Cashflow Loans for UK Businesses

Summary: Cashflow loans (working capital loans) provide short- to medium-term funding to cover gaps such as late invoices, seasonal dips, stock purchases or tax bills. Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend — but we match UK limited companies and incorporated businesses (funding from £10,000 upwards) with lenders and brokers best suited to your needs. Start with a free eligibility check and we’ll connect you quickly to relevant providers so you can compare options and decide what’s right for your business. Get a Free Eligibility Check

What is a cashflow loan?

In plain terms, a cashflow loan is short- to medium-term business finance designed to smooth day‑to‑day operations. It’s working capital: money to pay staff, suppliers, buy stock or bridge late customer payments. Cashflow loans can be unsecured or secured, fixed-term or revolving, and are typically arranged for amounts from around £10,000 up to several million depending on the lender and the business profile.

Definition & core features

• Purpose: Cover immediate working capital needs (payroll, stock, VAT, one-off invoices).
• Size: Fast Business Loans typically introduces requests starting at £10,000 and upwards.
• Speed: Many lenders offer fast decisions — sometimes within hours — with funds in a few business days once approved and paperwork is complete.
• Repayments: Fixed monthly repayments, daily deductions (merchant cash advance), or revolving facilities depending on product.

How cashflow loans differ from overdrafts and invoice finance

Quick comparisons:

Note: Product terms and availability vary by lender. Use this page to understand options — then complete a Free Eligibility Check to get tailored introductions.

When does a cashflow loan make sense?

Consider a cashflow loan when temporary funding will prevent operational disruption or support short-term growth steps. Common triggers include:

• Late-paying customers creating a gap between invoices and outgoings.
• Seasonal stock purchases ahead of a busy period.
• Paying VAT, PAYE or one-off bills while awaiting receipts.
• Urgent equipment repairs or replacement to keep operations running.

Sector-specific scenarios

• Hospitality: Cover seasonal staffing and stock peaks.
• Construction: Bridge payments between milestones and supplier bills.
• Retail & e-commerce: Fund inventory purchases before peak sales.
• Manufacturing: Smooth supply chain delays or raw material purchases.

If you’re unsure whether cashflow finance suits your needs, tell us what you need in our short form and we’ll match you with specialists who can advise — Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Types of cashflow finance we can introduce

Our partner panel offers a range of working capital products. The right solution depends on sector, cashflow profile and urgency.

Want tailored recommendations? Get Quote Now and we’ll match your enquiry to the most appropriate lenders and brokers.

Costs, repayments & what impacts pricing

Costs vary widely by product and business risk. Factors that affect pricing include credit profile, sector, turnover, the level of security offered, and the chosen repayment method.

Understanding rates and fees

• Rates: Some lenders advertise representative APRs; others use daily or factor fees. Expect a range depending on product risk.
• Fees: Arrangement fees, early repayment charges and ongoing facility fees are common.
• Example (illustrative only): A £50,000 unsecured term loan repaid over 12 months might carry arrangement fees and an effective annual cost that is higher than a long-term bank loan — always compare the full cost of credit.

Want personalised figures? Complete a short Free Eligibility Check and matched lenders/brokers will provide indicative quotes.

Eligibility snapshot: who can apply?

Typical lender criteria vary but commonly include:

• Trading history: many lenders prefer at least 6–12 months trading (exceptions exist for strong cases).
• Turnover: requirements depend on product and provider.
• Business structure: incorporated businesses (Ltd, LLP) with appropriate owners/directors information.
• Bank statements and management accounts to evidence trading and cashflow.

Documents to have ready

• Recent business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Management accounts or statutory accounts.
• Proof of identity and address for directors where requested.
• A short explanation of the funding purpose and repayment plan.

Requirements change by lender. Use our quick form and we’ll introduce you to partners who will confirm specific eligibility criteria.

How Fast Business Loans helps you secure cashflow finance

We simplify the search so you don’t waste time contacting unsuitable lenders. Our typical process:

1. Submit a short, secure enquiry (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match your request to lenders and brokers experienced in your sector.
3. Partners contact you with indicative offers or questions.
4. You compare options and decide — there’s no obligation to proceed.

We handle introductions only; final terms and decisions are made by the lender or broker. Average response time is usually within hours during business days. Ready to start? Start Your Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check.

Preparing a strong enquiry

Increase your chances of relevant matches and fast responses by preparing:

• Clear funding purpose and amount (state if you need from £10,000 upwards).
• Recent bank statements and latest management accounts.
• A succinct explanation of how the funds will be repaid.
• Details of any existing borrowing or security offered.

Tip: Be specific. Lenders respond faster to clear, well-documented enquiries.

Illustrative success snapshots

Examples are typical scenarios. Actual results vary by business and lender assessment.

Cashflow loan FAQs

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No — we’re an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice.

How quickly can I receive funds after enquiry?

Times vary by lender. Many providers can offer decisions within hours and fund within a few business days once all checks and paperwork are complete.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your business or director credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks only if you proceed with an application.

What loan sizes are available?

We introduce lenders who can typically provide funding from around £10,000 up to several million, depending on the product and business profile.

Do I need to provide security?

Some lenders offer unsecured products; others ask for business assets or personal guarantees. Security requirements depend on the lender and the risk profile.

What happens after I’m introduced to a broker or lender?

A broker or lender will contact you to discuss terms, complete checks and, if appropriate, provide an offer. You compare options and decide — there’s no obligation to accept any offer.

Important information & disclaimers

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide lending, underwriting or regulated financial advice. All finance is subject to status, lender criteria and final terms. Figures and examples on this page are illustrative and for guidance only. If in doubt, seek independent professional advice before proceeding.

For more detail on refinancing or restructuring to improve monthly cashflow, see our guide on cashflow loans and refinance options.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

– Q: What is a cashflow loan and how does it work? A: A cashflow loan is short- to medium-term working capital finance for UK businesses to cover payroll, stock, tax bills or late invoices, available as unsecured or secured funding with fixed-term or revolving repayment options.

– Q: How fast can I get funding after I submit the Free Eligibility Check? A: Many lenders provide decisions within hours and, once checks and paperwork are complete, can release funds in a few business days.

– Q: What loan amounts are available for working capital? A: Our partners typically offer from around £10,000 up to several million, subject to lender assessment and your business profile.

– Q: Do I need security or a personal guarantee for a cashflow loan? A: Some products are unsecured while others may require business assets or a director guarantee, depending on the lender and risk profile.

– Q: Who can apply and what trading history is needed? A: UK limited or incorporated businesses can apply, with many lenders preferring 6–12 months’ trading history, though strong cases and previously declined applicants may still be considered by alternative providers.

– Q: What documents should I prepare to speed up a decision? A: Have 3–6 months of business bank statements, recent management or statutory accounts, director ID/address, and a brief funding purpose with a repayment plan.

– Q: Will submitting the Free Eligibility Check affect my credit score? A: No—your enquiry won’t affect your credit score, and any credit search would only occur if you proceed with a matched lender or broker.

– Q: What are typical costs and how are repayments structured? A: Pricing varies by risk and product (rates and fees may apply), with repayments commonly fixed monthly, taken via daily card receipts (merchant cash advance), or through a revolving draw-and-repay facility.

– Q: What types of cashflow finance can you introduce me to? A: We connect businesses to unsecured term loans, revolving credit facilities, merchant cash advances and invoice finance providers.

– Q: Is Fast Business Loans a lender, and is the enquiry an application or commitment? A: Fast Business Loans is an introducer (not a lender), and the enquiry is a free, no-obligation matching step rather than a finance application.