Business Finance for UK Companies: Compare Options and Get Matched Fast

Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and SMEs find the right business finance quickly by matching you to specialist lenders and brokers. We introduce businesses to options such as working capital, asset & equipment finance, invoice finance, secured and unsecured loans (from £10,000+). Completing our short enquiry is not a loan application and usually won’t affect your credit score — it simply helps us match you to the best providers. Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Introduction: Business finance that fits your goals

Accessing the right funding quickly can make the difference between an opportunity seized and one missed. Fast Business Loans exists to simplify that process for UK companies: we’re an introducer that connects your business with trusted finance brokers and lenders who specialise in the exact solution you need. We do not lend or provide regulated advice — instead we match you with providers who can.

Use our short enquiry to get matched with relevant lenders and brokers — it takes under two minutes. Completing the enquiry is not a loan application and will not, by itself, usually affect your credit score. Get Matched with a Specialist Today.

What is business finance and why it matters now

Business finance covers the range of lending and funding solutions companies use to manage cash flow, invest in growth, purchase assets, or refinance existing debt. For many SMEs the current pressures — supply chain disruption, rising costs, or the need to invest in digital or green upgrades — mean timely access to appropriate finance is crucial.

• Common triggers for seeking finance: seasonal cashflow gaps, equipment purchases, site fit-outs, fleet upgrades, refinancing expensive debt, or funding growth.
• Typical product goals: stabilise working capital, preserve cash, spread cost of assets, or free up value tied in invoices.

How Fast Business Loans works

We streamline the early stages of your funding journey so you can focus on running your business.

Step 1 – Quick online enquiry

Tell us a few details about your company, the amount you need (we typically arrange funding from £10,000 and upwards), and what you’ll use it for. The enquiry is short and non-binding.

Step 2 – Intelligent matching

We match your brief to lenders and brokers in our panel who specialise in your sector and the product you need. This reduces time spent contacting unsuitable providers.

Step 3 – Compare offers without obligation

Matched brokers or lenders contact you directly to discuss terms and next steps. You can compare multiple options and choose what suits you best.

Step 4 – Decide and fund

When you accept an offer, the lender/broker manages the application, checks affordability and carries out any required credit checks. Final decisions and contract terms rest with them.

Note: Your initial enquiry is not an application and will not normally affect your credit file. Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Types of business finance we can help you access

Through our panel you can be introduced to providers offering a wide range of solutions. Below are the most commonly requested types.

Working capital & cashflow loans

Short- to medium-term loans to cover day-to-day costs. Fast for smaller amounts, useful for seasonal peaks or to bridge slow-paying customers. Typical amounts from £10,000 to several hundred thousand, depending on lender.

Asset & equipment finance

Finance to acquire machinery, vehicles, IT or specialist equipment. Options include hire purchase, finance leases and chattel mortgages — often preserving cash while enabling immediate use.

Invoice finance & factoring

Unlock cash tied in unpaid invoices. Invoice discounting and factoring improve liquidity quickly and are suitable for businesses with significant B2B receivables.

Secured vs unsecured business loans

Secured loans normally require collateral (property, equipment) and can offer lower rates or larger amounts. Unsecured loans have higher costs but avoid putting assets at direct risk. Eligibility and rates vary by lender.

Specialist & sector-specific solutions

Providers on our panel also cover sustainability loans (solar, EV chargers), fit-out finance, commercial mortgages, fleet funding and tailor-made facilities for industries such as construction or hospitality.

For an in-depth guide to the types of funding relevant to UK SMEs, see our dedicated business finance resource: business finance.

Explore Finance Options – Free Quote in Minutes

Eligibility & documentation: what lenders typically look for

Criteria differ by lender and product, but common factors include:

• Company structure: incorporated UK companies (limited companies) with trading history
• Minimum loan size: providers we work with generally consider enquiries from around £10,000 and up
• Turnover & trading history: many lenders prefer a minimum trading period and turnover threshold
• Credit history & existing debt profile
• Security (if required) and sector risk

Typical documents requested during application: recent company accounts, bank statements (usually 3–6 months), management accounts or forecasts, ID for directors, and details of existing borrowings. Our matching service helps identify lenders prepared to consider different profiles, including those with non-standard credit histories.

How much does business finance cost?

Costs vary widely by product, lender, security and business risk. Key components include:

• Interest rate: fixed or variable, often quoted as a nominal rate.
• Arrangement fees: upfront charges for setting up a facility.
• Early repayment or exit fees for some commercial products.
• Other charges: valuation/legal fees for secured lending, monthly service fees for invoice finance.

Example scenarios (illustrative):

• A £50,000 unsecured business loan at 12% p.a. over 3 years — monthly repayments higher than a secured loan.
• Asset finance for £100,000 equipment: deposit + monthly finance payments, often with tax benefits depending on structure.

Always compare APR and total cost over the term. Matched brokers will provide personalised illustrations once they review your business. Request Personalised Rate Estimates.

Speed matters: how quickly could funds arrive?

Speed depends on product complexity and preparedness:

• Quick cashflow loans: same day to a few days (subject to checks).
• Invoice finance or asset finance: often within days, once documents and valuations are complete.
• Secured loans or commercial mortgages: typically several weeks due to legal and valuation processes.

Being ready with documents and responding promptly speeds the process. Our matching reduces time by introducing you to lenders who typically decide quickly for your sector and loan size.

Industry expertise: funding support for diverse sectors

We work with lenders and brokers experienced across many sectors. Examples and typical uses:

• Construction & contracting — working capital, plant & machinery finance, bridging on projects.
• Hospitality & leisure — refurbishment funding, fit-out finance, seasonal cashflow support.
• Manufacturing & engineering — asset purchase, machinery finance, invoice discounting.
• Retail & e-commerce — stock and working capital, multi-channel expansion funding.
• Agriculture & sustainability — farm machinery, green project finance, rural business funding.

Tell us about your sector and requirements so we can connect you to specialists who understand your commercial cycles and typical lending criteria. Tell Us About Your Sector – Get Introduced Fast.

Responsible funding & compliance commitments

We adhere to the principle that financial promotions must be clear, fair and not misleading. Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer — we do not provide regulated financial advice or make lending decisions. When you complete an enquiry we only share relevant information with selected partners who can help with your request.

Your data is handled securely and only shared with partners appropriate to your funding needs. Completing an enquiry is free and carries no obligation to proceed.

Success snapshot: anonymous case studies

Example 1 — Manufacturing SME: secured asset finance for £250,000 to replace ageing machinery. Matched to a specialist asset broker; funding completed in 3 weeks.

Example 2 — Restaurant group: seasonal cashflow facility of £75,000 arranged via invoice finance; allowed stock build and staffing ahead of peak season with approvals in under 5 working days.

Outcomes vary — these are illustrative.

FAQs about business finance & our service

Will completing your enquiry affect my credit score?

No — the initial enquiry is not a formal application and typically will not affect your credit file. Lenders may perform credit checks later in the application process with your consent.

What amounts can you help with?

Our partners handle facilities from around £10,000 upwards — from smaller working capital loans to multi-million pound commercial finance deals.

Is there any cost to using Fast Business Loans?

Our introduction service is free for businesses. Our revenue comes from partners when a lead results in an engagement — there is no fee to you for being matched.

Can I apply with adverse credit?

Yes — because we work with a wide panel, some lenders specialise in non-standard credit profiles. We’ll try to match you appropriately, but final decisions are always made by the lender/broker.

Do you provide financial advice?

No — we are an introducer. We connect you with lenders and brokers who can provide product details and, where appropriate, regulated advice. If you need independent financial advice you should seek an authorised adviser.

Ready to explore your business finance options?

Fast Business Loans makes the first step quick and simple: complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders or specialist brokers who can provide personalised quotes. It takes less than two minutes and there’s no obligation.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check — no obligation, no immediate credit impact. Let us connect you to finance professionals who can help your business move forward.

Disclaimers & helpful resources

The information on this page is general and does not constitute financial advice. Final lending decisions, terms and conditions are made by lenders and brokers. Consider the affordability and terms carefully and seek independent advice if unsure.

Further reading: guidance on fair financial promotions is available from the Financial Conduct Authority and the UK Government’s business finance resources.

1) Are you a lender or broker?
Answer: No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches UK companies with trusted lenders and finance brokers; we don’t lend or provide regulated advice.

2) How does Fast Business Loans work?
Answer: Complete a quick online enquiry, we match your brief to suitable UK lenders/brokers, you compare offers without obligation, and if you accept one the provider completes the application and funding.

3) Will completing your enquiry affect my credit score?
Answer: No—the enquiry is not a loan application and usually won’t affect your credit score; any formal credit checks happen later with your consent.

4) How quickly can I get business finance?
Answer: Depending on the product and your documents, cashflow loans can fund the same day or within a few days, while secured loans or commercial mortgages typically take several weeks.

5) What loan amounts are available?
Answer: Our partners typically consider UK business finance from £10,000 upwards, with larger secured facilities reaching into the millions subject to eligibility and security.

6) What types of business finance can you connect me to?
Answer: We introduce businesses to working capital loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance/factoring, and secured or unsecured business loans, plus specialist options like sustainability or fit‑out finance.

7) Am I eligible for a UK business loan?
Answer: Lenders commonly look at UK limited company status, trading history and turnover, credit profile, sector risk, existing debt and available security, with criteria varying by provider.

8) What’s the difference between secured and unsecured business loans?
Answer: Secured loans use collateral (e.g., property or equipment) to access larger amounts and potentially lower rates, while unsecured loans require no security but usually cost more.

9) How much does business finance cost?
Answer: Costs vary by product and risk, typically including interest, arrangement fees and any early‑repayment, legal or valuation fees—always compare APR and total cost over the term.

10) Is there a fee to use Fast Business Loans or any obligation to proceed?
Answer: Our matching service is free for businesses and there’s no obligation to proceed; we’re paid by partners if you choose to engage with them.