Business Loans for UK SMEs: Compare Trusted Options Fast

Summary: Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and SMEs with the right lenders and brokers for business loans of £10,000 and above. We don’t lend or give regulated financial advice — we match your enquiry to lenders/brokers who can provide tailored quotes quickly and securely. Complete a short, no‑obligation enquiry for a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll introduce you to providers who can help. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

Why UK businesses turn to Fast Business Loans

Searching for the right business finance can be slow, confusing and time-consuming. Fast Business Loans removes that friction by matching your business with lenders and brokers that specialise in your sector and funding need.

• Save time — one short enquiry connects you to multiple suitable partners.
• Better matches — we use your details to find lenders who understand your industry and requirements.
• No obligation and free to use — you pay nothing to submit an enquiry.
• No immediate credit impact — filling the enquiry doesn’t affect your credit score.
• Suitable for loan values from £10,000 upwards.

We are an introducer (not a lender) and do not provide regulated financial advice. If you’d like tailored match recommendations, Get Your Free Eligibility Check.

Understanding common business loan types

Business finance comes in different shapes. Choosing the right type depends on how much you need, how quickly you need it and what security you can offer.

• Unsecured loans: No asset required, faster to arrange, usually smaller amounts and higher rates.
• Secured loans: Backed by property or assets, typically available for larger sums and longer terms.
• Short-term / cashflow loans: Quick access to bridging or working capital, often with shorter repayment windows.
• Invoice finance & asset finance: Convert invoices or equipment into working capital without traditional borrowing.
• Refinance & consolidation: Combine or restructure existing borrowing to improve monthly cashflow.

For a quick overview of typical options and to see which might suit your business, Get Quote Now.

How our fast matching service works

Our process is designed to be transparent and fast. Typical steps:

1. Complete a short enquiry form — it takes under two minutes. (No credit impact.)
2. We assess your needs and match you with one or more lenders or brokers that fit your criteria.
3. A partner will contact you to request documents, confirm eligibility and present quotes.
4. You compare offers and decide whether to proceed directly with the lender/broker.

Most matches receive a response within hours during business times. To begin, Start Your Free Enquiry.

Types of business loans we can introduce

We work with partners who can provide a wide range of business finance solutions. Below are the common categories we match businesses to:

Unsecured business loans

• Fast to arrange, ideal for working capital or small investment.
• Pros: speedy, no asset risk; Cons: higher interest, lower maximum amounts.

Secured business loans

• Used for larger projects — property or plant as collateral.
• Pros: lower rates for larger sums; Cons: security risk if repayments aren’t met.

Short-term & cashflow lending

• Bridging and short-term loans to cover temporary gaps.
• Pros: quick funding; Cons: typically higher cost and shorter terms.

Invoice finance & asset finance

• Unlock cash from unpaid invoices or fund new equipment purchases.
• Pros: improves liquidity without long-term borrowing; Cons: fees and eligibility vary.

If you want to explore specialist routes (e.g. sustainability projects, commercial property finance or sector-specific lending), complete a tailored enquiry and our partners will advise. Free Eligibility Check.

Comparing loan options: key factors to review

When you receive offers, review the whole cost and flexibility — not just the headline rate.

• Check APR, arrangement and ongoing fees, and any early repayment penalties.
• Ask lenders about repayment profiles, holiday payments or seasonal repayment options.
• Consider total cost over the full term (not just monthly repayments).

If you’d like help comparing multiple quotes side-by-side, submit your details and we’ll match you with brokers who can produce clear comparisons. Request Your Free Comparison.

Eligibility criteria & required information

Lenders vary, but most will look for:

• Registered UK limited company trading evidence (typically 6–12 months minimum).
• Turnover and profitability information.
• Director(s) ID and credit checks (may be required later in the process).
• Business bank statements, recent accounts, and details of any security offered.

To speed up the process prepare the basics: company number, turnover, requested amount, purpose of funds and recent bank statements. If your business has had previous declines or adverse credit, note this in your enquiry — we can match you with specialist partners who consider such cases.

Costs & fees: what you need to know

Borrowing costs can include interest, arrangement fees, valuation or legal fees (for secured lending) and early repayment charges. Fast Business Loans does not charge businesses to use this service — our revenue comes from partners when a loan is placed.

• Ask for a full breakdown of fees and the representative APR before accepting any offer.
• Request worked examples showing total repayment cost for the term you are offered.
• Make sure seasonal or stepped repayments are clearly explained if applicable.

If you’re unsure about any element of an offer, let the broker/lender explain it in plain English before you sign. For a tailored list of offers to compare, Get Quote Now.

Success stories: funding delivered fast

Here are anonymised examples of businesses we’ve helped:

• Construction contractor: Needed £150k to purchase materials for a backlog of projects — matched to a specialist secured lender and funded within 10 working days, enabling them to meet deadlines and win further contracts.
• Hospitality group: Required £60k for seasonal stock and refurbishment — introduced to a broker that sourced a short-term working capital loan, smoothing cashflow through the season.
• Manufacturing SME: Purchased new CNC machinery using asset finance of £220k — repayments structured to match production cycles, improving productivity and margins.

Ready to create your own success story? Start Your Free Enquiry.

Frequently asked questions

Next steps: secure the right business loan today

Three simple actions to move forward:

1. Complete our short enquiry form — it takes under two minutes. Free Eligibility Check
2. Receive matched quotes and compare the total cost and terms.
3. Choose the lender/broker that best fits your business and proceed directly with them.

For sector-specific information and a wider guide to options, see our pillar page on business loans.

Ready to get matched with lenders and brokers who can help your business grow? Complete a short form now — it’s free and carries no obligation. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

– Are you a lender or broker?
Neither; Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK SMEs with trusted lenders and brokers and does not lend or provide regulated financial advice.

– Is the enquiry form a loan application?
No, it’s a quick, no‑obligation eligibility check used to match you with suitable providers who then offer tailored quotes.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No, submitting an enquiry has no impact; any credit checks happen later only if you proceed with a chosen lender or broker.

– What loan amounts can I access through Fast Business Loans?
From £10,000 upwards, with unsecured options typically £10k–£250k and secured loans potentially much larger depending on security and affordability.

– How fast can I get a business loan?
Matches usually arrive within hours, unsecured loans can fund in a few days, and secured lending takes longer due to valuations and legal work.

– What types of business finance can you introduce?
We introduce unsecured and secured business loans, short‑term/cashflow lending, invoice finance, asset/equipment finance, and refinance or consolidation.

– What are the eligibility criteria for a UK business loan?
Most lenders look for a UK limited company with 6–12 months’ trading, turnover/affordability info, director ID and credit checks, plus recent bank statements and accounts.

– What documents do I need for a business loan quote?
Prepare your company number, turnover, desired amount, purpose of funds, recent business bank statements, accounts, and any security details.

– How much does your service cost and what business loan fees apply?
Our matching service is free; loan costs can include interest, arrangement fees, valuation/legal fees for secured lending, and possible early repayment charges—always review APR and total cost.

– Can I get a business loan with bad credit or after a decline?
Yes, we can match you with specialist partners who consider adverse credit and sector‑specific needs, though approval is subject to status and lender terms.