Introduction — Quick overview

Manufacturing is capital intensive: machine upgrades, seasonal orders, large supplier invoices and energy or sustainability investment can quickly tie up cash. Fast Business Loans does not lend money directly. We connect UK manufacturing businesses with lenders and brokers who specialise in manufacturing finance so you get matched to the most appropriate solution fast. Submitting an enquiry is free, not an application, and helps us match your business with lenders/brokers who can contact you with options.

Start your free eligibility check — it takes a few minutes and does not affect your credit score.

What keeps UK manufacturers from scaling?

Key pressures

• Cashflow volatility from large invoices or delayed retailer payments.
• Equipment obsolescence and high capital cost to replace or upgrade machinery.
• Rising energy costs and investment needed for efficiency or net-zero upgrades.
• Supply chain disruption requiring bridging finance for raw materials.

Because the needs are varied, the right finance type matters — asset finance might suit machining upgrades, while invoice finance can release cash trapped in unpaid invoices. For more sector-level guidance see our detailed resources on manufacturing business loans.

Read more about manufacturing business loans

How Fast Business Loans supports manufacturers

How it works — a quick 4‑step process

1. Quick enquiry: You fill in a short form about your business and funding need (this is not an application).
2. Targeted match: We match you to lenders and brokers with experience in manufacturing finance.
3. Rapid response: Partners contact you directly with options and indicative terms.
4. Decide and fund: Compare offers and proceed with the lender of your choice.

We focus on speed and relevance: you only get contacted by partners likely to offer a good fit. Ready to see options? Get a Free Eligibility Check.

Why use us for manufacturing finance?

• Sector knowledge — we know which lenders underwrite manufacturing risk.
• Save time — one short form connects you to multiple options.
• No obligation — you decide whether to progress.
• Matched approach — better chance of useful offers compared with blind applications.

Types of manufacturing finance we can help you access

Working capital & cashflow loans

Short-term cash to pay staff, suppliers or meet seasonal demand.

• Typical uses: bridge supplier payments, payroll during large orders.
• Benefits: quick access, unsecured or short-term secured options.

Check eligibility for working capital

Asset & equipment finance

Finance to buy or lease new machinery — CNC machines, presses, robotics.

• Options: hire purchase, lease, asset refinance.
• Benefits: preserve cash, spread cost, potential tax advantages.

Get a quote for equipment finance

Invoice finance & supply chain funding

Unlock cash tied in unpaid invoices or accelerate supplier payment cycles.

• Options: invoice discounting, factoring, supply chain finance.
• Benefits: immediate liquidity without new debt against your business.

Free Eligibility Check for invoice finance

Commercial loans for expansion or M&A

Term loans for factory expansion, acquisitions or large capex.

• Typical sizes: from £10,000 upwards — terms and security depend on lender.
• Benefits: structured repayments, larger facilities for growth.

Get Quote Now for commercial loans

Sustainability & energy-efficiency funding

Finance for solar, insulation, efficient plant, or EV fleets.

• Often available with favourable terms or specialist providers.
• Benefits: lower running costs and potential government incentives.

Start your sustainability finance enquiry

Eligibility & documentation checklist

Who can apply?

• UK-registered manufacturing companies (limited companies). We do not handle sole traders or professional loans.
• Typical trading history: many lenders expect at least 6–12 months trading, though some asset finance providers will consider newer businesses with good contracts.
• Loan sizes: we help arrange finance from around £10,000 upwards.

What speeds up the process?

• Recent management accounts, P&L and balance sheet (last 12–24 months where available).
• Details of major contracts/orders, order book or purchase orders.
• List of assets to be financed or used as security (make/model/age/value).
• Director ID and CV, proof of address, and company incorporation details.

Real‑world manufacturing scenarios

Precision engineering SME upgrades CNC machinery

Situation: older CNCs limiting capacity. Solution: asset finance via hire purchase — low deposit, fixed monthly payments. Outcome: new capacity delivered within weeks, increased order capacity.

Food manufacturer bridging invoice gap during retail expansion

Situation: large grocery chain order with 60‑day payment terms. Solution: invoice discounting to release immediate cash. Outcome: supplier payments met, production scaled, retailer contract fulfilled.

Chemicals producer investing in energy-efficient plant

Situation: high energy costs and planned retrofit. Solution: sustainability loan combined with equipment finance. Outcome: lower energy bills and faster payback period.

Illustrative scenarios only; individual results vary depending on lender criteria and business circumstances.

How to maximise your chances of approval

• Keep financials accurate and up to date — lenders value clarity and realistic cashflow forecasts.
• Demonstrate recurring revenue or confirmed contracts where possible.
• Be honest about previous credit issues — some lenders specialise in non-standard credit profiles.
• Match the finance to the asset (e.g., equipment finance for machines) — this improves underwriting outcomes.
• Consider a personal guarantee or security where reasonable to access better terms.

If you want to improve your funding odds, start a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to partners experienced with similar cases.

Costs, terms and responsible borrowing

Costs vary by lender, product type, security and credit profile. Typical ranges (illustrative only):

• Short-term cashflow facilities: higher rates for speed — compare effective APRs and fees.
• Asset finance: usually structured with repayments tied to useful life of the asset.
• Invoice finance: fees and advance rates depend on debtor quality and service model.

Always compare the total cost (interest, fees, arrangement charges and early repayment costs). Fast Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers — we do not provide financial advice. Review lender terms carefully and consider independent advice when needed.

Fast Business Loans promise & data handling

We act as an introducer — not a lender. Submitting an enquiry is free and not a formal loan application. Your information is used to match you with suitable lenders/brokers only and is shared with partners who may contact you to discuss options.

Submitting an enquiry does not impact your credit score. We handle data securely in line with privacy best practice and GDPR; see our privacy policy for details.

Get matched with manufacturing finance specialists

Frequently asked questions

Is Fast Business Loans a direct lender?

No. We introduce UK manufacturing businesses to lenders and brokers. We help you find the most appropriate partners but do not underwrite or fund loans.

How quickly can manufacturers expect a response?

Typically you’ll hear from a matched partner within hours during business hours. Complex deals may require additional information and take longer.

What loan sizes are available?

We arrange finance from around £10,000 upwards. Some of our partners can help with much larger facilities depending on the project and security.

Will my enquiry show on my credit report?

No — submitting the initial enquiry does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks later with your consent.

Do you cover specialist machinery finance?

Yes — many of our partners specialise in asset/equipment finance for manufacturing machinery, robotics and specialist plant.

How do you choose which brokers and lenders to introduce?

We match you to partners based on product fit, sector experience, capacity and typical deal size. Our goal is relevant introductions that save you time.

Have another question? Request a free eligibility check and one of our team will be in touch.

Next steps — start your manufacturing loan enquiry

Ready to explore options? Completing our short enquiry helps us match you to lenders/brokers who understand manufacturing. The process is:

1. Complete the short enquiry form (under 2 minutes).
2. We match you to suitable partners.
3. Partners contact you with options and next steps.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide loans or financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is free and does not constitute a loan application.