Commercial Finance Solutions for UK Businesses

Summary: Commercial finance helps UK companies access larger, specialist funding for property, development, equipment, working capital and refinancing. Fast Business Loans is a free introducer that matches businesses (loans from £10,000+) with lenders and brokers best suited to their needs. Complete a quick Free Eligibility Check and receive tailored matches — no obligation and no initial credit search.

Why commercial finance matters right now

UK businesses face shifting supply chains, rising costs and competitive pressure to grow or adapt. Whether you’re expanding premises, investing in production capacity or buying commercial property, the right finance lets you act without draining day-to-day cash flow.

Commercial finance can be faster and more flexible than traditional bank lending when structured by specialist brokers and lenders who understand your sector.

What is commercial finance?

Commercial finance describes a range of specialist funding products aimed at businesses rather than personal borrowing. These facilities are often larger, secured against assets or property, and tailored to a commercial purpose—development projects, bridging gaps, equipment purchase or working capital.

Key benefits:

• Access to larger sums (from roughly £10,000 upwards).
• Flexible security and term structures suited to the project.
• Faster outcomes for time-critical transactions (e.g., bridging finance).
• Specialist lenders who understand industry-specific risks and cycles.

Who commercial finance suits

Commercial finance is typically suitable for limited companies and established businesses with growth or capital needs. Common scenarios include:

• Property purchase or investment (commercial mortgages).
• Development or refurbishment (development finance, bridging).
• Buying or leasing large equipment (asset finance).
• Managing seasonal or contract-driven cash flow (invoice finance, working capital).
• Refinancing to improve monthly cash flow or consolidate debt.

Not sure? Get a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you with lenders or brokers who can advise on fit and next steps.

Types of commercial finance we can connect you with

Asset finance & equipment leasing

Finance to buy or lease machinery, vehicles, IT or manufacturing kit. Preserves cash flow while spreading cost over the asset’s life.

Commercial mortgages & property investment loans

Longer-term funding for commercial property purchase or refinance. Terms and LTV vary by property type and lender appetite.

Bridging loans & development finance

Short-term funding for urgent purchases, auction completions or construction phases. Quicker but usually higher cost than standard mortgages.

Invoice finance & factoring

Unlock cash tied up in invoices to manage payroll, suppliers or growth without taking on long-term borrowing.

Working capital / cashflow loans

Unsecured or secured facilities to smooth day-to-day operations or fund contract delivery.

Trade & import/export finance

Letters of credit, supplier finance and facilities structured around international trade cycles and currency needs.

Refinance & debt restructuring

Replace higher-cost debt or consolidate multiple facilities to improve monthly affordability.

Want a tailored shortlist of lenders? Get Quote Now to be matched quickly.

Commercial finance eligibility checklist

Each lender has different criteria, but common items include:

• Minimum facility size (our panel generally starts from around £10,000).
• Trading history and management experience — stronger records widen options.
• Annual turnover and profitability metrics relative to the requested facility.
• Quality and value of security (property, plant, equipment).
• Director guarantees or personal security where required.
• Industry risk — some sectors attract specialist lenders.

If you have limited trading history, some lenders or specialist funds may still consider proposals with strong forecasts or valuable security.

How Fast Business Loans streamlines your search

We follow a simple, four-step matching process to get you to the right lender or broker fast:

1. Quick enquiry: Complete a short form (takes minutes) — this is not a loan application and won’t affect your credit score.
2. Shortlist: We match your details to lenders and brokers in our panel who specialise in your sector and requirement.
3. Introduction: Relevant partners contact you to discuss terms and required paperwork.
4. Decision & funding: You compare offers and proceed with the partner you choose — lenders complete their checks and fund directly.

Our service is free to businesses and designed to save you time and improve the chances of a suitable offer.

Understanding costs, rates and responsible borrowing

Rates and fees vary by product and risk profile. Typical cost elements include interest (fixed or variable), arrangement fees, valuation/legal fees and lender-specific charges.

Indicative points to remember:

• Bridging finance is usually more expensive but quicker.
• Commercial mortgages often have lower headline rates but longer times to complete.
• Invoice and asset finance fees are often expressed as a percentage of the facility or invoices advanced.

What to prepare for a commercial finance enquiry

Having the right documents speeds up shortlisting and lender responses:

• Recent management accounts and last filed statutory accounts.
• Business bank statements (3–6 months).
• Cashflow forecast or project appraisal for the use of funds.
• Details of the asset or property (valuations, lease details).
• Owner/director ID and proof of address for KYC purposes.

Tip: tidy business credit records and clear explanations for historic issues improve lender confidence.

How quickly could you access funds?

Timings differ by product:

• Bridging loans: often 7–21 days for straightforward cases.
• Asset finance: typically 1–3 weeks depending on supplier and valuations.
• Commercial mortgages & development finance: usually 6–12 weeks due to legal and valuation processes.
• Invoice finance: can be set up in days for established businesses.

Our partners will set realistic timelines when they contact you.

Commercial Finance FAQs

What is the difference between commercial finance and a standard business loan?

Commercial finance is broader and more specialist—covering property, development, asset-backed loans and bespoke facilities—whereas standard business loans are usually smaller, simpler and sometimes unsecured.

Will completing the enquiry form affect my credit score?

No. The initial enquiry to Fast Business Loans does not involve a credit search. Lenders or brokers may perform checks later with your consent.

How much can I borrow?

Facilities arranged through our panel typically start from around £10,000 and can run into millions for property or development projects, depending on security and trading strength.

Do I need property or assets to secure a loan?

Many commercial products require security, but unsecured working capital or short-term facilities may be available for strong trading businesses.

How quickly will I hear from a lender?

Often within hours during business hours. For complex deals, partners may need more time to review documents before an offer.

Ready to explore commercial finance options?

Complete our short enquiry to receive a free, no-obligation eligibility check and a tailored shortlist of lenders and brokers who can help. We typically match enquiries within one business day.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Prefer to discuss? Provide your number on the form and a partner may contact you to discuss options.

1) What is commercial finance and how does it differ from a standard business loan?
Commercial finance provides larger, specialist facilities (e.g., property, development, asset‑backed or bespoke) for UK businesses, while standard business loans are usually smaller, simpler and sometimes unsecured.

2) Is the enquiry form a loan application and will it affect my credit score?
No—it’s a free eligibility check used to match you with suitable brokers and lenders and it does not trigger a credit search, though checks may occur later with your consent if you proceed.

3) How much can I borrow through commercial finance?
Our partner panel typically arranges facilities from around £10,000 up to several million pounds, depending on the product, security and trading strength.

4) Do I need security or personal guarantees for a commercial facility?
Many commercial products require property, equipment or director guarantees as security, though unsecured options may be available for strong trading businesses.

5) How quickly can funds be released?
Timelines vary by product—bridging can complete in 7–21 days, invoice finance in days, asset finance in 1–3 weeks, and commercial mortgages or development finance in 6–12 weeks.

6) What types of commercial finance can you match me with?
We connect UK businesses to asset and equipment finance, commercial mortgages, bridging loans, development finance, invoice finance, working capital loans, trade finance and refinancing.

7) What will commercial finance cost me?
Costs depend on risk and product and may include interest (fixed or variable), arrangement fees and valuation/legal fees, with bridging typically pricier but faster and commercial mortgages offering lower rates over longer terms.

8) What information or documents should I prepare?
Recent management and statutory accounts, 3–6 months of business bank statements, a cashflow forecast or project appraisal, asset or property details, and director ID/proof of address help speed up responses.

9) Can start-ups or businesses with limited trading history be considered?
Yes—some lenders will assess proposals with strong forecasts or valuable security, though options are wider for established companies.

10) How does Fast Business Loans’ free matching service work?
You complete a quick enquiry, we shortlist relevant UK brokers and lenders, they contact you with options, and you compare and proceed only if you want—no obligation and no initial credit search.