Business Loans for UK SMEs — Compare Your Best Options Fast

Summary: Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and growing SMEs with lenders and brokers for business loans of approximately £10,000 and above. We don’t lend or provide regulated financial advice — we match your enquiry to the lenders/brokers most likely to help, so you can compare options quickly and without obligation. Start a free eligibility check and receive tailored responses from our partners.

How Fast Business Loans helps you secure funding

Fast Business Loans is a specialist introducer. We simplify the search for business finance by matching your company with lenders and brokers that fit your needs. Our process is fast, straightforward and designed to save time:

1. Complete a short enquiry (takes under two minutes).
2. We match your details with selected lenders and brokers in our panel.
3. Partners review your enquiry and contact you with options and quotes.
4. You compare offers and decide — there’s no obligation to proceed.

We never offer loans directly and we do not provide regulated financial advice; our role is to connect you with specialists who can. For a primer on typical loan options, see our main business loans information page on business loans.

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When a business loan makes sense

Borrowing can support growth or stabilise operations when used carefully. Common scenarios where businesses seek funding include:

• Short-term cashflow gaps (e.g., managing payroll during slow seasons).
• Growth and expansion (new premises, hiring, marketing).
• Purchasing or leasing equipment and vehicles.
• Refinancing high-cost debt to improve monthly cashflow.
• Seasonal stock purchases or one-off orders requiring capital.

Before borrowing, weigh the expected benefit against repayment costs and timelines. If unsure, your lender or broker can explain options after they contact you following your enquiry.

Types of business loans you can compare

Through our network you can be introduced to providers offering a wide range of solutions. Below is a high-level guide — your matched brokers will explain suitability and costs for your situation.

Unsecured business loans

Typical for working capital or smaller investments. Faster approval but usually higher rates; loan amounts typically start from around £10,000.

Secured loans

Backed by property, plant or other assets. Can offer larger amounts and lower rates but involve putting assets at risk.

Asset & equipment finance

Structured to fund vehicles, machinery, IT or specialist equipment—often with repayment aligned to the asset’s useful life.

Invoice finance

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Effective for B2B companies with slow-paying customers.

Short-term and bridging finance

Fast access to cash for a defined short period — useful for temporary funding gaps or time-sensitive purchases.

Refinance and consolidation

Combine or replace existing debt to simplify repayments or reduce monthly outgoings.

Sustainability / green finance

Funding for energy efficiency upgrades, solar installations, EV charge points and other sustainability projects.

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Eligibility snapshot — what lenders typically look for

Each lender or broker has its own criteria, but common factors include:

• Business structure (limited companies are the primary focus).
• Minimum trading history — many lenders prefer at least 12 months, though specialist options exist.
• Annual turnover and profitability metrics relative to the requested amount.
• Director credit history and any adverse records (assessed later by lenders).
• Industry and risk profile; some lenders specialise in particular sectors.

Because criteria vary, our matching process helps identify partners most likely to consider your application.

Industry coverage

We commonly help businesses in sectors including (but not limited to):

• Construction and trades
• Hospitality, pubs, restaurants
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Healthcare and clinics
• Agriculture and farming
• Retail and e‑commerce
• Logistics and transport
• Sustainability / energy projects

How to prepare for a strong enquiry

Submitting a well-prepared enquiry increases the speed and quality of responses. Consider gathering:

• Basic company details (registered name, address, company number).
• Recent management accounts and bank statements (last 3–6 months).
• Estimated turnover and profit figures.
• Clear statement of the loan amount required and how funds will be used.
• Details of any existing borrowing and security offered.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything — provide as much as you can. Once matched, a broker or lender will tell you exactly what’s needed to progress.

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Why choose Fast Business Loans

• Speed — a short enquiry connects you to multiple potential partners quickly.
• Relevance — we match by sector and funding need to improve your chance of receiving suitable offers.
• Free to use — businesses are not charged to submit an enquiry.
• Confidential — your details are passed only to relevant partners who can help.

“Fast Business Loans helped us get three solid options in under 24 hours — saved us time and hassle.” — Customer example

Realistic timelines & what happens after you enquire

Typical next steps and timings:

• Matching: within hours after submitting your enquiry.
• Initial contact: brokers or lenders usually call or email shortly after matching.
• Decision & offers: dependent on loan type — could be same day for simple unsecured loans, several days to weeks for secured or asset finance requiring valuations.
• Fees: Fast Business Loans does not charge businesses for enquiries. Any broker or lender fees will be disclosed by them before you commit.

Responsible borrowing & compliance notes

We emphasise clear, fair and not misleading information. Borrowing carries costs and potential risks — consider whether finance is affordable and suits your business plans. Fast Business Loans is an introducer: we do not provide regulated financial advice. If you need tailored advice, consider speaking to an independent financial professional before agreeing to a loan.

Frequently asked questions

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Your initial enquiry is not a credit application and does not affect your credit file. Credit checks only take place later with your consent when a lender or broker performs a formal assessment.

What loan amounts can your partners provide?

We typically help businesses seeking from around £10,000 upwards. Depending on lender capacity and security offered, arrangements can range into the millions.

Are start-ups supported?

Some partners specialise in early-stage businesses. Eligibility varies — include as much detail as possible in your enquiry so we can match you to the right specialists.

What if I’ve been declined before?

A previous decline with one lender doesn’t mean all lenders will refuse. Matching helps find lenders and brokers that consider your circumstances and may be willing to review your case.

Are there hidden charges for using Fast Business Loans?

No. Using Fast Business Loans to submit an enquiry is free. Any fees, interest rates or commissions are disclosed by the lender or broker you speak with.

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Get started

Ready to explore your options? Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match your business to lenders and brokers who can help. It takes under two minutes and will not affect your credit score.

Start Your Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check

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

– What is the minimum and maximum loan amount available?
We typically help from around £10,000 upwards, with secured or specialist facilities potentially reaching into the millions depending on your circumstances.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—the initial enquiry is not a credit application and any formal credit checks happen later by a lender or broker with your consent.

– How quickly could I receive a response or funding?
Partners often contact you within hours, with simple unsecured loans sometimes completing the same day and secured or asset finance taking longer due to valuations and underwriting.

– What types of business finance can I compare?
You can compare unsecured and secured business loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, short‑term/bridging finance, refinance and consolidation, and sustainability/green finance.

– Do you support start-ups or early-stage businesses?
Yes—some partners consider start-ups and limited trading history, but availability and terms vary by lender and sector.

– What do lenders typically look for in eligibility?
Lenders commonly assess your business structure (primarily limited companies), trading history, turnover/profitability, director credit, sector and overall risk relative to the loan amount.

– What documents should I prepare to speed up the process?
Have basic company details, recent bank statements and management accounts, estimated turnover/profit, your required amount and use of funds, plus any existing borrowing or security.

– Does it cost anything to use Fast Business Loans, and are there hidden fees?
Our service is free for businesses, and any fees, rates or commissions are disclosed upfront by the lender or broker before you proceed.

– Can you help if I’ve been declined elsewhere or have adverse credit?
Yes—different lenders have different criteria, and our matching process may connect you with partners willing to review cases involving previous declines or credit issues.