Business Finance for UK Companies: Compare the Right Options Fast

Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK companies find the most suitable business finance options quickly by matching your enquiry with vetted lenders and brokers. Our free, no-obligation eligibility check (enquiries do not affect your credit score) is designed for loan requests of £10,000 and above. Complete a short form to get matched and receive competitive, relevant quotes from providers who understand your sector. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

Why business finance matters for growing UK firms

Access to the right finance is often the difference between seizing an opportunity and watching it pass by. Whether it’s seasonal cash flow, replacing worn equipment, funding a property refurbishment or investing in sustainability upgrades, tailored finance helps businesses scale, stabilise and compete. Many business owners lack the time and market visibility to find appropriate lenders — that’s where our introducer service adds value by presenting relevant options quickly and clearly.

Common funding triggers

• Working capital for seasonal peaks or late-paying clients
• Asset and equipment purchases (machinery, vehicles, IT)
• Commercial property refurbishment, development or purchase
• Refinance or consolidation to improve cashflow
• Sustainability investments (solar, EV chargers, heat pumps)

Obstacles business owners face

• Complex product choices and time-consuming comparisons
• Worries about credit history and the impact of multiple searches
• Difficulty finding lenders that understand niche sectors
• Hidden fees or unsuitable term lengths

How Fast Business Loans streamlines business finance

We don’t lend. We connect your business to lenders and brokers who can help. Our aim is to reduce time spent searching and increase the chance of finding a suitable match.

1. Complete a short enquiry: Tell us a few key details about your company, funding need and contact info — under 2 minutes. (Free Eligibility Check).
2. We match you: Your details are matched with our panel of lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and finance type.
3. Receive contact: Expect an email or call from relevant partners to discuss options and next steps.
4. Compare and proceed: Review quotes, ask questions, and choose the provider that best fits your business.

Transparent introducer role & data handling

We act as an introducer — not a lender and not a source of regulated advice. We share your enquiry only with partners who can potentially help. Completing our enquiry does not trigger a credit search. If you proceed with a lender or broker, they may carry out checks as part of their application process.

What to expect after you apply

• Typical initial response time: a few business hours (often quicker during working hours).
• Follow-up by email and/or phone to clarify needs and request documents.
• Quotes or indicative offers are provided by the lender/broker directly.

Business finance products we can introduce

Through our network you can be put in touch with providers offering a broad range of commercial finance solutions. For an in-depth guide to business finance and the types available, see our pillar on business finance.

Flexible business loans (secured & unsecured)

Unsecured loans can be used for growth or working capital; secured loans typically offer larger amounts and longer terms in return for security. Our partners typically handle loans starting at around £10,000 and above.

Working capital & cashflow solutions

Short-term bridging, merchant cash advances, invoice finance and overdraft-style facilities help businesses bridge billing cycles or seasonal dips.

Asset & equipment finance

Funding for vehicles, manufacturing machinery, IT and specialist equipment — often structured as loans, leases or hire purchase depending on tax and balance-sheet preferences.

Commercial & property finance

Refurbishment, development or commercial mortgage facilities for businesses investing in premises or property projects.

Specialist & sustainability funding

Funding for green projects and industry-specific needs, such as energy-efficiency upgrades, EV chargers and sector-focused lending for agriculture, hospitality, construction and more.

Who we help

We work with limited companies and established SMEs across many UK sectors. Our partners have experience supporting businesses in:

• Construction and trades
• Hospitality, pubs and restaurants
• Retail and e‑commerce
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Agriculture and food production
• Healthcare, care homes and clinics
• Logistics and transport

Sector spotlight (micro case examples)

Construction firm needed bridging finance for material delays — introduced to a specialist lender who provided short-term funding to complete contracts. Hospitality client used equipment finance to modernise kitchens ahead of peak season. Results vary by case; examples are illustrative.

Preparing for a business finance enquiry

Gathering the right information speeds up matching and improves the quality of quotes.

Key information lenders may request

• Company turnover and trading history
• Requested amount and purpose (from £10,000+)
• Security available (if any)
• Recent management accounts and bank statements
• Business plan or cashflow forecast for larger facilities

How to strengthen your case

• Keep recent management accounts and VAT returns organised
• Prepare a clear statement of purpose for the funds
• Demonstrate how the finance improves profitability or liquidity

Comparing business finance offers responsibly

When reviewing offers, consider total cost (interest + fees), term length, early repayment charges and any security required. Avoid over-borrowing and ensure repayments are affordable against realistic forecasts.

Questions to ask a potential lender or broker

• What is the total cost including fees and arrangement charges?
• Are there early repayment penalties?
• What security is required and how is it taken?
• How quickly can funds be deployed?

Avoiding common pitfalls

• Hidden administration fees — request a full breakdown
• Mismatched term lengths that create refinancing risk
• Unclear affordability checks — make sure the lender explains assessments

Frequently asked questions

Is Fast Business Loans a direct lender?

No. We are an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide lending or regulated financial advice.

How much does it cost to use your service?

Our matching service is free for business owners. Providers we introduce may charge fees as part of their product; these should be outlined before you commit.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing our enquiry form does not impact your credit file. Lenders or brokers may perform credit checks if you choose to proceed with an application.

How quickly will I hear back?

Most businesses receive contact within a few business hours; timing depends on provider availability and the complexity of the request.

What loan amounts are available?

Our network typically arranges funding from around £10,000 upwards; the exact range depends on lender criteria and the product type.

What if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

Because lenders have different appetites, a decline at one provider doesn’t always mean you’ll be declined elsewhere. Our introducer service can match you to specialists who work with more complex credit profiles.

Next steps

Ready to explore options? Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who can help you move forward. The form takes under 2 minutes, does not affect your credit score and carries no obligation.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check — Fast matches to trusted finance partners.

Compliance & legal note: Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We do not provide finance, lend money or give regulated financial advice. Our service is free and there is no obligation to proceed with any quote you receive. Finance provided by lenders is subject to status and affordability checks. Always review any terms and, if unsure, obtain independent financial advice.

– Is Fast Business Loans a direct lender?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches UK businesses with vetted lenders and brokers; we don’t lend or give financial advice.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—the free eligibility check is an enquiry only and won’t impact your credit file; checks happen only if you proceed with a provider.

– Is the online form an application?
No—it’s a quick enquiry used to match you with suitable lenders or brokers, with no obligation to proceed.

– What loan amounts can you help with?
We typically match UK businesses seeking £10,000 and above, with potential up to several million depending on the product and eligibility.

– How quickly will I hear back and how fast can funding be arranged?
Most enquiries receive contact within a few business hours, and once approved some products can fund in days depending on complexity.

– What types of business finance can you introduce?
We can connect you to unsecured and secured business loans, working capital and cashflow facilities (e.g., invoice finance, merchant cash advance), asset and equipment finance, and commercial/property funding including bridging and refurbishment finance.

– Does it cost anything to use your service?
No—our matching service is free for business owners, and any lender or broker fees will be disclosed before you commit.

– What do lenders look for and what documents might be needed?
Typical requests include turnover and trading history, amount and purpose, recent bank statements and management accounts, details of any available security, and for larger facilities a cashflow forecast or business plan.

– Can you help if I’ve been declined elsewhere or have imperfect credit?
Yes—we work with specialists who consider a range of credit profiles and niche sectors, so a previous decline doesn’t necessarily rule you out.

– What interest rates can I expect?
Rates vary by product type, security, sector and credit profile, so it’s best to compare total cost (interest plus fees) from the matched providers before deciding.