Commercial Finance for UK Businesses: Compare Funding Options Fast
Summary
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that helps UK companies find commercial finance from brokers and lenders. We don’t provide loans or give financial advice; instead we match your business to lenders and brokers who specialise in the type of funding you need — from commercial property and development finance to asset, invoice and working capital solutions. Enquiries are free, non‑binding and do not affect your credit score. Complete a quick enquiry to get a fast eligibility check and be matched with the most suitable finance partners.
Start Your Free Eligibility Check
Takes under 2 minutes. No obligation.
What is commercial finance and when does it help?
Commercial finance covers funding solutions for business purposes rather than personal borrowing. In the UK context this includes lending for commercial property purchases, property development, working capital, asset and equipment purchases, fleet finance, invoice discounting and refinance. It helps when a business needs capital to grow, bridge cash flow gaps, complete a development, replace or add machinery, or restructure existing borrowing.
Because commercial finance can involve security over property or assets, borrowers should consider risks carefully: the cost of borrowing, any charges or fees, and whether the business can afford repayments throughout the term.
Commercial finance challenges UK businesses face today
Cash flow gaps and seasonal pressures
Many SMEs experience intermittent cash pressures from late customer payments, seasonal sales cycles or unexpected costs. Short-term working capital, invoice finance or overdraft solutions are common responses.
Funding property growth or refurbishment
Acquiring or refurbishing commercial premises often needs specialist finance such as commercial mortgages, bridging or development loans — each with different terms and eligibility criteria.
Investing in plant, vehicles or technology
Asset and equipment finance lets businesses preserve cash by spreading the cost of vital equipment, often with options to purchase, refinance or upgrade later.
How Fast Business Loans connects you with the right lender
We act as a simple, fast introducer: you tell us about your business and funding needs, and we match you to lenders or brokers in our network who have relevant experience. Our role is to save you time and improve the chance of being presented with suitable options.
How the process works (typical timescale)
- Quick enquiry: Submit a short form — takes around 2 minutes.
- Matching: We route your details to the most relevant lenders/brokers (usually within hours).
- Response: A broker or lender will contact you to discuss options and any further documentation.
- Decide: Review offers and proceed directly with the broker or lender you choose.
We prioritise speed and relevance, but the time from enquiry to funding varies by product: short-term facilities can be arranged quickly, while development or large commercial mortgages take longer.
Your details are only shared with partners who can help and handled in accordance with our privacy standards.
Get Matched to a Commercial Finance Expert
Free service. You decide if you want to proceed.
Commercial finance solutions available via our network
We connect businesses to a wide range of finance types — brokers will recommend the best product for your circumstances. Below are common solutions and typical use cases.
Commercial mortgages & property finance
Long-term finance for purchasing or refinancing commercial property. Suitable for owner‑occupiers, investors and specialist premises. These loans are often secured on the property and may require valuations and legal work.
Learn more about our approach to commercial finance by visiting our commercial finance guide: commercial finance.
Bridging loans & development finance
Short-term bridging bridges timing gaps in purchases or provides funding for property development phases. Development finance typically releases funds in stages and requires an exit plan (sale, refinance or longer term mortgage).
Asset & equipment finance
Spread the cost of machinery, plant, IT or specialist equipment. Options include hire purchase, finance leases or operating leases. Often structured around business cashflows and asset life.
Invoice finance & cashflow lending
Invoice discounting or factoring releases cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Useful for improving working capital without adding longer-term debt.
Refinance & consolidation
Refinancing can reduce monthly costs, combine multiple facilities, or convert short-term debt to more manageable long-term arrangements. Terms depend on the lenders and the security offered.
Note: many commercial finance options require security (property or assets). Speak to brokers about the implications before proceeding.
Eligibility snapshot: what lenders typically look for
Criteria vary by lender and product, but common considerations include:
- Trading history and company structure (limited companies and registered businesses are the usual applicants)
- Turnover and profitability trends
- Credit history of the business and key directors
- Available security (property, assets) and loan-to-value needs
- Purpose of funds and an exit or repayment plan for short-term finance
- Minimum loan sizes typically start at around £10,000 for many commercial products
Lenders assess each case individually — meeting these points improves the chance of a positive outcome but does not guarantee approval.
Preparing for a commercial finance enquiry
Preparing the right information speeds the matching process and helps brokers give accurate feedback.
- Gather financials: recent management accounts, latest annual accounts, bank statements.
- Clarify the amount & purpose: exact funding requirement and how it will be used.
- Repayment plan: outline how the business will repay the loan or service the facility.
- Security details: property addresses, asset lists, valuations if available.
- Exit strategy: especially important for bridging or development finance.
The initial enquiry is a light-touch introduction; full documentation will be requested only by the broker or lender you choose to proceed with.
Submit Your Commercial Finance Enquiry
Speak with vetted brokers and lenders. No obligation.
Transparency on costs, terms and responsible borrowing
Costs vary significantly by product and the risk profile of the borrower. Typical cost items include:
- Interest rates (fixed or variable) and arrangement fees
- Valuation, legal and surveying fees for secured loans
- Broker fees or commissions (these may be payable by lenders or brokers)
- Early repayment charges for some facilities
Always ask your broker or lender for a full breakdown of the total cost of credit and any fees you may incur. Make sure the business can sustainably manage repayments — borrowing should support growth, not strain operations.
Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide financial advice. You should ensure any finance you accept is appropriate and affordable for your business.
Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans
- Fast: quick enquiry and matching process to reduce time spent searching.
- Relevant matches: we connect you with brokers and lenders experienced in your sector.
- No obligation: our service is free to use and you choose whether to proceed.
- Wide network: access to specialist providers for property, development, asset and cashflow finance.
- Secure handling: we share your details only with partners who can help your request.
Industries we help access commercial finance
We match businesses across many sectors to lenders that understand their needs, including:
- Construction & trades
- Hospitality & leisure (hotels, pubs, restaurants)
- Manufacturing & engineering
- Logistics & transport
- Agriculture & farming
- Retail & e-commerce
- Healthcare & medical practices
- Professional services and more
If your sector isn’t listed, submit an enquiry — we work with partners across a broad range of industries.
Step-by-step: start your enquiry today
- Complete our short enquiry form (under 2 minutes).
- We match your details to suitable brokers and lenders.
- A matched partner will contact you to discuss terms and next steps.
- Compare offers and decide — you’re under no obligation to proceed.
Get Your Commercial Finance Options
Complete the 2-minute form and be contacted by lenders or brokers who can help.
Commercial Finance FAQs
Is my enquiry with Fast Business Loans a credit application?
No. Submitting an enquiry is a free, no‑obligation introduction to lenders and brokers. It is not a formal credit application and will not affect your business credit file. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you decide to proceed.
How quickly can I access commercial finance?
Timescales depend on the product and complexity. Some working capital and asset finance can be arranged in days; larger commercial mortgages or development finance can take weeks. Brokers will advise realistic timelines for your case.
Do you charge businesses for using the service?
No. It is free for businesses to submit an enquiry via Fast Business Loans. Brokers or lenders may charge fees in the future — you will be informed of any costs before you commit.
What loan sizes are available?
Our network covers a wide range of amounts. Many commercial facilities start around £10,000 and extend to multi‑million pound arrangements depending on purpose and security.
Will I need to provide security or personal guarantees?
Some commercial loans are secured against property or assets and may require director guarantees. Requirements depend on the lender, product and risk profile. Your matched broker will explain any likely security needs early in discussions.
What happens after I submit the form?
We match your details to appropriate partners who will usually contact you by phone or email to outline options and request any further information needed to progress.
Can I still get finance if I’ve been refused elsewhere?
Potentially yes. Different lenders have different appetites — being refused by one lender does not automatically exclude you from others. Our matching helps present your case to parties who specialise in similar situations.
Important information & disclaimers
Fast Business Loans is an introducer; we do not lend money or give regulated financial advice. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who may offer finance. Submitting an enquiry does not guarantee approval. Brokers or lenders may pay us a commission for successful referrals. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score; individual lenders may carry out checks if you progress to an application. Ensure any finance you accept is appropriate and affordable for your business.
– What is commercial finance and when should I use it?
Commercial finance is funding for business purposes—such as commercial mortgages, bridging and development finance, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance and working capital—used to buy property, fund growth, manage cash flow or refinance.
– Is my Fast Business Loans enquiry a credit application and will it affect my credit score?
No—it’s a free, no‑obligation introduction to brokers and lenders, not a formal application, and it won’t affect your credit score (checks may occur later if you proceed).
– Do you charge businesses to use Fast Business Loans?
No—the enquiry and matching service is free for UK businesses, with any broker or lender fees disclosed before you commit.
– How quickly can I get funding after submitting an enquiry?
Matching usually happens within hours, with some working capital or asset finance completing in days while commercial mortgages or development finance can take weeks.
– What types of finance can you help me access?
We connect you to providers for commercial mortgages, bridging and development finance, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, working capital loans and refinance.
– What loan amounts are available?
Many facilities start around £10,000 and can extend to multi‑million‑pound arrangements, depending on purpose, security and lender appetite.
– What do lenders look for when assessing eligibility?
Lenders typically assess trading history, turnover and profitability, business and director credit, available security and loan‑to‑value, the funding purpose and any repayment or exit plan.
– Will I need security or a personal guarantee?
Many commercial facilities are secured against property or assets and may require director guarantees, but exact requirements vary by product and lender.
– What costs and fees should I expect with commercial finance?
Typical costs include interest, arrangement fees, valuation and legal fees for secured loans, possible broker commissions and any early repayment charges—always ask for the total cost of credit.
– Can you help if I’m a start‑up, in a specialist sector, or have been refused elsewhere?
Often yes—because we match you with brokers and lenders experienced in your industry and risk profile, being new or previously declined doesn’t automatically prevent funding.
