Why UK SMEs Choose Fast Business Loans

Finding the right business finance can be time‑consuming. Lenders differ widely on eligibility, sector appetite and speed. Fast Business Loans simplifies that search: tell us what you need and we’ll match your limited company or SME with brokers and lenders who specialise in your sector and requirement. Our service is free, confidential and designed to reduce wasted applications.

Compliance note: Fast Business Loans is an introducer only. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is an information step only and will help us match you with the most appropriate providers.

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How Our Small Business Loan Matching Works

1. Quick Enquiry: Complete a short online form (around 2 minutes) — business details, funding need and contact info.
2. Targeted Match: We match you to selected lenders and brokers that suit your sector, loan size and credit profile.
3. Rapid Response: Matched partners contact you directly with options and indicative pricing — typically within hours during business days.
4. Compare & Decide: Review quotes, ask questions and choose the provider that best fits your cashflow and growth plans.

No hard credit checks are performed by us during the enquiry. Lenders or brokers may run checks later as part of their assessment.

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Key Facts About UK Small Business Loans

• Typical minimum through our panel: £10,000 (funding available up to several million depending on product and security).
• Loan terms: from a few months (short-term working capital) up to 10+ years (secured/term loans).
• Products range from unsecured loans to secured facilities, asset & invoice finance, and merchant/cashflow products.
• Speed: some unsecured lending can complete within 24–72 hours after approval; secured or complex facilities take longer.
• Costs vary by lender, security offered and borrower profile — always compare total cost, not just headline rate.

Small Business Finance Options We Can Introduce

Unsecured Business Loans

Quick to arrange, no asset security required. Best for short‑term working capital or growth where directors can support the loan.

• Pros: Faster decision, no business assets tied up.
• Cons: Higher rates and lower maximum amounts compared with secured options.

Secured Term Loans

Often lower rates and larger amounts by using property, plant or other assets as security.

• Pros: Lower cost for larger facilities.
• Cons: Longer underwriting and potential repossession risk if repayments fail.

Asset & Equipment Finance

Finance the purchase of machinery, vehicles or IT through hire purchase or leasing arrangements.

• Pros: Preserve working capital; tax-efficient in some cases.
• Cons: Asset ownership terms vary by product.

Invoice Finance

Access cash tied up in unpaid invoices via factoring or invoice discounting.

• Pros: Improves cashflow quickly without incurring traditional debt.
• Cons: Fees and facilities can be complex; suitability depends on debtor quality.

Merchant Cash Advances & Short-Term Facilities

Daily or weekly repayment linked to card takings or turnover — useful for seasonal businesses.

• Pros: Very fast access to cash.
• Cons: Can be costly; carefully assess effective APR and cashflow impact.

For an overview of options and more detail, see our small business loans guide: small business loans.

Am I Eligible for a Small Business Loan?

Criteria vary by lender but commonly include:

• Company type: limited companies and incorporated SMEs (we do not handle enquiries for sole traders or certain professions).
• Trading history: typically at least 6–12 months trading for many lenders; specialist start‑up options exist with appropriate plans.
• Revenue & affordability: lenders assess turnover and profitability to confirm repayment capability.
• Credit history: lenders differ in tolerance — a past refusal doesn’t always mean you’ll be declined elsewhere.
• Security: some facilities require collateral; unsecured options exist for qualifying businesses.

Exact eligibility depends on the lender. Our match process increases your chance of a suitable introduction by selecting partners with appetite for your profile.

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Understanding Rates, Fees & Repayments

Focus on total cost: headline interest rate, arrangement fees, and any early repayment charges. Here’s an illustrative example for comparison only:

*Figures are illustrative. Actual terms vary by lender and business circumstances. Always request Total Cost of Credit and repayment schedules from providers.

What Information You’ll Need to Apply

Having the right documents speeds up the process. Typical checklist:

• Company registration details and director ID (passport/driving licence).
• Business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Management accounts or annual accounts.
• Details of existing debt and outstanding liabilities.
• Brief description of what the finance will fund (purchase, expansion, restructure).

How Fast Can Funding Reach Your Account?

Timescales depend on product complexity:

• Unsecured loans: often 24–72 hours after approval.
• Invoice or asset finance: usually a few days once documentation is complete.
• Secured or property‑backed facilities: can take several weeks due to valuations and legal work.

We work to match you with partners that can meet your speed requirement. If rapid funding is essential, tell us in your enquiry.

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Why Work With Fast Business Loans Instead of Going Direct?

Searching multiple lenders takes time and risks repeated credit checks. We:

• Save time by shortlisting suitable partners for your exact need.
• Increase approval odds by matching you to lenders with relevant sector experience.
• Provide a single simple enquiry — no obligation and no initial impact to your credit file.

Submitting an enquiry simply delivers your details to selected partners so they can assess fit and contact you with options.

UK Sectors We Commonly Support

We introduce finance partners experienced in: construction, hospitality, manufacturing, retail & e‑commerce, transport & logistics, agriculture, healthcare, professional services (limited companies) and many specialist sectors. If your business operates in a niche area, tell us in the enquiry and we’ll match you with brokers who understand that space.

Real-World Examples

Illustrative only. All outcomes depend on lender assessment and terms.

Tips for Choosing the Right Small Business Loan

• Define the purpose: growth, equipment, refinance or temporary cashflow — purpose drives the right product.
• Compare total cost across providers, not just headline rates.
• Check repayment flexibility and early repayment charges.
• Ask about possible additional fees (arrangement, valuation, legal).
• Use specialist brokers for complex or larger facilities — they often negotiate better terms.

Avoid common mistakes: taking the cheapest monthly payment without checking total cost, or committing to inflexible terms that harm cashflow.

Small Business Loan FAQs

Are you a lender?

No. Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide lending or regulated financial advice.

Will an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting our enquiry does not affect your credit score. Lenders may run credit checks later if you proceed with an application.

What loan amounts can you help with?

We typically work with requests from around £10,000 upwards. Some partners can arrange much larger facilities depending on security and business scale.

How long before I hear from a lender?

Often within a few hours to one business day; complex requests may take longer.

How secure is my data?

Your details are shared only with selected partners relevant to your enquiry and handled in line with our privacy policy and UK data protection law.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Complete a quick enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who can provide a tailored quote. It’s free, confidential and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Get Started · Free Eligibility Check

Submitting an enquiry is informational only and will not by itself result in a credit search. Final offers are subject to lender assessment, status and affordability checks.