Why UK businesses need smarter access to finance

Trading pressures and rising costs mean many companies need quick, appropriate finance to survive and grow. Whether it’s bridging seasonal cash flow, investing in equipment, buying a property or funding a development, access to the right loan at the right time can make the difference between opportunity and missed potential.

Common funding triggers include:

• Managing cash flow and payroll during seasonal dips
• Buying or leasing equipment to increase capacity
• Refinancing expensive debt to improve monthly cash flow
• Financing property purchases or development projects
• Investing in sustainability upgrades (solar, EV chargers, heat pumps)

Fast Business Loans helps you navigate options quickly — saving time and reducing guesswork. Ready to see options for your business? Get Quote Now.

How Fast Business Loans works

We act as your introducer: you tell us what you need, and we match your company with lenders or brokers who specialise in your sector and finance requirement. Our process is designed to be quick, transparent and non-binding.

Step 1 – Share your funding goals

Complete a short enquiry (takes around 2 minutes). The enquiry is not an application — it’s information we use to match you to the best providers. This soft check does not affect your credit score.

Step 2 – We match you with vetted brokers & lenders

We select partners from our UK panel who have relevant experience for your industry and loan size. Partners will contact you to discuss options based on your needs and documents.

Step 3 – Compare quotes & decide with confidence

You’ll receive offers or introductions from lenders/brokers to compare rates, terms and fees. You choose if and when to proceed — Fast Business Loans does not provide finance or give regulated financial advice.

Start Your Enquiry — No Obligation

Business loan solutions we can introduce you to

We don’t lend directly. Instead we introduce your business to lenders and brokers offering the following solutions. Terms and availability vary by provider; approvals are subject to lender assessment. Typical loan sizes we arrange start at £10,000 and rise to multi‑million facilities.

Unsecured business loans

Short‑to‑medium term loans without property security. Quick to arrange for eligible companies; effective for working capital and short-term cash needs. Pros: speed, no asset pledge. Considerations: typically higher interest rates than secured options.

Secured business loans (property or asset-backed)

Lower rates often available when you offer property, plant or other assets as security. Ideal for larger borrowing needs, commercial mortgages and property development finance. Pros: competitive pricing for good collateral. Considerations: lenders will assess LTV and security valuation.

Cash flow & working capital loans

Designed to smooth day‑to‑day operations — payroll, supplier invoices or seasonal stock. Includes overdrafts, short-term term loans and revolving facilities. Pros: improves liquidity. Considerations: manage repayment profiles to avoid cyclical strain.

Invoice finance & factoring

Release cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Useful for firms paid on long terms by customers. Pros: immediate liquidity, scales with sales. Considerations: fees and terms vary depending on debtor risk.

Asset & equipment finance

Hire purchase or leasing for machinery, vehicles, IT and specialist equipment. Preserve working capital while spreading cost. Pros: preserves cash, tailored repayments. Considerations: finance may be secured on the asset.

Commercial mortgages & development finance

Funding for purchasing or developing commercial property. Structured facilities for investment, refurbishment or staged development. Pros: suitable for long-term property strategies. Considerations: complex underwriting and higher documentation.

Start-up & early stage funding routes

Specialist lenders and brokers can assist early-growth companies, though availability depends on trading history, forecast robustness and director support. Note: our panel typically arranges loans from £10k upwards.

Worth noting: rates, fees and terms are decided by the lender. We can introduce you to brokers and lenders who explain costings in detail. Learn more about business loans.

Industries we commonly support

Our network includes brokers and lenders with sector experience — increasing the chance of a suitable match. We commonly support:

Sector‑experienced brokers often understand niche credit criteria and documentation — which can improve your chance of a positive outcome. Talk to a sector specialist — Get Quote Now

Eligibility snapshot & what lenders consider

Minimum requirements (typical)

• Limited company (not sole traders)
• Usually at least several months’ trading history — vary by lender
• Turnover and profitability must align with requested loan size
• Director identity checks and basic credit checks where required
• Appropriate business bank account and financial records

How to strengthen your application

• Prepare 12–24 months of business bank statements and recent management accounts
• Provide a clear use of funds and simple cash flow forecast
• Document collateral and asset details if seeking secured finance
• Demonstrate good debtor management for invoice finance enquiries
• Be transparent about past credit issues — many lenders will consider them with context

Submitting an enquiry is a soft step: it helps us match you to likely lenders without generating a hard credit search. When you move forward with a specific lender or broker they may perform a full credit check as part of their assessment.

Costs, terms & responsible borrowing

Loan costs vary by product, lender, security and borrower risk. Examples of costs you may see:

• Interest (fixed or variable) — often expressed as APR for consumer-facing products but commercial lending quotes may use nominal rates
• Arrangement or facility fees
• Broker fees (if charged) — some brokers are paid by lenders
• Early repayment or exit fees on certain products

Before proceeding, compare total cost, repayment profile and flexibility. Only borrow what you can afford to repay — and consider taking independent financial or accounting advice if in doubt. Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and we do not provide regulated advice.

Why choose Fast Business Loans

Fast, free and focused

Our enquiry is free for businesses. We aim to match you to relevant partners quickly so you can compare real quotes without searching dozens of providers.

Experienced partner network

We select brokers and lenders with experience across UK industries — matching expertise to your specific needs rather than one-size-fits-all pitches.

Human support and clear next steps

Real people review your enquiry and help direct it to the best providers. You remain in control — accept or decline introductions at any time.

Compare funding options — Free Eligibility Check

Success snapshot

Examples of recent, anonymised outcomes from our introductions (for illustration only):

Past outcomes do not guarantee future results; lender decisions depend on individual assessments and documentation.

Frequently asked questions about business loans

What information do I need before enquiring?

Basic company details, approximate annual turnover, how long you’ve been trading, the amount you need (from £10,000), and a short explanation of the intended use of funds. Having recent management accounts or bank statements speeds up the process.

How quickly can funding be released?

After introductions, many applicants hear from brokers or lenders within hours or a few working days. Final approval and funding timing depend on lender underwriting and documentation — some asset or invoice finance can be faster, while development finance can take longer.

Will an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — completing our enquiry is a soft, non‑credit application that will not affect your credit file. Lenders may conduct hard searches later if you progress with an offer.

Can I get a loan with less-than-perfect credit?

Possibly. Our panel includes specialists that consider applications with prior credit issues, but outcomes vary by lender and the overall business case.

What loan sizes are available through your panel?

We typically arrange facilities starting at £10,000 and upwards — from small working capital loans to multi‑million commercial facilities.

Do you charge any fees to my business?

Fast Business Loans does not charge businesses to use our matching service. Some lenders or brokers may charge arrangement or advisory fees; these will be disclosed by them before you proceed.

How is my data protected?

Your data is handled in accordance with UK data protection law. We only share your details with selected partners relevant to your enquiry and with your consent. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

If you have more questions, get personalised answers by completing a short enquiry: Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Ready to explore business loans?

Fast Business Loans makes it simple: complete our 2‑minute form, we’ll match you to the most suitable lenders and brokers, and you’ll receive real options to compare. There’s no cost and no obligation to proceed.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Complete the short form and we’ll introduce you to finance partners who can help — loans start from £10,000.

Important information & disclaimers

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide loans and we do not give regulated financial advice. Any loan decision, rate or term is made by the lender or broker you choose to work with and is subject to their assessment and documentation.

Submitting an enquiry is not an application and does not guarantee approval. Always read lender terms carefully and consider independent financial advice if you are unsure whether a product is suitable for your business.

See our Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions and Complaints Procedure for further details.