Retailers & Shop Business Loans in the UK

Running a shop means watching stock, margins and momentum—especially when seasons and trends change fast. If you need funding for inventory, fit-outs, EPOS, marketing or growth, Fast Business Loans connects UK retailers with reputable lenders and brokers who understand the sector. It’s simple, secure and free to use, with no obligation to proceed.

• Get Started – free eligibility check in under 2 minutes
• Get Quote Now – no impact on your credit score to enquire

Fast Finance for Retailers and Shop Owners

Retail moves quickly. Whether you’re a high-street store, e‑commerce brand, convenience shop, pharmacy, fashion boutique, garden centre or a multi‑site chain (registered as a limited company or partnership), the right finance can help you:

• Purchase seasonal stock ahead of peak demand
• Upgrade EPOS and payments tech
• Refurbish, rebrand or expand store space
• Launch or scale an e‑commerce channel
• Smooth cash flow when card takings dip or supplier terms tighten
• Fund marketing, staffing or local delivery vehicles

We’re not a lender and we don’t offer financial advice. We introduce UK businesses to lenders and brokers so you can compare options quickly and fairly.

Free Eligibility Check – no obligation to proceed

What Can Retail Finance Cover?

• Stock and inventory: bulk buys, seasonal spikes, new ranges
• Fit‑out and refurbishment: shelving, lighting, signage, flooring
• EPOS, payment terminals and retail tech: tills, scanners, software
• E‑commerce growth: website upgrades, marketplace expansion, fulfilment
• Marketing and customer acquisition: local ads, social, loyalty and CRM
• Cash flow: short‑term working capital; bridging supplier payments
• VAT or tax obligations: smoothing scheduled HMRC payments
• Vehicles and logistics: vans for delivery or inter‑store transfers
• Sustainability and efficiency: LED lighting, refrigeration, energy upgrades

Types of Retail Business Finance We Can Connect You To

Unsecured Business Loans

• Flexible funding for working capital, stock or marketing
• Typically faster decisions; no specific asset security required
• Amounts and terms depend on your business profile

Merchant Cash Advance (Based on Card Sales)

• Repay via an agreed percentage of your daily card takings
• Repayments flex with sales volumes—useful for seasonal trading
• Often suited to retailers with established card revenues

Asset and Equipment Finance

• Fund EPOS systems, refrigeration, shelving or store equipment
• Spread the cost; preserve day‑to‑day cash flow

Fit‑Out and Refurbishment Finance

• Purpose‑built funding for rebrands, expansions and improvements
• Can cover contractors, fixtures, shopfronts and compliance upgrades

Revolving Credit Facilities

• Draw down as needed; pay interest only on what you use
• Helpful for bridging supplier terms or stock purchases

Trade or Stock Finance (Selected Lenders)

• Support larger wholesale orders or supplier deposits
• Useful for buying big volumes ahead of peak seasons

Secured Business Loans

• Potentially higher amounts with property or asset security
• Terms and risk vary; consider carefully before proceeding

Availability and terms depend on lender criteria. If you choose to proceed, partners will provide clear, written information before you commit.

Get Quote Now – matched to suitable lenders and brokers

Who We Help in Retail

We connect a wide range of UK retail businesses (limited companies and partnerships) with sector‑savvy finance partners, including:

• Independent shops and high‑street stores
• E‑commerce and marketplace sellers
• Convenience shops, newsagents and off‑licences
• Pharmacies and health retailers
• Fashion, footwear and accessories
• Homeware, furniture and electronics
• Garden centres and DIY stores
• Specialist, pop‑up and seasonal retailers
• Multi‑site retailers and franchise operators

How Fast Business Loans Works

1. Complete a quick enquiry form
   Tell us about your business, how much you need and what for. It takes under 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score.
2. We match you with trusted partners
   Our platform connects you with UK lenders and brokers we believe are suitable for your needs and sector.
3. Rapid response
   Expect a call or email soon after submitting to discuss options. There’s no obligation to proceed.
4. Compare, decide and fund
   Review any offers and choose what works for you. If you proceed, the lender/broker will manage the agreement directly.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Eligibility and What Lenders May Look For

Each lender is different, but typical checks may include:

• Time trading: many prefer 6–12 months+ trading; some options may support newer companies
• Turnover: indicative monthly or annual revenue
• Card takings/EPOS statements (for merchant cash advance)
• Profitability and cash flow trends
• Credit history of business and directors/partners (adverse considered by some)
• Existing borrowing commitments
• Business structure: limited company or partnership
• Purpose of funds and how they support your trading

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Having these to hand can speed up your quote:

• Basic business details: legal name, trading name, company number (if applicable)
• Latest 3–6 months of business bank statements
• EPOS/card statements (for card-based finance)
• Management accounts or filed accounts (if available)
• VAT returns (if registered)
• Photo ID and proof of address for directors/partners

Get Started – no obligation, free to use

Costs, Terms and Responsible Borrowing

• Rates, fees and terms vary by lender and your circumstances. You’ll receive clear information before you commit.
• Some products may be secured against property or assets. If you provide security, your asset may be at risk if you don’t keep up repayments.
• Submitting an enquiry through us won’t affect your credit score. If you proceed, lenders may carry out credit checks.
• Only borrow what you can afford to repay. Consider independent professional advice if you’re unsure.

Why Choose Fast Business Loans for Retailers

• Fast and simple: enquire in under 2 minutes and get connected quickly
• Sector expertise: partners who understand retail seasonality and stock cycles
• Broader access: compare a range of providers through one enquiry
• No obligation: speak with real people; choose only if it suits you
• Free to use: we’re paid by our partners if a customer proceeds—no fee to you for using our service
• Trust and transparency: we strive to keep promotions clear, fair and not misleading, and only share your details with relevant finance partners

Free Eligibility Check – we’ll match you with suitable lenders

Real‑World Retail Scenarios (Examples)

Seasonal stock‑up
An independent gift shop increases stock for Q4. They use a revolving credit facility to purchase inventory in September/October and repay from peak-season sales over the following months.

EPOS upgrade and store refresh
A multi‑site convenience store upgrades EPOS, refrigeration and signage using asset finance and a small fit‑out facility, preserving cash for staffing and supplier payments.

E‑commerce expansion
A fashion retailer adds an online channel and funds initial marketing and fulfilment via an unsecured loan. With sales growing, they later refinance to a longer‑term product to reduce monthly outgoings.

Retail Finance FAQs

Are you a lender?
No. We’re an introducer. We connect UK businesses with lenders and brokers who provide finance directly.

Does using your service cost anything?
It’s free for business owners to submit an enquiry. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Will my credit score be affected?
No, your initial enquiry won’t affect your credit score. If you proceed with an application, lenders may conduct credit checks.

How quickly could I get a decision?
Many partners respond the same business day (often within hours). Timelines vary by product and lender.

What loan amounts are available?
Partners commonly help from around £10,000 up to £5 million or more, subject to status and product type.

Can I apply if I have imperfect credit?
Potentially, yes. Some lenders consider applicants with adverse credit, depending on overall affordability and performance.

Do you support e‑commerce retailers?
Yes. Many partners fund stock, marketing and fulfilment for e‑commerce brands and marketplace sellers (limited companies and partnerships).

What documents will I need?
Typically business bank statements, EPOS/card statements (if relevant), accounts or management info, and ID for directors/partners.

Who can apply?
UK limited companies and partnerships trading in retail and related sectors. Minimum funding typically starts from £10,000.

Can I talk to someone before deciding?
Absolutely. After your enquiry, you can speak with brokers/lenders. There’s no pressure to proceed.

Get Quote Now – quick, no‑obligation conversation with retail‑friendly lenders

Compliance and Important Information

• We are not a lender and we do not offer financial advice. We act as an introducer to UK finance brokers and lenders. If you enter into an agreement, it will be directly with the lender/broker.
• All promotions are intended to be clear, fair and not misleading. Terms, rates and fees are set by lenders and depend on your circumstances.
• Enquiries via our website do not affect your credit score. Lenders may conduct credit checks if you proceed after initial contact.
• If security is provided, your asset may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments.
• Ensure any funding is affordable and appropriate for your business needs. Consider independent advice where necessary.

Related Pages and Resources

• Cashflow Loans for SMEs
• Merchant Cash Advance
• Equipment & Asset Finance
• Fit‑Out Finance
• Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Finance
• E‑Commerce Business Loans

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

• Get Started – it takes under 2 minutes
• Free Eligibility Check – no impact on your credit score to enquire
• Get Quote Now – we’ll match you with suitable lenders and brokers

About Fast Business Loans

Fast Business Loans connects UK businesses with trustworthy finance brokers and lenders. It’s simple, secure and free to use. You’re under no obligation to proceed after you’re matched.

1) What is Fast Business Loans and how does it work?
Fast Business Loans is a free UK introducer—not a lender or adviser—that matches your business in minutes with verified lenders and brokers who follow FCA guidelines and fit your sector and funding needs.

2) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—our quick online enquiry is credit-score neutral, with any formal checks only happening later if you choose to proceed with a lender.

3) How quickly can I get a response and funding?
You’ll typically hear back within hours (often minutes in business hours), and funding speed depends on the lender and how quickly you provide documents.

4) What types of business finance can I access?
Our partners offer unsecured and secured business loans, cashflow loans, invoice finance, asset and equipment finance, vehicle finance, fit-out finance, refinance solutions, and sustainability loans.

5) How much can I borrow?
Depending on your circumstances, our panel can help arrange from around £5,000 up to £5 million or more.

6) Do you support start-ups, SMEs, or businesses with previous declines or adverse credit?
Yes—many partners specialise in UK start-ups and SMEs and may still help even if you’ve been refused elsewhere.

7) Which industries do you support?
We connect lenders experienced in construction, hospitality, retail and e-commerce, healthcare, agriculture, engineering and manufacturing, logistics and transport, professional services, and more.

8) What can I use a business loan for?
Funding can cover working capital and cash flow, equipment or vehicle purchases, refurbishments and fit-outs, expansion, refinancing, and green upgrades such as solar PV or EV chargers.

9) Does it cost anything and am I obliged to proceed?
No—the service is free for business owners and there’s no obligation to accept any offer.

10) What information do I need and how do I start?
Just share basic business and contact details via our 2-minute form, and your matched broker or lender will confirm any documents needed (e.g., accounts, bank statements, or invoices).