to a finance product will be explained by the lender or broker before you accept their offer.
Next steps
Ready to explore cashflow loan options? Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match your business with lenders and brokers who can help. It’s quick, secure and there’s no obligation — Get Quote Now.
– What is a cashflow loan?
A cashflow loan is short‑term business finance that plugs gaps between outgoings and incoming cash, commonly used for payroll, stock, late invoices, or seasonal peaks.
– Am I eligible for a cashflow loan?
Lenders typically look at turnover, trading history and affordability, with final decisions made by the provider after reviewing your business profile.
– How fast can I get funding?
Many partners can issue offers within 24–72 hours once documents are complete, with some products funding even faster.
– Will submitting the Fast Business Loans enquiry affect my credit score?
No—our enquiry is not a credit application and won’t impact your credit score; checks may occur only if you proceed with a specific lender.
– How much can I borrow and for how long?
Facilities commonly start from around £10,000 up to £5m+, with short‑term durations ranging from a few weeks to about 24 months depending on product.
– Can I get a cashflow loan with bad credit or as a start‑up?
Yes—some lenders consider imperfect credit or newer businesses, though pricing and terms will vary based on risk.
– What documents will I need?
Expect to provide 3–6 months of business bank statements, recent management accounts, director ID, and invoice details if using invoice finance.
– Are cashflow loans secured or unsecured?
They can be secured against assets/property or unsecured based on trading performance and creditworthiness.
– How much will a cashflow loan cost?
Costs depend on product, risk and term—interest and any fees (e.g., arrangement or broker) are disclosed in the lender’s offer so you can compare total cost.
– Do you lend directly and is there any obligation when I enquire?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer (not a lender), our matching service is free, and there’s no obligation to proceed after you submit an enquiry.
