Cashflow Loans for UK Businesses — Quick working capital when you need it most

Summary: If your company needs short-term working capital—covering payroll, supplier bills, seasonal peaks or unexpected gaps—cashflow loans can be a fast route to liquidity. Fast Business Loans does not lend money. We connect established UK limited companies (loans from £10,000+) with brokers and lenders that specialise in cashflow finance so you can compare options quickly and without obligation. Complete a quick enquiry for a free eligibility check and we’ll match you to the providers most likely to help: Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

What is a cashflow loan & how it works

A cashflow loan is designed to bridge timing gaps between when your business pays out and when money comes in. It’s typically short- to medium-term finance used for working capital rather than long-term investment or asset purchase. Cashflow products include short-term unsecured loans, revolving facilities, merchant cash advances and invoice finance arrangements.

Key features:

• Speed: many products can be set up quickly compared with term lending.
• Flexible use: pay staff, suppliers, cover stock or cover seasonal dips.
• Varied security: some cashflow loans are unsecured; others require security or guarantees.
• Term: usually from a few weeks to 24 months for most cashflow facilities.

When a cashflow loan makes sense

Common scenarios where cashflow funding can help:

• Seasonal sales fluctuations — you need working capital ahead of peak sales.
• Late-paying customers — outstanding invoices create a short-term gap.
• Urgent supplier deadlines — access funds to benefit from early-payment discounts or avoid production delays.
• One-off opportunities — bulk stock buys or short-term contracts that require upfront cash.
• Unexpected costs — emergency repairs or temporary staffing needs.

Mini vignette (illustrative): A manufacturing firm faced a two-week supplier payment window while awaiting a large client payment. A short-term cashflow facility allowed them to meet supplier terms and keep production on schedule. Results vary by business and product.

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Cashflow finance options we can introduce you to

We match businesses to brokers and lenders who specialise in a range of cashflow solutions. Below are common products and when they’re typically used.

Short-term unsecured loans

Fast to arrange for businesses with a solid trading record and clear cashflow. Useful for urgent working capital needs where security isn’t available or desired.

Revolving credit / overdraft-style facilities

Flexible access to a pool of funds you can draw, repay and redraw. Ideal for ongoing working capital management.

Invoice finance (factoring & discounting)

Release the cash tied up in unpaid invoices. If your business has substantial receivables, invoice finance can convert invoices into immediate funds.

Merchant cash advance (MCA)

Advance against future card sales. Repayment is typically a percentage of daily takings — good for card-heavy retail or hospitality but can be expensive.

Supply chain / distributor finance

Specialist product for businesses in longer supply chains that need funding timed to purchase or production cycles.

Quick comparison (typical):

For a wider overview of cashflow lending and how it fits with other products, see our in-depth guide to cashflow loans.

Eligibility snapshot & documents lenders typically want

Each lender sets its own criteria, but typical requirements include:

• Minimum loan sizes usually start at £10,000.
• Trading history — many lenders prefer at least 12 months’ trading, though some specialist lenders assess faster-growing firms.
• Turnover and profitability — lenders will assess affordability and repayment capacity.
• Management accounts, recent bank statements and VAT returns.
• Details of directors and any outstanding borrowing.

Documents to have ready:

• Latest 6–12 months’ business bank statements.
• Recent management accounts and cashflow forecast.
• Copies of major invoices (if seeking invoice finance).
• Company registration details and director ID where requested.

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Rates, fees & repayment considerations

Costs vary widely by product, lender risk profile, and term. Key cost elements to compare:

• Interest rate or factor rate (for MCA or merchant advances).
• Arrangement, origination or set-up fees.
• Early repayment charges or facility renewal fees.
• Security-related costs if assets or guarantees are required.

Things to check before you commit:

• How interest is calculated (daily, monthly) and when it’s charged.
• Any additional administration or transaction fees.
• Consequences of missed payments — this may affect your credit file and could lead to enforcement if security is provided.

How Fast Business Loans works for cashflow funding

We are an introducer — we do not lend. Our process is straightforward and designed to save you time:

1. Complete a short enquiry (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match your business profile to the most suitable lenders and brokers on our panel.
3. Selected partners contact you with tailored options and indicative pricing.
4. You review proposals and decide whether to proceed with a formal application.

Our service is free to businesses. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. If you proceed to a formal application, the chosen lender or broker may perform credit checks.

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How to strengthen your application

Small steps that can improve outcomes:

• Prepare up-to-date management accounts and a 3–6 month cashflow forecast.
• Keep clear bank statements — avoid unexplained large transfers.
• Provide details of major contracts or recurring revenues.
• Be transparent about previous credit issues — lenders prefer honesty.
• Consider collateral options in advance if you can offer security.

Tip: having a concise one-page summary of why you need the funds and how they will be repaid can speed decision-making.

Case study: bridging a seasonal cashflow gap (illustrative)

A regional caterer needed £35,000 to purchase stock for a summer contract while waiting on client payments due in 30 days. After a single enquiry via Fast Business Loans, they were introduced to a broker who arranged a short-term unsecured facility within 48 hours. The business met its delivery schedule and repaid the facility within six weeks when client payments cleared. (Illustrative example — outcomes vary.)

Cashflow loans compared with other finance routes

How cashflow loans stack up against common alternatives:

• Business overdraft — flexible, but often smaller limits and higher ongoing fees.
• Invoice finance — converts invoices to cash; ideal if you have many B2B invoices.
• Asset finance — better for buying equipment, not short-term working capital.
• Equity investment — removes repayment pressure but dilutes ownership and takes longer to arrange.

Industries we commonly help with cashflow loans

Our partners have experience across sectors that frequently need working capital:

• Construction & trades
• Hospitality, restaurants & catering
• Retail & e-commerce
• Manufacturing & engineering
• Healthcare & care providers
• Logistics & transport

What to expect after you submit your enquiry

Timescales and next steps:

• We review the details and match you to relevant partners — typically within business hours.
• Partners will contact you by phone or email to discuss options and request any supporting documents.
• Receiving proposals does not oblige you to proceed — you decide whether to apply.

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Frequently asked questions

Can my business get a cashflow loan with imperfect credit?

Possibly. Different lenders assess risk differently; brokers in our panel may be able to find options for businesses with previous credit issues, depending on current trading performance and supporting documentation.

How quickly will funds arrive?

Indicative responses often come in hours; funding typically ranges from 24–72 hours after approval, depending on the product and paperwork.

Are there minimum or maximum loan amounts?

We typically introduce businesses to facilities starting at £10,000. Upper limits depend on lender appetite, turnover and security offered.

Will an enquiry impact our credit file?

No. Enquiries via Fast Business Loans do not affect credit scores. Lenders may perform checks later if you choose to progress.

Important information & transparency

Fast Business Loans is an introducer: we do not lend and we do not give regulated financial advice. Our role is to connect your business with brokers and lenders who can provide tailored proposals. Completing an enquiry is free and carries no obligation.

Risk notice: some lenders may require security or personal guarantees. Failure to keep up repayments could affect your credit rating and may result in the loss of assets used as security. Always review lender terms carefully before committing.

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Need tailored help? Our team will match your business to the most suitable finance specialists so you can compare quotes quickly. Enquire now — it takes less than two minutes.

– What is a cashflow loan and how does it work?
A cashflow loan is short‑ to medium‑term working capital finance (often 2 weeks to 24 months) that bridges timing gaps, available as unsecured loans, revolving credit, invoice finance or merchant cash advances.

– How quickly can my UK business get funded?
Many providers give indicative responses within hours and, once approved with documents in place, funds can arrive in 24–72 hours depending on the lender and product.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—Fast Business Loans’ enquiry is not a credit application and won’t impact your credit score; checks happen only if you proceed with a lender or broker.

– What loan amounts are available for cashflow loans?
Our partners typically offer facilities from £10,000 upward, with maximums driven by turnover, affordability and any security offered.

– Do cashflow loans require security or a personal guarantee?
Some options are unsecured, but lenders may request business assets or a director’s guarantee depending on your profile and the facility type.

– What documents will lenders usually ask for?
Expect 6–12 months of business bank statements, recent management accounts and a cashflow forecast, key invoices for invoice finance, plus company and director details.

– What do cashflow loans cost?
Costs vary by product and risk, so compare interest or factor rates alongside arrangement, renewal, transaction and any early‑repayment fees before committing.

– Can I get a cashflow loan with imperfect credit?
Possibly—specialist lenders focus on current trading performance and affordability, and our panel can explore options even if you’ve had previous credit issues.

– Who is Fast Business Loans and how does the process work?
We’re an introducer (not a lender) and our free, no‑obligation service matches your quick enquiry to suitable UK brokers and lenders who then contact you with tailored options.

– What are the eligibility basics for cashflow loans?
Many lenders prefer established UK limited companies with at least 12 months’ trading and clear affordability, though earlier‑stage firms may be offered alternative finance via our brokers.