Retail Business Loans & Shop Finance Made Simple
Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK retailers find the right business finance quickly. We’re an introducer — not a lender — and our free enquiry is a no‑obligation way to be matched with brokers and lenders that specialise in retail funding for amounts from £10,000 upwards. Complete a short form and we’ll connect you to partners who can advise on stock finance, fit‑outs, seasonal cashflow, POS upgrades and online expansion. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and will not affect your credit score. Start your Free Eligibility Check.
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.
Why retailers choose Fast Business Loans
Retailers come to us because speed and sector knowledge matter. We match shop owners, chain managers and e‑commerce retailers with lenders and brokers who understand tills, stock turn, seasonal peaks and multi‑channel inventory. Our service is:
- Free and no obligation — you decide whether to proceed
- Fast — many businesses get an initial contact within hours
- Sector-matched — partners experienced in retail and shop finance
- Discreet — enquiring does not affect your credit score
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 finance challenges & how we help
Managing seasonal cash flow
Seasonal spikes and troughs are common in retail. If you need short-term working capital to buy extra stock before peak months, our partners can offer seasonal loans, overdrafts or merchant advances tailored to irregular sales patterns.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Funding stock & inventory
High stock costs can tie up cash. We connect retailers with invoice finance, stock finance and business loans that free up working capital so you can buy popular lines without sacrificing margins.
Shop fit‑outs & refurbishments
Refits and modern displays can boost footfall — but they cost money. Asset finance, equipment loans and fit‑out funding are typical solutions our panel arranges, often spreading costs over manageable terms.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Blending online & in‑store growth
Expanding into e‑commerce or improving fulfilment often requires investment in systems and stock. We match retailers with lenders that fund website upgrades, inventory for online channels and fulfilment centre costs.
Finance options available for UK retailers
Through our network you can explore a range of funding types. We don’t lend directly — we connect you to brokers and lenders who specialise in the appropriate product for your needs.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Unsecured business loans
Simple, fixed‑term loans for working capital or refurbishment. Typical for established retailers with steady turnover. Suitable when you want a predictable monthly repayment and don’t wish to use assets as security.
Merchant cash advance / card receipts funding
Repayments vary with card sales — useful for retailers with strong card turnover and seasonal peaks. Flexibility comes at higher cost, but it can be the fastest route to cash.
Asset & equipment finance
Fund POS systems, display equipment, fridges, deli counters, or delivery vehicles (including EVs). Payments can be structured as hire purchase or lease, preserving cash flow.
Invoice finance for trade suppliers
If you supply other businesses or hold invoices, invoice discounting or factoring can release cash tied up in payment terms so you can reinvest in the shop.
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.
Short‑term bridging & seasonal loans
Quick access to cash for narrow timeframes — ideal for gap funding between supplier payments and sales peaks.
Quick comparison — typical features
| Product | Typical term | Security | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured business loan | 1–5 years | Usually none | Refurbishment, stock, growth |
| Merchant cash advance | Variable (repay with card sales) | Usually none | Immediate cashflow, seasonal peaks |
| Asset & equipment finance | 1–7 years | Asset as security | POS, fridges, vehicles |
| Invoice finance | Short term (revolving) | Invoices/security agreement | Wholesale suppliers, B2B retailers |
| Bridging/seasonal loan | Weeks–months | Depends | Short funding gaps |
Eligibility snapshot & what lenders may ask for
Each lender has different criteria, but commonly requested items include:
- Time trading (many lenders prefer established businesses; some partners help newer retailers)
- Annual turnover and recent sales figures
- Bank statements or POS / card terminal statements
- Management accounts, VAT returns, and company accounts
- Details of existing borrowing and directors’ credit history
Documents that help speed up your enquiry
- Last 3–6 months business bank statements or card terminal summaries
- Latest management accounts or accountant-prepared P&L
- Details of the use of funds (stock, refit, website)
- Proof of identity and address for directors
Note: enquiring with Fast Business Loans is not an application — it’s a way for us to match you. Submitting your details will not trigger a credit check. Free Eligibility Check
Simple 4‑step enquiry journey
- Complete our quick online enquiry (1–2 minutes) — tell us what you need and how much (from £10,000 and up).
- We match you with suitable lenders and brokers who specialise in retail.
- You’ll receive a call or email to discuss options and next steps.
- Compare offers and choose the option that fits your business — no obligation to proceed.
Case snapshots — UK retailers we’ve helped
Independent boutique — stock for peak season
Challenge: needed £30,000 to purchase spring/summer collections ahead of demand. Outcome: matched with a broker who arranged a short-term unsecured loan, enabling the retailer to buy stock and increase margins during peak months.
Neighbourhood convenience store — refrigeration upgrade
Challenge: old fridges causing stock waste and lost sales. Outcome: asset finance structured over 4 years with predictable monthly payments, keeping tills ticking while spreading the cost.
Omnichannel retailer — fulfilment & website investment
Challenge: rapid online growth required warehouse racking and site upgrade. Outcome: blended solution of equipment finance and a business loan to cover capital and working capital for order fulfilment.
Results vary and all finance is subject to lender approval. If you want to see similar outcomes for your shop, Get Quote Now.
Retail finance FAQs
Can I get funding if my retail shop is under 12 months old?
Yes — some lenders and specialist brokers focus on newer retailers. Options may include asset finance or specialist start‑up facilities, though terms can differ from those for established shops. We’ll match you to partners most likely to help.
How quickly can I receive a decision?
Initial contact from a broker or lender often happens within hours during business days. Formal decisions depend on the product and documents required — many unsecured loans can be approved in days, while asset finance or invoice facilities may take slightly longer.
What if I have fluctuating monthly sales?
Products like merchant cash advances, flexible overdrafts or tailored repayment plans can accommodate fluctuating sales. Our matching process identifies providers experienced in seasonal or variable revenues.
Will enquiring affect my credit score?
No — submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you apply directly with them; they will explain this step clearly.
Do you support franchise retailers?
Yes — our network includes brokers familiar with franchise models and the specific funding needs of franchisees, such as fit‑out finance or working capital aligned with franchise agreements.
What loan amounts do your partners handle?
Our partners typically arrange funding from around £10,000 upwards — from small working capital facilities to multi‑hundred‑thousand pound investments for larger retail expansion projects.
Is there any obligation to proceed after enquiring?
No. The enquiry is a way to see matched options. You choose whether to get a quote and whether to accept any offer presented by a lender or broker.
Why sector expertise matters in retail finance
Retail has unique drivers: footfall, average transaction value, stock turn and seasonal demand. Lenders with retail experience interpret POS data and card receipts correctly, making approval and pricing more appropriate. By sharing your business story on our form we match you with partners who know your sector — increasing the chance of a useful offer.
Learn more about specialised options for shop owners on our retailers page: retailers shop business loans.
Compliance, transparency & support
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects you with lenders and brokers. We follow plain‑language, fair and clear communication. Submitting an enquiry does not trigger a credit check and does not constitute an application. Your information is only shared with selected partners who may be able to help. If you need further clarity, contact our support team before you submit any personal data.
Ready to explore your retail finance options?
Get matched quickly with lenders and brokers who understand shops and retail businesses. It’s free, fast and no obligation — and we only work with partners suited to your needs. Complete our short form now and we’ll do the rest.
– What is Fast Business Loans and how does it help UK retailers?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that quickly matches UK retailers with specialist brokers and lenders for retail business finance via a free, no‑obligation enquiry.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—our enquiry is not a loan application and won’t affect your credit score; any checks happen later only if you proceed with a lender.
– How fast can I get a decision or funds?
Many retailers hear from a matched broker or lender within hours on business days, with some unsecured loans completing in days and asset or invoice facilities taking a little longer.
– What types of retail finance can you connect me with?
We match shops to unsecured business loans, merchant cash advances, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, and short‑term seasonal or bridging loans.
– What can retail finance be used for?
Funding can cover stock purchases, shop fit‑outs and refurbishments, POS upgrades, refrigeration and vehicles, and e‑commerce or fulfilment improvements.
– How much can I borrow and what are the typical terms?
Our partners usually fund from £10,000 upwards, with terms ranging from weeks or months for seasonal or bridging loans to 1–5 years for unsecured loans and up to 7 years for asset finance.
– Can start‑ups or retailers with seasonal sales get funding?
Yes—some lenders support newer shops and those with fluctuating sales via options like asset finance, merchant cash advances and seasonal loans, though terms may vary.
– What documents will lenders ask for?
Common requests include 3–6 months of business bank or card terminal statements, recent management accounts or VAT returns, details of existing borrowing, and director ID and address.
– Do I need security or a personal guarantee?
Unsecured loans and merchant cash advances typically require no asset security (a personal guarantee may be requested), while asset finance is secured on the equipment and other products vary by lender.
– What does it cost and is there any obligation to proceed?
Using Fast Business Loans is free and without obligation, and any rates, fees and terms are set by the lender or broker you choose to proceed with.