Commercial Finance for UK Businesses

Summary: Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and SMEs with specialist lenders and brokers for commercial finance from £10,000 upwards. We don’t lend or give regulated advice — we match your business to the right providers via a quick, no-cost enquiry so you can compare options like commercial mortgages, development finance, bridging, asset finance and working capital solutions. Complete a Free Commercial Finance Eligibility Check to get matched fast — it’s not an application and it won’t affect your credit score.

Free Commercial Finance Eligibility Check

What is commercial finance and when does it help?

Commercial finance describes funding used by businesses rather than residential consumers. It covers lending and specialist products for property, development, short-term bridging, working capital, equipment and assets. Typical reasons companies use commercial finance include expansion, refinancing, bridging cashflow gaps, buying or developing commercial property, or purchasing plant, machinery or vehicles.

Common use cases:

• Buying commercial property or owner-occupier mortgages
• Property development and staged-release development finance
• Bridging loans to secure deals quickly
• Asset & equipment finance (hire purchase, leasing)
• Invoice finance and working capital to unlock cashflow
• Refinance and restructure to reduce monthly costs

Key takeaway: commercial finance suits projects and purchases from around £10,000 upwards — and different products suit different timings and asset types.

Why work with Fast Business Loans for commercial funding?

Fast Business Loans is an introducer: we don’t lend and we don’t give regulated advice. Instead we connect your limited company or SME to vetted lenders and specialist brokers who can provide tailored quotes. Using our service saves time and increases your chance of being matched to a provider that understands your sector.

1. Speed — submit a short enquiry and get matched quickly.
2. Tailored matching — we route your details only to providers suited to your needs.
3. Confidential & secure — your data is shared only with matched partners.
4. No cost to you — our matching service is free and there’s no obligation to proceed.
5. Transparent — enquiries are not applications and do not affect your credit score.

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Commercial finance options we can help you compare

We can introduce you to lenders and brokers who specialise across a wide range of commercial finance products. Below is a quick guide to when each option is typically used.

Bridging & short-term property finance

• Fast funding for time-sensitive purchases or to bridge a gap between deals.
• Typical terms: days to 12 months.
• Suitable for property investors, developers needing an interim facility, or businesses needing quick capital to secure an asset.

Commercial mortgages & owner-occupier loans

• Longer-term borrowing to buy commercial premises or mixed-use buildings.
• LTVs vary by lender, property type and sector; terms typically 5–25 years.
• Repayment or interest-only options may be available depending on lender and security.

Development & refurbishment finance

• Stage-draw facilities tied to project milestones.
• Lenders assess project viability, budgets and exit strategy (sale or refinance).
• Suitable for conversion, refurbishment and staged construction projects.

Asset & equipment finance

• Hire purchase, finance lease and chattel mortgage options for machinery, vehicles and specialist equipment.
• Preserves capital while spreading cost over useful life of asset.
• Flexible terms and funding for new or used equipment.

Invoice finance & working capital

• Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices or secure revolving working capital lines.
• Improves day-to-day liquidity without additional property security.
• Quick to implement with ongoing facilities available.

For an in-depth look at property-related options see our commercial finance resources on commercial finance.

commercial finance

Eligibility snapshot: who can apply?

Most commercial lenders target limited companies and established SMEs. Below is a simple comparison of typical criteria versus how flexible lenders may be.

Not sure whether you meet lender criteria? Our Free Eligibility Check flags which providers are likely to consider your case before you apply.

How our 4-step matching process works

1. Complete a short enquiry: a few business details and the type/amount you need (takes ~2 minutes).
2. We match you: we route your enquiry to lenders and brokers who are suited to your industry, size and loan purpose.
3. Receive contact: matched partners typically call or email within hours to discuss options.
4. Compare offers: review quotes and choose the provider that fits your needs — there’s no obligation to proceed.

Response times depend on provider workload and complexity, but many enquiries receive an initial response the same day. Start the process with a Free Eligibility Check.

What to expect on costs and terms

Costs vary widely by product, lender, credit profile and security. Below are transparent ranges and typical fees to expect:

• Interest rates: depend on product and lender — commercial mortgages are often lower than bridging or unsecured facilities. Rates may be fixed or variable.
• Arrangement fees: 0.5%–3% (sometimes higher on specialist short-term facilities).
• Valuation, legal and due diligence: separate costs, particularly for property-backed loans.
• Exit fees or early repayment: check lender T&Cs for penalties.

Always ask matched lenders for a full breakdown. Fast Business Loans facilitates introductions — the final terms are set by the lender or broker you choose.

Practical guidance: preparing a strong application pack

Having a clear, organised pack speeds decision-making. Typical documents and information lenders request:

• Recent company accounts (last 1–3 years) and management accounts
• Cashflow forecast / project budget
• Business plan or project summary (for development/refurbishment)
• Details of property or assets offered as security (valuations, EPCs, photos)
• Director details and any relevant credit issues explained
• Evidence of planning consent or contracts where relevant

Tip: be honest about past credit issues; many lenders will consider cases with a clear explanation and strong exit strategy.

Commercial finance use cases by sector

We connect businesses across many industries. Here are quick examples of how commercial finance is used:

• Property developers: staged development finance to start and complete projects.
• Hospitality & leisure: bridging or refurbishment finance for seasonal or refurb projects.
• Manufacturing & engineering: asset finance to modernise plant with hire purchase or leasing.
• Retail & e‑commerce: working capital or stock finance to manage peaks.

Success snapshot (anonymised)

Three short examples of anonymised outcomes from matched enquiries:

• Regional developer secured staged funding for a conversion project after being matched to a specialist development lender.
• Independent manufacturer arranged equipment hire purchase to upgrade production line, preserving working capital.
• Hospitality group obtained a short-term bridging loan to complete a timely acquisition and later refinance onto a longer-term mortgage.

FAQs: Commercial finance with Fast Business Loans

Does completing the enquiry affect my credit score?

No — the enquiry itself is not a loan application and does not affect your credit file. Lenders may perform checks if you progress with a specific offer.

How quickly will I hear from lenders?

Many matched providers contact you within hours during business hours; complex cases may take longer.

What is the minimum amount I can enquire for?

Our network typically arranges facilities from around £10,000 upwards. If you need less, check with providers directly.

Do you charge businesses to use the service?

No — it’s free to complete the enquiry. If a broker charges a fee later, they will disclose this to you.

Can you guarantee approval?

No — we can only introduce you to lenders likely to consider your case. Approval depends on the lender’s underwriting and terms.

What happens after I submit the enquiry?

We match your details and pass them to suitable partners; you’ll be contacted by phone or email to discuss quotes and next steps.

Important information & disclaimers

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer and matchmaker. We do not lend, underwrite or provide regulated financial advice. Completing the enquiry is not an application — it’s information you grant permission for us to share with potential lenders and brokers so they can contact you with offers. Always read the full terms and lender documentation before committing to any finance. Data is handled in line with privacy policy and only shared with matched partners.

Start your commercial finance enquiry

Ready to explore options and get matched with specialist brokers and lenders? Complete our short, secure enquiry to receive a Free Commercial Finance Eligibility Check — no cost and no obligation.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

– What is commercial finance and how can it help my UK business?
Commercial finance is funding for businesses (not consumers) covering options like commercial mortgages, development finance, bridging loans, asset finance, invoice finance and working capital to support growth, property purchases, equipment and cash flow.

– Who can apply and what are the basic eligibility criteria?
UK limited companies and SMEs can enquire from around £10,000+, with typical expectations of some trading history and suitable security, though specialist lenders may be flexible for strong cases.

– Will the Free Commercial Finance Eligibility Check affect my credit score?
No — the enquiry is not a loan application and won’t affect your credit score, with checks only occurring if you proceed with a specific lender.

– How quickly can I get matched and funded?
You’ll usually hear from matched lenders or brokers within hours, while funding times vary by product (e.g., bridging can complete faster than commercial mortgages).

– What types of business finance can I compare?
You can compare bridging loans, commercial mortgages, development/refurbishment finance, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance and revolving working capital facilities.

– What loan sizes and terms are available?
Facilities typically start from £10,000 with terms ranging from days to 12 months for bridging and up to 5–25 years for commercial mortgages, depending on the lender and security.

– What will it cost (interest rates and fees)?
Costs vary by product and profile, but you should expect interest plus fees such as arrangement (often 0.5%–3%) and possible valuation, legal and exit charges.

– Do you lend directly or provide regulated advice?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender or advisor, and simply matches your enquiry to vetted lenders and specialist brokers so you can compare offers.

– Do I need security or are unsecured options available?
Many commercial facilities are secured against property or assets, but smaller unsecured working capital options may be available depending on your circumstances.

– Can you help start-ups or businesses with credit issues or previous declines?
Yes — while criteria vary, specialist lenders may consider newer businesses or past credit issues where there’s a strong plan, sector experience or viable security.