Small Business Loans: Compare Trusted UK Lenders Fast

Summary: Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and SMEs with lenders and brokers offering business loans from around £10,000 upwards. We don’t lend or give financial advice — we match your business to the lenders most likely to help, quickly and without obligation. Complete a short enquiry (not an application) and receive tailored lender/broker contact and quotes. Start with a Free Eligibility Check to see your options.

Why UK SMEs Turn to Fast Business Loans

Finding the right finance partner can be time-consuming. Fast Business Loans exists to make that search faster and more focused. We act as an introducer: you tell us what you need via a short enquiry form (it’s not an application) and we connect you with lenders and brokers who understand your sector and funding need.

• Save time — one short form, multiple potential matches.
• Tailored matches — we link you to lenders/brokers that specialise in your industry and funding type.
• Compare options — receive direct quotes and calls from partners so you can compare terms and choose.
• No obligation — submitting an enquiry does not commit you to borrowing.
• Transparent — we explain when partners may require security, guarantees, or credit checks.

Free Eligibility Check – Get Started

What Counts as a Small Business Loan?

A small business loan is funding provided to a company to support cash flow, investment or growth. Loans can be secured (backed by assets such as property, plant or equipment) or unsecured. They may be short-term (months) or longer-term (years), and repayment structures vary — fixed monthly repayments, interest-only periods, or flexible facilities.

Typical amounts arranged through our partners range from about £10,000 to several million, depending on the lender and the security offered. Note that some specialised products (invoice finance, asset finance) work differently to term loans and have their own eligibility rules.

Submitting our enquiry does not perform a credit search. Lenders or brokers will only carry out credit and affordability checks with your consent as part of a lender-specific process. Always check full product terms and verify the cost of credit, fees and security requirements with any partner you speak to.

Funding Situations We Support

Stabilising Cash Flow and Covering Seasonal Gaps

Example: a retailer with seasonal peaks needs working capital to buy stock before peak trading. Typical solutions include short-term working capital loans, overdrafts or invoice finance. Lenders will look at trading history, bank statements and turnover patterns.

Financing Growth, Stock or New Contracts

Example: a manufacturer wins a large contract and needs up-front funds to buy materials. Term loans, invoice finance or trade finance can help. Brokers may structure a package combining facilities to smooth cash flow while funding growth.

Investing in Equipment, Vehicles or Technology

Example: a hospitality business needs new kitchen equipment. Asset finance or hire purchase spreads cost over the life of the asset, often preserving cash. Security is usually the financed asset itself.

Supporting Early-Stage and Growing Businesses

Example: a newly incorporated limited company seeking working capital. Some partners offer facilities to younger businesses, sometimes with higher rates or additional security/guarantees.

If one of these describes your need, Tell us what you need – Get a tailored shortlist.

How Our Matching Process Works

1. Complete a short enquiry form — it takes under 2 minutes and is not an application.
2. Matching — our system plus specialist reviewers match your request to suitable lenders and brokers.
3. Contact — matched partners contact you to discuss options and may request documents.
4. Compare offers — you receive quotes and choose whether to proceed with any partner.

We only share your details with partners who are a good fit for your request. There is no fee to you for using Fast Business Loans; partner lenders or brokers may pay us a commission for introductions. Get Your Shortlist in Minutes.

Types of Small Business Finance You Can Explore

Below are common finance types you can be matched with. Each has pros and considerations — discuss details with the lender or broker you’re introduced to.

• Unsecured term loans — Fixed repayments, quicker to arrange, usually for businesses with strong credit. Loan sizes from ~£10k upwards; higher rates possible for unsecured deals.
• Secured loans / asset-backed — Lower rates possible when secured against property or assets. Consider the risk: failing to repay may put secured assets at risk.
• Revolving credit / business lines — Flexible borrowing up to an agreed limit; useful for uneven cash flow.
• Invoice finance — Release cash tied up in unpaid invoices; fees based on invoice value and recovery times.
• Asset & equipment finance — Spread cost of machinery, vehicles or IT. Asset may serve as security.
• Refinance and consolidation — Restructure multiple debts into a manageable facility; can improve monthly cash flow but check total costs.

For an in-depth guide to options for smaller companies, see our small business loans pillar page on small business loans: small business loans.

Eligibility Checklist Before You Enquire

Preparing information speeds up matching and increases the quality of responses from lenders:

• Trading history & accounts: recent management accounts, filed accounts where available, VAT returns.
• Bank statements: last 3–6 months to show cashflow patterns.
• Credit and director information: basic company and director details (credit checks only with consent).
• Security and guarantees: be ready to confirm any assets you can offer as security.
• Affordability plan: outline how repayments will be met and contingency plans.

Poor credit does not always rule you out — many partners consider the full business picture. Complete the quick enquiry for a free eligibility review.

What to Expect After You Submit Your Enquiry

Once you submit the enquiry form you’ll typically hear from matched partners by phone or email. Response times vary by partner and complexity — many contact applicants within hours during business hours. Partners may request documents to prepare quotes; full formal credit checks are only carried out with your agreement.

Remember: the enquiry is not an application and does not bind you to proceed. Any formal loan agreement is between you and the lender/broker you choose.

Responsible Borrowing: Key Questions to Ask

Before accepting any offer, ask:

• What is the total amount repayable (interest + fees) and the representative APR if provided?
• Are there arrangement fees, monthly fees or early repayment charges?
• Is any security or personal guarantee required and what are the implications?
• What happens if repayments are delayed — how are defaults handled?
• Are there flexible repayment options if trading conditions change?

If you are unsure about a product or the implications of security or guarantees, seek independent professional advice.

Why SMEs Prefer Fast Business Loans for Comparisons

We focus on speed, relevance and clarity. Our process reduces wasted time and helps you reach lenders and brokers who understand your sector and likely lending criteria. We keep communications clear: the enquiry is free, it does not affect credit scores, and there is no obligation to proceed.

Example testimonial (placeholder): “Matched quickly with a broker who understood our seasonal cashflow — funding arranged within a week.”

Get Quote Now – No Obligation

Small Business Finance FAQs

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No. Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. Any loan contract is with the lender or broker you choose.

Will submitting the enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing our enquiry form triggers no credit search. Matched partners will only carry out credit checks after discussing your case and getting your consent.

How quickly could funds be released?

Timeframes vary. Some partners can release funds within 24–48 hours once paperwork is approved; others may take several days to finalise assessments and documents.

Can newly formed limited companies apply?

Yes — many partners consider younger businesses, although they may request additional information, security or director guarantees.

Are there any fees for using Fast Business Loans?

Our service is free for business owners to submit an enquiry. Lenders/brokers may charge fees for their products; we’ll make clear when partners mention fees.

What if I don’t want to proceed after receiving quotes?

There is no obligation. You can decline any offer. We encourage you to compare and ask questions before committing.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If your business needs funding from around £10,000 upwards and you want to see competitive quotes fast, start with a short, no‑obligation enquiry. We’ll match your business to the lenders and brokers best suited to your situation so you can compare options and choose with confidence.

Start Your Small Business Loan Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check

Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer and not a lender or financial adviser. Any finance is offered and arranged by third‑party lenders or brokers. All lending decisions are made by partners and are subject to status, affordability and lender terms. Consider independent professional advice where appropriate.

– What is a small business loan in the UK?
A small business loan is funding for UK companies to support cash flow, investment or growth, available as secured or unsecured with varied terms and repayment structures.

– Is Fast Business Loans a lender or a broker?
Neither — Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches UK businesses with suitable lenders and finance brokers; any agreement is directly with the partner you choose.

– Is the enquiry an application?
No — it’s a quick, no‑obligation eligibility check used to match you with relevant lenders/brokers, not a formal loan application.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — your enquiry triggers no credit search, and any lender credit checks only happen later with your consent.

– How quickly can I get funding through your partners?
Once approved, some partners can release funds in 24–48 hours, while more complex cases may take several days.

– What loan amounts and finance types can I compare?
You can compare options from around £10,000 to several million across unsecured and secured loans, revolving credit, invoice finance, and asset/equipment finance.

– What information or documents will I need?
Typically recent accounts, 3–6 months’ bank statements, company and director details, and information on any available security or guarantees.

– Can start-ups or newly formed limited companies be matched?
Yes — many partners consider younger businesses, though they may request additional information, security or director guarantees.

– Can I submit an enquiry if my business has poor credit?
Yes — many partners assess the whole picture and may still help, subject to affordability, terms and any security offered.

– Will I need security or a personal guarantee?
It depends on the product and risk profile — some facilities are unsecured while others may require security or director guarantees, which partners will explain before you proceed.