Introduction

Cashflow shortfalls are one of the most common reasons businesses seek external finance. Whether invoices are late, seasonal costs spike, or an unexpected bill arrives, a targeted cashflow loan can keep operations running. Fast Business Loans acts as a quick, free introducer: tell us what you need in a two-minute enquiry and we’ll connect you to the lenders and brokers who specialise in your industry and situation. There’s no obligation to proceed once matched.
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What are cashflow loans?

Cashflow loans (also called working capital loans) are short- to medium-term facilities designed to bridge timing gaps between outgoing costs and incoming revenue. They are typically used to cover payroll, supplier invoices, or stock purchases until expected receipts clear.

Key points:

• Unsecured cashflow loans do not usually require business assets as security but may carry higher rates; some lenders may ask for a personal guarantee.
• Secured options (e.g., a debenture) can offer lower cost but require agreed collateral.
• Cashflow loans differ from long-term term loans because they focus on short-term liquidity rather than capital investment.

When do cashflow loans help UK businesses?

Seasonal or supplier pressure

Retailers and hospitality businesses often need extra funds to buy seasonal stock or cover staff costs ahead of peak trading.

Bridging invoice gaps

If invoices are taking longer to settle, a cashflow loan or invoice finance facility can provide immediate liquidity without waiting 30–120 days for payment.

Managing unexpected costs

Equipment breakdowns, late contract payments or an urgent supplier demand can create short-term cash stress; a fast working capital loan can prevent disruption.

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How Fast Business Loans supports you (process overview)

We are an introducer: we don’t lend or give regulated advice. Our role is to quickly connect your company with brokers or lenders who can evaluate and, if appropriate, provide offers.

1. Submit a short enquiry — basic business details and funding need (<2 minutes).
2. Match — we match your details to lenders/brokers on our panel who specialise in your sector and loan size.
3. Response — matched partners typically contact you by phone or email to explore options and confirm documentation.
4. Compare & decide — you assess the offers and decide whether to proceed directly with the broker or lender.

Typical initial responses arrive within hours during business hours, but timelines vary by partner. Start Your Enquiry (Takes <2 Minutes)

Eligibility snapshot & what lenders look for

Each lender sets its own criteria. Below is a quick snapshot of the most common checks.

Basic business criteria

• Company structure and trading sector
• Minimum loan size (we work with loans from around £10,000 and upwards)
• Typical trading history — many lenders prefer at least 12 months’ trading or demonstrable contracts/revenue

Credit & affordability checks

Some lenders run soft credit checks at enquiry stage; a formal application may trigger a hard search. We’ll flag whether a partner will perform a credit check before you commit.

Documentation commonly requested

• Recent management accounts and bank statements
• List of outstanding invoices or contracts
• Cashflow forecast (if available)

Important: Fast Business Loans does not make lending decisions — matched brokers and lenders determine eligibility and terms.

Popular cashflow finance options we can introduce

If you’d like to compare cashflow loan types and specialist providers, start with our quick enquiry. We can also introduce lenders who provide impartial explanation of each option. For more on invoice-related solutions, see our cashflow loans resource on cashflow loans.

Unsure which option fits? Request a Free Eligibility Check

Costs, rates & terms explained

Pricing is risk-based and set by lenders. Typical cost elements include interest (fixed or variable), arrangement fees, and sometimes facility or servicing fees. Some products (e.g., merchant cash advances) have factor rates instead of traditional interest.

Before you accept any offer, compare:

• Annual percentage rate (APR) or equivalent cost metric
• Arrangement and facility fees
• Early repayment charges or break costs
• Security or guarantee requirements

Fast Business Loans does not quote rates directly — matched partners will provide fully itemised costs for you to compare. Read FCA guidance on clear financial promotions.

Preparing a strong application

Presenting clear, organised information helps speed decisions. Typical documents and details to have ready:

• Management accounts or latest accounts
• Business bank statements (3–6 months)
• Cashflow forecast or brief explanation of how funds will be used
• Details of existing liabilities, monthly commitments and any CCJs

Tips to improve approval odds

• Keep director personal credit in good order — some lenders consider it
• Be transparent about previous refusals — brokers can often find alternative routes
• Demonstrate clear use of funds and realistic repayment plan

Upload your details securely — Get Matched Today

Comparing cashflow loans with other funding routes

Cashflow loans are ideal for short-term liquidity. Consider alternatives depending on purpose:

• Overdrafts — flexible but may be withdrawn by bank; suited for small, recurring needs.
• Asset finance — better for funding specific equipment with security against the asset.
• Equity investment — suitable for growth funding where repayment capacity is uncertain but ownership dilution is acceptable.

If you need a different route, we can introduce brokers specialising in invoice finance, asset finance or refinancing to find the best fit. Get Quote Now

Industries we commonly help

Our panel covers many UK sectors, including:

• Construction and trades
• Hospitality, pubs and restaurants
• Retail and e-commerce
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Healthcare and care providers
• Agriculture and food production
• Logistics and transport

We match you with brokers who understand your sector’s cash cycles and can propose appropriate solutions. Speak with a sector‑savvy broker — Get Quote Now

Responsible borrowing & fair treatment

Financial offers should be clear, fair and not misleading. Before accepting any finance you should:

• Read the lender’s terms and illustration carefully
• Confirm total cost, fees and repayment schedule
• Assess affordability for your business cashflow

We only share the details you provide with relevant partners. You decide whether to proceed with any broker or lender after they contact you.

How to request a cashflow loan introduction (step‑by‑step)

1. Share your business details: complete our secure online form with company name, turnover and contact details.
2. State the funding need: how much you need (from ~£10,000) and the intended use.
3. Submit your enquiry: we do not run a credit check at this stage.
4. Get matched: we introduce you to brokers/lenders who specialise in your sector.
5. Discuss offers: the matched partner contacts you to confirm eligibility, documentation and potential offers.

Start Step 1 – Free Eligibility Check

Illustrative funding scenarios

These are illustrative only — outcomes depend on each business and lender decision.

Frequently asked questions about cashflow loans

Do cashflow loans require security?

Some do and some don’t. Unsecured loans avoid taking business assets as security but may require a personal guarantee; secured options typically offer lower cost.

How quickly can funding be released?

Times vary. After initial contact, some lenders can release funds in a few days once checks and documentation are complete.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — completing our enquiry form does not affect your credit score. Lenders may run a credit check only if you decide to proceed with an application.

Can start-ups access cashflow loans?

Some specialist partners consider early-stage companies; eligibility depends on trading evidence, revenue forecasts and director arrangements.

Are there early repayment penalties?

Each lender sets its own terms. Ask your matched broker to explain any early repayment charges before you sign.

What information is shared with brokers/lenders?

We pass on the business and contact details you provide and the funding requirement to the best-placed broker or lender. They may request further documents.

Ready to explore your options?

Fast Business Loans makes it simple to compare cashflow finance without harming your credit record. Our service is free and without obligation — submit a short enquiry and we’ll match you to the lenders and brokers best placed to help.

Get Started – Cashflow Loan Matches in Minutes

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not charge business owners to use our service. Any finance agreement will be subject to the lender’s terms, checks and approvals.