Commercial Finance Solutions for UK Businesses

Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and partnerships access commercial finance from £10,000 upwards by matching them with specialist lenders and brokers. This page explains what commercial finance is, when to consider it, common products, eligibility signals, the matching process, typical timelines and costs — plus a simple checklist to prepare. Use our Free Eligibility Check to get matched quickly and without obligation.

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What is commercial finance & who is it for?

Commercial finance covers loans and specialist funding products designed for businesses (typically limited companies, LLPs and registered partnerships) to buy property, invest in assets, manage cashflow or fund development projects. Fast Business Loans does not lend directly — we introduce businesses seeking funding of £10,000 and above to lenders and whole-of-market brokers who specialise in commercial lending.

Common uses:

• Purchase or refinance of commercial property (offices, warehouses, retail units)
• Property development and bridging finance for transactions
• Working capital to manage seasonality or rapid growth
• Asset and equipment purchases (plant, vehicles, machinery)
• Invoice finance and debtor funding to unlock cash tied up in invoices

Match with a commercial finance specialist — Free Eligibility Check

When should your business consider commercial finance?

Consider commercial finance when your plans require capital that the business cannot fund from cash reserves or standard overdrafts. Typical triggers include:

• Buying or expanding premises for new operations
• Refinancing expensive existing debt to lower monthly costs
• Taking on a development or refurbishment project
• Purchasing high-value equipment or vehicles
• Bridging a short-term funding gap (e.g., property chain delays)

Tip: Starting conversations early gives you more options and time to present a stronger case to lenders.

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Commercial finance options we can help you explore

For each product we introduce you to brokers or lenders who focus on that solution — from asset specialists to commercial mortgage teams and development lenders — so you receive proposals tailored to your circumstances. To explore specific options tailored to your project, request a free eligibility check.

Eligibility snapshot & what lenders assess

Each lender has its own criteria, but common assessment areas include:

• Trading history (many commercial lenders prefer at least 12 months trading, though exceptions exist)
• Turnover and profitability — lenders look for evidence the business can service repayments
• Credit history of the business and directors — adverse credit doesn’t always rule you out
• Security — property, plant, or other assets can improve terms
• Purpose of funds and a credible business plan or project appraisal

Find out your eligibility in 2 minutes

How Fast Business Loans matches you to UK commercial lenders

Our process is simple and short — we act as an introducer to help you reach lenders and brokers that specialise in your needs. Here’s how it works:

1. Quick Enquiry (minutes): You complete a short form with business basics, funding amount, and contact details via our secure form.
2. Smart matching: We use your details to select lenders/brokers from our panel who understand your sector and the product you need.
3. Soft outreach: Our partners typically make a soft, non-credit-search assessment to provide indicative options — this initial enquiry will not affect your credit score.
4. Compare offers & proceed: You receive contact and proposals directly from providers; you choose whether to proceed. We do not charge you — our introducer fee comes from partners if you progress.

Typical first responses often arrive within hours during business days. To start the process, complete our short enquiry: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Understanding costs, rates & repayment terms

Rates and fees vary by product and risk profile. Key points to expect:

• Secured lending (e.g., commercial mortgages) typically offers lower interest rates than unsecured facilities.
• Short-term products such as bridging carry higher rates and arrangement fees but deliver speed.
• Common fees include arrangement fees, valuation/legal costs, broker fees and early repayment charges on some facilities.
• APR figures provided by lenders are indicative until full underwriting is completed.

We encourage transparency: our lender and broker partners disclose fees and repayment schedules before you commit. Remember, Fast Business Loans does not provide regulated financial advice — review lender documentation and consider independent advice if needed.

Compare indicative rates with our panel

Documents checklist for a smooth enquiry

Having core documents ready speeds the process. Typical items lenders ask for:

• Latest 12–24 months accounts (audited or management accounts)
• Recent business bank statements (3–6 months)
• Cashflow forecasts or a simple business plan for borrowing over 12 months
• Details of assets offered as security (valuations if available)
• Structure and ownership details, and ID for directors/beneficial owners

Preparing these in advance helps your broker or lender provide faster, more accurate quotes.

Typical timeline from enquiry to funding

Timelines depend on product complexity:

• Initial match & first contact: same day to 48 hours
• Indicative heads of terms: 2–7 days once underwriter has enough information
• Completion: bridging or short-term facilities can complete in days; commercial mortgages and development finance often take 4–8+ weeks depending on valuations, legal work and security.

If you need funds urgently, tell us on your enquiry and we’ll prioritise lenders who offer rapid turnaround.

Frequently asked questions

Will my enquiry affect my credit score?

No — initial enquiries via our service are soft and will not impact your credit file. Lenders may perform a hard search only if you request an official application.

Are personal guarantees always required?

Not always. Many commercial lenders ask for director guarantees or security depending on risk and the product. A broker can advise on typical expectations for your case.

What security do lenders accept?

Common security includes commercial property, debentures over business assets, or specific asset finance security (e.g., machinery). The required security depends on loan size and lender policy.

Can businesses with prior refusals apply?

Yes. Because we work with a broad panel, alternative lenders or specialist brokers may be able to help where a previous lender declined.

How many lenders will contact me?

We match you to a small selection of relevant partners — typically 2–6 — to avoid unnecessary calls and ensure quality matches.

What happens if no offer suits my business?

If no suitable offers emerge, your introducer record remains private. You can update your enquiry or seek guidance on improving eligibility for future approaches.

How does Fast Business Loans get paid?

We are an introducer and typically receive commission from lenders/brokers when a deal completes. Our service is free for businesses to use and there is no obligation to proceed.

How is my data protected?

We handle your details securely and only share information with partners needed to evaluate your enquiry. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Still have questions? Book a free call — Start Your Enquiry

Ready to explore your commercial finance options?

If your business needs funding of £10,000 or more, Fast Business Loans can quickly match you to specialist lenders and brokers who understand your sector and objectives. Our introducer service is free, secure and carries no obligation — it’s simply a faster way to see what the market can offer.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

For more detailed background on commercial funding and finance structures, read our pillar guide to commercial finance.

Compliance & transparency statement

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. We help match businesses with lenders and brokers who can provide product proposals. We aim to be clear, fair and not misleading in all communications. Offers, rates and terms depend on individual circumstances and lender underwriting — always review lender documentation carefully and consider independent professional advice if unsure.

– Is Fast Business Loans a lender?
No — Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK limited companies, LLPs and partnerships to specialist commercial lenders and whole-of-market brokers.

– Will my enquiry affect my credit score?
No — the initial eligibility check is a soft, non-credit-search assessment, and a hard search only occurs if you proceed with a lender’s application.

– What loan amounts and finance types can you help me access?
We match businesses to £10,000+ facilities including commercial mortgages, bridging finance, asset finance, invoice finance, working capital loans and property development finance.

– Who can apply and what do lenders look at?
UK companies and partnerships can apply, and lenders typically assess trading history (often 12+ months), turnover/profitability, credit profile, security and the purpose of funds.

– Can I get commercial finance with limited trading history or imperfect credit?
Yes — specialist lenders and brokers on our panel can consider newer or adverse-credit cases, especially with strong security or a solid business plan.

– Do I need security or a personal guarantee?
Requirements vary by product and risk, but property or asset security and director guarantees are common and not always mandatory.

– What documents should I prepare to speed things up?
Typically 12–24 months’ accounts, 3–6 months’ bank statements, cashflow forecasts/business plan (for borrowing over 12 months), details of any security assets, and director/owner ID.

– How fast can funding be completed?
First contact is usually within hours, indicative heads of terms in 2–7 days, and completion ranges from days for bridging to 4–8+ weeks for commercial mortgages or development finance.

– What costs and fees should I expect?
Rates depend on product and risk, and may include arrangement, valuation and legal costs, broker fees and potential early repayment charges, all disclosed before you commit.

– How does your matching process work and how many lenders will contact me?
You submit a short enquiry (not an application), we smart-match you to 2–6 relevant UK providers who share indicative options, and you choose whether to proceed with no obligation.