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 & Shop Finance for UK Retailers
Summary: Fast Business Loans is an introducer that helps UK retailers find suitable lenders and brokers for shop finance, working capital, stock funding and fit-outs. Use our free, no-obligation eligibility check to get matched quickly — enquiries do not affect your credit score. We connect you to retail-savvy partners for loans from £10,000 upwards (subject to lender assessment).
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.
Fast finance for UK retailers — start with a free eligibility check
This page is for independent shops, multi-site retailers, franchisees and ecommerce businesses with a physical presence in the UK seeking business finance from £10,000 upwards. Fast Business Loans does not lend — we connect you with lenders and brokers who specialise in retail finance so you can compare real options, quickly.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
- Stock shortages at peak season? Fast working capital can cover orders.
- Renovating or fitting out a new store? Fit-out finance keeps cash flowing.
- Expanding to ecommerce or upgrading POS? Asset finance and merchant solutions help.
No impact on your credit score to enquire.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Key facts snapshot
Funding needs covered
Stock purchasing, seasonal cashflow, shop fit-outs, ecommerce investment, equipment upgrades, sustainability projects.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Typical loan sizes
From £10,000 to £5,000,000+ (subject to lender assessment and applicant circumstances).
Decision timelines
Indicative responses often within 24–72 hours from our partner network; final times vary by lender and checks required.
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.
Eligible retailers
Independent shops, multiple-site retailers, franchise owners, and ecommerce-first businesses with a UK physical presence.
Check Your Retail Funding Match
Why retailers need flexible finance
Retail runs on timing and stock. When cash is tied up, opportunities can be lost. Here’s why flexible finance matters.
Retail suffers from variable footfall, supplier terms, seasonal peaks and rising operating costs. Without timely funding, shops face stock-outs, missed sales and delayed expansion.
Here’s how the right funding partner can help:
- Bridge cashflow gaps ahead of peak trading.
- Purchase stock in bulk to access supplier discounts.
- Fund ecommerce integration and omnichannel investment.
- Refurbish or fit out new stores while preserving working capital.
For further details and practical examples, see our retailers resource hub on retailers shop business loans.
How Fast Business Loans supports retailers
We introduce you to retail‑savvy lenders
We match your enquiry to lenders and brokers who specialise in retail finance. Our matching focuses on sector experience so you speak to partners who understand inventory cycles, POS systems and seasonal cashflow.
Simple, secure, no obligation
Submitting an enquiry is free. Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend and we do not provide regulated financial advice. Your data is only shared with partners relevant to your request.
- Complete a short enquiry form (2 minutes).
- We smart-match you with suitable lenders/brokers.
- Receive a call or email from interested partners to discuss options.
- Compare offers and decide — you’re under no obligation to proceed.
Start Your Retail Loan Enquiry
Types of finance available for retailers
Different needs require different products. Below are common retail finance solutions and when they fit.
Working capital loans / cashflow support
Short- to medium-term loans to cover seasonal stock or temporary shortfalls. Repayments and rates vary by lender and term; suitable when you need quick cash without tying up assets.
Asset finance for fixtures, POS & vehicles
Spread the cost of tills, shelving, delivery vans or refrigeration. Often secured against the asset with predictable monthly payments.
Merchant cash advances
Advance against future card takings. Repayment is linked to card volumes — useful for businesses with strong card income but variable sales.
Stock finance / trade finance
Funding specifically to buy inventory. Ideal ahead of peak seasons or when supplier discounts make bulk buying attractive.
Invoice finance (for B2B retail suppliers)
Release cash tied up in unpaid invoices when you supply other businesses. Repayments come from the collected invoices.
Commercial mortgages & fit-out finance
Longer-term solutions for property purchases or major store refits. Typically secured and tailored to project scale.
Short-term bridging
Temporary funding to secure a lease or acquisition while longer-term finance is arranged.
Terms, rates and availability depend on lender assessment — there is no guaranteed approval. Discuss the right option with a specialist.
Eligibility & documentation checklist
Who can be matched?
- Limited companies, partnerships and franchise operations trading in the UK.
- Independent retailers and multi-site operators.
- Ecommerce businesses with a UK physical presence or demonstrable sales history.
- Start-up retailers may be considered by specialist partners with a strong business plan.
What information speeds up offers?
- Recent company accounts or management accounts (12–24 months where available).
- Card terminal statements or EPOS turnover reports for the last 3–6 months.
- Stock plans and supplier terms (if seeking stock finance).
- Business plan or forecast for expansion or new store openings.
Exact requirements vary by lender; they will confirm any additional checks once you’re matched.
Fast Business Loans process timeline
You’re in control — no obligation to proceed and no initial credit impact from enquiring.
Why choose us vs contacting lenders individually
| Fast Business Loans marketplace | Contacting lenders individually |
|---|---|
| Faster matching to multiple retail specialists | Time-consuming, one-by-one research |
| Access to a panel of lenders and brokers | Limited to those who advertise or your local bank |
| Sector-focused matches (retail-aware) | May need to explain retail cycles repeatedly |
| Initial enquiry does not affect credit score | Direct applications may include hard checks |
“Independent London fashion retailer connected with three lenders within 48 hours and secured seasonal stock funding.”
Outcomes vary; all funding is subject to affordability and lender assessment.
Preparing a strong retail finance application
Good preparation improves speed and outcomes. Here are practical steps to take before enquiring.
- Produce a clear seasonal cashflow forecast highlighting peak months.
- Show inventory turnover and gross margins to demonstrate trading strength.
- Outline omnichannel plans (ecommerce, click-and-collect) and expected sales uplift.
- Prepare contingency plans for supplier delays or trading downturns.
Be ready to explain how funds will be used and how repayments will be managed — this builds lender confidence.
Talk to a Retail Finance Specialist
Costs, rates & responsible borrowing
Fast Business Loans does not set rates. Typical costs vary by product — from lower rates on secured, longer-term loans to higher APRs for short-term cashflow products. Lenders and brokers will provide full pricing and fees before you commit.
Pricing factors include credit profile, turnover, security offered and seasonality. Always compare total cost of credit and ask for all fees to be disclosed in writing.
If unsure, consider seeking independent advice. We encourage responsible borrowing — only borrow what your business can sustainably repay.
Retail funding scenarios & use cases
Multi-site growth
Fit-out finance and commercial mortgages to open additional stores without draining cash reserves.
Ecommerce integration
Finance for platforms, inventory sync tools and fulfilment upgrades to grow online sales.
Peak season stock build-up
Short-term working capital to buy bulk stock ahead of high-demand periods.
Sustainability upgrades
Funding for LED lighting, EV chargers or energy efficiency works that lower long-term costs.
Point of sale refresh
Asset finance for new tills, EPOS and contactless terminals to speed transactions and reporting.
Ready to explore your options? Get Started
Post-funding support & next steps
After funding, brokers and lenders on our panel can help with renewals, refinancing or switching products to improve terms. Keep your financial records updated to make future funding quicker.
Stay Connected – Submit Your Enquiry
FAQs
Is Fast Business Loans a lender or broker?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We connect UK retailers with trusted finance brokers and lenders; we do not lend directly or provide regulated financial advice.
Will a retail loan enquiry affect my credit score?
Submitting an enquiry through our platform does not impact your credit score. Individual lenders may run credit checks later if you choose to progress with an offer.
How quickly can retailers access funds?
Times vary by product and due diligence. Some retailers receive indicative terms within 24–72 hours; final funding depends on lender checks and documentation.
Can start-up shops or ecommerce retailers apply?
Yes — some specialist partners consider start-ups and ecommerce-first retailers. Eligibility depends on the strength of your plan, projected sales and supporting information.
What security do lenders typically require?
Security requirements differ by product. Some loans are unsecured; others require asset security or personal guarantees. A broker will explain options clearly before you proceed.
Can I still enquire if the bank declined me?
Yes. We work with a wide panel including specialist lenders and brokers. A previous decline does not necessarily prevent other lenders from considering your business.
Trust & compliance
Fast Business Loans is a trading style of Fast Business Loans (legal entity details available on our site). We are an introducer — not a lender — and our service is free to business owners. We receive revenue from introductions to lenders and brokers after a business owner completes an enquiry.
Your details are only shared with approved partners relevant to your request. We encourage you to read lender terms carefully and seek independent advice if unsure. All funding remains subject to lender assessment and affordability checks.
Get Started – Free, No Obligation Retail Loan Match
1) What is Fast Business Loans and are you a lender?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK retailers with specialist lenders and brokers for retail business loans and shop finance; we don’t lend or provide regulated financial advice.
2) Will submitting a retail loan enquiry affect my credit score?
No—our free eligibility check doesn’t impact your credit score, and lenders only run checks if you choose to progress.
3) Is your enquiry form a loan application?
No—the enquiry form is not an application; it simply provides information to match you with suitable retail finance providers.
4) How much can UK retailers borrow through your partners?
Typical loan sizes range from £10,000 to £5,000,000+ subject to lender assessment and your business circumstances.
5) How quickly can a shop get funding?
Many retailers receive indicative terms within 24–72 hours, with funding timelines dependent on documentation and lender due diligence.
6) What types of retail finance can you match me with?
We match retailers to working capital loans, stock/trade finance, merchant cash advances, asset finance, fit-out finance, invoice finance, commercial mortgages, and short-term bridging.
7) Who is eligible for shop finance via Fast Business Loans?
Independent shops, multi-site retailers, franchisees, and ecommerce businesses with a UK physical presence are eligible, with some partners considering start-ups.
8) What documents help me secure a retail business loan faster?
Recent accounts, 3–6 months of EPOS/card terminal statements, stock plans and supplier terms, plus a clear business plan or forecast, typically speed up offers.
9) Do I need security or a personal guarantee for shop finance?
It depends on the product—some loans are unsecured, while others may require asset security or a personal guarantee.
10) Can I still enquire if my bank declined me?
Yes—our panel includes specialist, retail-savvy lenders and brokers who may consider your application even after a bank decline.