Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Retail Business Loans & Finance for UK Shop Owners | Fast Business Loans
Quick summary
If you run a UK shop or retail business and need finance from around £10,000 upwards, Fast Business Loans is a free, no-obligation introducer that matches you with specialist lenders and brokers. Complete our short enquiry form and we’ll connect you with providers who may be able to help with working capital, stock finance, fit-outs, equipment or refinance. This isn’t an application — it’s a quick eligibility check that won’t affect your credit score. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check
Start Here — Fast retail funding match
Fast Business Loans helps UK shop owners find suitable business finance quickly. We’re a free, no-obligation matching service (we don’t lend or provide financial advice). Tell us about your funding needs and we’ll introduce you to lenders or brokers who are likely to help.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Get Started – Free Eligibility Check
|
Get a Retail Finance Quote Now
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
- Fast: 2-minute enquiry, rapid introductions
- Sector expertise: lenders and brokers that understand retail
- Choice: access to a broad UK panel for stock, fit-out, asset or working capital finance
We are an introducer, not a lender. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and will not affect your credit score.
Why retailers turn to Fast Business Loans
Retailers face specific, time-sensitive finance needs: seasonal stock investment, urgent equipment replacement, or short-term cash flow gaps from card-payment delays. Searching for the right lender takes time — and the wrong application can harm your chances.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Our simple enquiry sits between you and multiple providers: you explain the need, we match you with brokers and lenders who specialise in retail. There’s no fee to you and no obligation to accept any offer.
Funding challenges facing UK retailers in 2024
Cash flow pressures and seasonal stock needs
Seasonal spikes — Christmas, summer sales, product launches — often require significant upfront stock purchase. Delays to card payments or supplier invoices can create short-term working capital shortages.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Upfront costs for physical & online stores
Opening or refurbishing a shop, switching to omnichannel selling, or funding a larger e‑commerce fulfilment space needs capital for fit-outs, IT, and inventory. Banks can be slow; specialist lenders and brokers move faster for these use-cases.
Technology, staffing and fit-out investment gaps
Payments terminals, EPOS systems, refrigeration, racking and staffing costs all add up. Many retailers need tailored finance that matches asset lifecycles or seasonal revenue patterns.
Read on to see the principal finance types that could help and how we introduce you to the right providers.
Finance solutions we can introduce
The right product depends on your business size, trading history and purpose for funding. Below is a quick comparison of common retail finance options we can put you in touch with.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Key Retail Finance Options
| Finance product | Typical use case | Typical amount | Term | Security required? | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured business loan | Short-term working capital, small fit-outs | £10k–£250k | 1–5 years | No (often) | Faster decisioning, higher rates than secured options |
| Secured loan | Large refurbishment, premises purchase/expansion | £50k–£5m+ | 3–25 years | Yes — property or assets | Lower rates, longer process due to valuations |
| Merchant cash advance (MCA) | Immediate stock or cashflow ahead of busy season | £10k–£500k | Short (repay from card takings) | No | Flexible repayments tied to card sales; can be costly |
| Stock finance | Seasonal or bulk stock purchases | £10k–£1m+ | Short–medium | Usually stock as security | Ideal for retailers to buy in volume without tying up cash |
| Invoice finance | Unlock cash from invoices (B2B retailers) | £10k–£2m | Ongoing | No (facility against invoices) | Improves liquidity; cost varies with debtor profile |
| Asset / equipment finance | Refrigeration, fixtures, IT, delivery vans | £10k–£500k | 1–7 years | Asset security | Spreads cost; may preserve cash and tax benefits |
| Commercial mortgages / fit-out loans | Buying premises or major shop refits | £50k–£5m+ | 5–25 years | Yes — property | Longer timescales; lower monthly cost for large projects |
Which option fits your retail strategy?
Bricks-and-mortar shops often use a mix of asset finance for equipment, stock finance for seasonal purchasing and secured loans for large premises work. Online-first retailers may rely on unsecured loans and asset finance for fulfilment centre equipment. Omnichannel operators commonly combine invoice finance with working capital facilities.
It takes two minutes to submit an enquiry and we’ll match you with brokers or lenders that specialise in retail. No obligation. No cost.
Who we help
We introduce finance for a wide range of retail businesses, including:
- Fashion boutiques and independent clothing stores
- Convenience stores and grocers
- Specialist shops (jewellery, audio, giftware)
- Garden centres and pet shops
- E‑commerce retailers and marketplace sellers
- Franchises and multi-site operators
Whether you’re expanding a single site or scaling multiple locations, we can match you to lenders and brokers experienced in retail finance.
How the Fast Business Loans enquiry process works
Step 1 – Complete the 2‑minute online form
Tell us about your business, funding amount and purpose. This is a soft, no-obligation enquiry and not a direct application.
Step 2 – Smart matching with trusted retail finance brokers/lenders
We use your details to introduce you to selected partners who best match your needs and profile.
Step 3 – Discuss your funding options (phone/email)
A broker or lender will contact you to discuss terms, timescales and documentation required.
Step 4 – Compare offers & decide (no obligation)
Compare rates and terms and choose whether to proceed. If you accept an offer, your chosen lender will carry out any necessary checks.
Partners we introduce follow industry standards for responsible lending; your data is shared securely and only to providers relevant to your request.
What retailers need to know before applying
Typical lender criteria
Common lender considerations include trading history, turnover, profitability, regular card takings, and the business’s credit profile. Requirements differ by product and provider.
Documents to prepare
- Recent management accounts or statutory accounts
- Bank statements and VAT returns (if applicable)
- Card processing statements (for MCA or cashflow facilities)
- Supplier invoices and stock lists (for stock finance)
- Business plan or projections for major expansions
Costs and repayment considerations
Interest rates, fees and daily/weekly repayment structures vary widely. Some fast, flexible products (like MCAs) can cost more but provide speed and convenience. Always check total repayment amounts and assess affordability against projected sales.
Fast Business Loans does not give regulated financial advice. If you are unsure which product suits you, consider seeking independent professional advice.
Illustrative retail funding scenarios
Below are anonymised, illustrative examples showing how different retailers have used finance. These are examples only — outcomes vary by lender and business.
- Fashion boutique: Needed £30,000 of seasonal stock. Matched with a specialist stock finance provider; stock purchased in time for peak season and repayments aligned to increased takings.
- Convenience store: Required new refrigeration units costing £45,000. Introduced to an asset finance provider who spread cost over 5 years, preserving working capital.
- Online retailer: Sought £120,000 to fit out a small fulfilment hub. Connected with a secured business loan provider offering a competitive rate and a tailored repayment profile.
Why retailers choose Fast Business Loans
- Sector focus — we understand retail timing and cashflow patterns
- Speed — quick enquiry and rapid introductions
- Choice — broad panel covering many retail finance needs
- Transparent — free service; you decide whether to proceed
We act as an impartial introducer and do not lend or give regulated financial advice. Introductions are to lenders and brokers who will assess suitability and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions about retail business loans
Is my retail business eligible if I’ve been refused elsewhere?
Possibly. We work with a wide range of providers, some of whom specialise in non-standard cases. That said, every lender has its own underwriting criteria and may decline based on affordability assessments.
Will filling in the enquiry form affect my credit score?
No — the initial enquiry is a soft, no-impact check. Lenders may perform hard credit checks only if you choose to progress with an application.
How fast can funds reach my business after approval?
Timing varies by product. Unsecured loans or MCAs can sometimes release funds within days of approval; secured and property-related finance typically take longer due to valuations and legal checks.
Can start-up retailers apply?
Yes. Some lenders and brokers specialise in early-stage retail funding, although start-ups may need to provide business plans or projections and may face tighter criteria.
What if I need both stock finance and a fit-out loan?
It’s common to combine products. We can introduce you to partners able to structure multiple facilities to suit timing and cashflow.
Are the lenders you introduce regulated?
We introduce a range of brokers and lenders. Individual providers are responsible for meeting any regulatory obligations that apply to their services. You should check regulation status and ask any partner you speak to for details.
Start your retail finance enquiry
Ready to explore funding from around £10,000 and up? Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with suitable lenders or brokers who can provide quotes. It’s free and there’s no obligation to proceed.
Get Started – Retail Finance Enquiry
Prefer to speak first? Request a call-back when you complete the form and a partner will contact you.
Important information & disclaimers
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide lending or regulated financial advice. Any funding is subject to eligibility, affordability and the lender’s terms. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and will not affect your credit score. We recommend reviewing offers carefully and obtaining independent advice if you are unsure.
For full details on how we handle your data, please see our Privacy Policy.
1) What types of retail finance can I get matched with?
You can be introduced to unsecured and secured business loans, merchant cash advances, stock finance, invoice finance, asset/equipment finance, fit‑out loans and commercial mortgages tailored to UK shops and e‑commerce retailers.
2) Will completing the enquiry form affect my credit score?
No — it’s a soft, no‑obligation enquiry, and any hard credit checks only happen if you choose to proceed with a specific lender.
3) How quickly can I get a decision and funds?
You’ll typically hear back within hours on business days, with some unsecured loans or merchant cash advances funding in a few days while secured or property‑backed facilities take longer due to valuations and legal work.
4) What loan amounts are available for retailers?
Our partners usually consider funding from around £10,000 up to £5 million+ depending on the product, your business profile and any security.
5) Can start‑ups or retailers previously declined get finance?
Often yes — we work with a broad panel including specialists in start‑ups and complex cases, but approval depends on affordability and underwriting.
6) What will a retail business loan cost?
Rates and fees vary by product and risk (secured options are usually cheaper while fast unsecured loans or MCAs can cost more), and you’ll receive tailored quotes to compare total repayments.
7) Do I need security for shop finance?
Some facilities are unsecured, but larger borrowings and property‑related lending typically require security over assets or property.
8) What documents should I prepare before applying?
Lenders commonly ask for recent accounts, bank statements, VAT and card processing statements, supplier invoices/stock lists, and business plans or projections for major projects.
9) Are the brokers and lenders you introduce regulated?
We connect you with verified UK brokers and lenders who follow FCA guidelines and are responsible for any regulatory requirements; you can confirm each partner’s status directly.
10) How does Fast Business Loans work and do you charge a fee?
We’re a free introducer (not a lender or adviser) that uses a quick 2‑minute enquiry to match you with relevant UK finance partners who then discuss quotes with you, with no obligation to proceed.