Retailer & Shop Business Loans

Summary: Fast Business Loans is a free introducer service that helps UK retailers and shop owners (businesses only) get matched quickly to lenders and brokers for finance from £10,000 upwards. Use our short enquiry to get a free eligibility check — it’s not a loan application and won’t affect your credit score. We match you to partners who specialise in retail stock, working capital, POS and store expansion.

If you’d like to begin now, complete a short form: Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Why retailers need smarter finance in today’s market

Retail margins and cashflow are under pressure: rising supplier costs, energy bills and labour, combined with peak seasonal demand, mean many shops run short of working capital at the worst time.

• Retailers need quick access to stock finance ahead of Black Friday and seasonal holidays.
• Investment in ecommerce, click & collect and modern POS systems can boost sales but requires capital.
• Energy and sustainability upgrades can reduce long-term costs but often need upfront funding.

Fast Business Loans helps you avoid wasted time calling multiple lenders by matching your business to the right brokers and providers quickly. Get started with a Free Eligibility Check and see who can help.

How Fast Business Loans supports UK retailers

We are a connector — not a lender. Our role is to match your retail business to loan and finance providers that best fit your needs and trading profile.

1. Complete a quick enquiry (under 2 minutes).
2. We match your details to lenders and brokers who specialise in retail finance.
3. Partner brokers contact you to discuss options and request documents.
4. Compare offers, pick the best fit and proceed directly with the lender or broker — no obligation.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Retail finance options you can compare

Working capital loans

Flexible loans for day‑to‑day costs, rent, wages and short-term gaps. Typical terms vary by lender; many retail facilities suit 6–60 months. Loan sizes through our panel start from £10,000.

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Merchant cash advance (MCA)

Repayments are linked to card sales — ideal for card-heavy shops that need fast access to cash. MCAs can be quicker to access but may cost more than traditional loans; consider the effect on daily cashflow.

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Stock & trade finance

Short-term funding to buy inventory, enabling bulk discounts and seasonal replenishment. Useful to bridge supplier terms and capture higher-margin sales in peak periods.

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Asset & equipment finance

Fund POS systems, refrigeration, shop‑fit, delivery vehicles and other capital items. Finance can be structured as hire purchase or leasing so you spread the cost over the asset’s life.

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Invoice finance (for wholesalers & B2B retailers)

Release cash tied up in unpaid invoices to business customers. Helpful for retailers that also supply trade customers on terms.

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Commercial mortgages & leasehold funding

Funding to buy shop premises or refinance lease premiums. These products typically require longer terms and additional security.

Green & sustainability loans

Finance energy-saving upgrades (LED, solar, EV chargers) that lower operating costs and may attract specialist lenders offering competitive terms.

Learn more about sector specific options on our retail industry page: retailers & shop business loans.

Eligibility snapshot & documents checklist

Typical eligibility expectations (varies by lender):

• Trading history: often 6–24 months (specialist partners can help newer businesses).
• Minimum loan size: from £10,000 upwards.
• Turnover, profitability and director credit profiles are considered.
• Security: unsecured options exist; some facilities require personal guarantees or asset security.

Common documents lenders request:

• Recent business bank statements (3–12 months)
• Management accounts or VAT returns
• Sales and card terminal statements
• Lease agreements, supplier invoices or stock orders
• Proof of ID and company documents

Your enquiry does not trigger a hard credit check. To find out if you’re eligible, complete our short form: Free Eligibility Check.

Retail funding scenarios we see every day

• Seasonal stock boosts: finance purchased ahead of Christmas, Black Friday or cultural holidays.
• Store refresh & fit-outs: lighting, shelving, signage to attract more customers.
• Ecommerce & omnichannel upgrades: website, click & collect, inventory management.
• POS & technology: contactless systems, analytics and tills.
• Energy efficiency: solar, insulation, low‑energy refrigeration to cut bills.
• Multi-site expansion: fund opening of new branches or franchise units.

Why retailers choose Fast Business Loans

• Sector-specific matching — we find lenders who understand retail.
• Fast introductions — expect a response from partners quickly.
• No fee to retailers — our service is free and non‑obligatory.
• Confidential handling of information and clear next steps.
• Access to facilities from £10,000 to larger commercial packages.

“Saved us time and found a lender that understood seasonal trading — funds arrived in time for peak sales.” — anonymised retailer

Compare retail finance routes at a glance

Rates, terms and eligibility are set by lenders; Fast Business Loans only introduces you to suitable partners.

Your application journey

Typical timeline:

• Day 0: Submit enquiry (2 minutes).
• Day 0–1: We match and forward to partners. You’ll usually be contacted within hours.
• Day 1–5: Lenders request documents, produce indicative offers.
• Decision: Accept an offer and progress with the lender/broker for funds.

Start your retail finance enquiry

Understanding costs, rates & risks

Costs vary widely by product and lender. Possible costs include interest, arrangement fees, establishment fees and early repayment charges. Always:

• Compare APR, fees and total payable amounts.
• Check whether repayments are fixed or sales-linked.
• Consider the impact of any personal guarantees or security.
• Read terms carefully and, if unsure, seek independent advice.

Fast Business Loans does not provide financial advice — we introduce you to lenders and brokers who will explain costs and contractual obligations.

Retail business loan FAQs

Can seasonal shops get funding?

Yes — many lenders tailor facilities to seasonal revenue patterns. Tell us about your trading cycle in the enquiry.

Will my enquiry affect my credit score?

No — the initial enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not trigger a hard credit check.

How fast can funds reach my account?

Speed depends on product and documents. Some lenders can fund within 24–72 hours after approval; others take longer.

Are personal guarantees required?

Some lenders may require personal guarantees or security, especially for larger or unsecured loans. Your broker will make this clear before you sign.

Do you charge retailers to use the service?

No — Fast Business Loans is free for businesses. We receive commission from partners only if you proceed with a deal.

Transparent, fair & non‑advisory

Fast Business Loans is an introducer: we connect your business with lenders and brokers but do not lend money or give regulated financial advice. All funding is subject to lender assessment and affordability checks. We handle your data securely and only share it with partners relevant to your enquiry. Submitting a form is not an application and does not commit you to anything.

Ready to unlock retail finance?

Complete our short, secure enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who understand retail. It takes under 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score.

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now

Important: Fast Business Loans introduces businesses to lenders and brokers. All finance is provided by third parties and subject to their terms and approval. Lending from £10,000 and upwards. We do not provide regulated financial advice.

– What is Fast Business Loans and how does it work for retailers? It’s a free introducer service that matches UK shops and retailers with trusted lenders and brokers via a quick, no‑obligation enquiry (we’re not a lender).

– Is the enquiry a loan application or will I be obligated to proceed? No—it’s a free eligibility check, not a loan application, and there’s no obligation to accept any offer.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score? No—the enquiry does not trigger a hard credit search, and checks only occur if you choose to proceed with a lender.

– How quickly can a shop receive funding? Many partners respond within hours and, once approved with documents supplied, funds can arrive in 24–72 hours depending on the product.

– What loan amounts are available for retail businesses? Our partners typically arrange funding from £10,000 up to multi‑million facilities, subject to lender assessment and purpose.

– What types of retail finance can I compare? You can compare working capital loans, merchant cash advances, stock/trade finance, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, commercial mortgages and green/sustainability loans.

– Do you support seasonal retailers and variable sales cycles? Yes—many lenders offer seasonal structures and card‑linked repayments (e.g., MCAs) tailored to peak trading periods.

– What can I use a retail business loan for? Common uses include stock purchases, working capital, POS and tech, shop fit‑outs, ecommerce upgrades, energy‑efficiency projects and multi‑site expansion.

– What are the eligibility criteria, security and documents typically required? Lenders often look for 6–24 months’ trading, review turnover/profitability and director credit, may request personal guarantees or asset security for some facilities, and usually ask for recent bank statements, accounts or VAT returns, card terminal statements, IDs and relevant leases or supplier invoices.

– How much does a retail loan cost and do you charge for the service? Our service is free for businesses, while loan costs vary by lender and product—compare APR, fees and total payable, which your broker or lender will outline before you proceed.