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 Shops
Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK retailers access tailored finance — from working capital and stock funding to shop fit-outs and equipment finance. We introduce retailers to lenders and brokers who specialise in the retail sector so you can compare options quickly. Our service is free and non‑binding; enquiries start from £10,000. Free eligibility check – Get started
Why UK retailers turn to Fast Business Loans
Finding suitable retail finance can be time-consuming. Fast Business Loans saves you hours of searching by connecting your business with lenders and brokers who understand retail. We match your enquiry to partners with relevant products so you get quicker, more relevant quotes.
Get matched with a retail finance specialist
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 matching with vetted UK brokers and specialist lenders
- No-obligation quotes — our service is free for retailers
- Sector-aware partners covering high-street, boutique and e‑commerce
Note: Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We help you connect to providers — any offer or credit decision comes from the lender or broker.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Finance challenges retailers are solving in 2024
Common pressure points
- Peaks in inventory demand (seasonal buying, promotions)
- Card revenue volatility from changing consumer behaviour
- Rising rents, utilities and staffing costs
- Costs of digital transformation and omnichannel integration
According to the British Retail Consortium, retail performance can vary significantly month-to-month — which is why many shops use short-term working capital or inventory finance to smooth cash flow. (See the BRC retail sales monitor for current data.)
The cost of waiting to fund growth
Delaying a funding decision can mean missed buying windows, lost seasonal sales and slower growth. Acting early preserves opportunity — whether that’s securing stock at promotional prices or completing a fit-out before a busy period.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
“Retailers who act early on financing decisions often report faster restocking, steadier margins and quicker recoveries from slow trading periods.”
Matching you with the right type of retail finance
We connect retailers with lenders who offer a range of products. Below are common options, typical uses and things to watch.
Retail working capital loans
Short to medium-term loans to cover day-to-day cash flow — ideal for bridging slow periods or covering unexpected bills. Typical amounts: £10,000 upwards, terms vary.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
- Benefits: flexible use, quick turnaround with specialist lenders
- Caution: check repayment profile and fees; affordability is key
Stock & inventory finance
Funding that specifically backs inventory purchases so you can buy larger volumes or seasonal lines.
- Benefits: preserves working capital, supports bulk buying discounts
- Caution: understand how stock is valued and any charges on sale
Merchant Cash Advance alternatives
Options that aren’t MCA-style repay-from-takings; look for transparent cost structures and fair terms.
- Benefits: quick access to cash
- Caution: compare effective costs, avoid aggressive repayment structures
Shop fit-out & refurbishment finance
Funding for refits, fixtures and shopfront improvements to support expansion or rebranding.
- Benefits: spreads cost, can be structured around project milestones
- Caution: ensure the lender understands retail timelines
Asset & equipment finance
For POS systems, refrigeration, display units or vehicles — either hire purchase or lease options.
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.
- Benefits: preserves cash, often tax-efficient
- Caution: check maintenance and end-of-term options
Invoice finance for wholesale-supplied shops
Unlock cash tied up in invoices from B2B customers to improve liquidity.
- Benefits: immediate cashflow boost
- Caution: fees and recourse terms vary by provider
How our retail loan matching works
Our process is designed to be quick and transparent. Typical turnaround from enquiry to lender contact is hours to a few days depending on complexity.
- Complete a short enquiry (under 2 minutes) — amount, purpose, and contact details.
- We match your business to 1–3 lenders or brokers who specialise in retail finance.
- A matched partner contacts you to discuss options and, if required, perform any checks.
- Compare offers and decide — there is no obligation to proceed.
Suggestion: include a small infographic on the page showing these 4 steps for quick visual reference.
No credit search is performed by us. Lenders or brokers may run a credit check later with your consent.
Eligibility snapshot for UK retailers
Each lender has its own criteria, but the table below illustrates common eligibility signals and documents that speed up the process.
| Likely eligibility signals | What to have ready |
|---|---|
| Trading 6+ months; consistent card takings or turnover | Recent business bank statements (3–6 months) |
| Turnover bands (varies by product) | Last 12 months turnover figures and VAT records |
| Clear use case (stock, refurbishment, equipment) | Basic project costs, supplier quotes or invoices |
| Management information for multi-site retailers | Latest management accounts or accountant contact |
Criteria vary widely; lenders make final decisions. Check what you could qualify for
Funding scenarios we see every week
High-street fashion boutique boosting summer stock
- Challenge: supplier trade terms too tight for seasonal purchase
- Solution: short-term stock finance to buy at discount
- Result: stock received before season, increased margins
- Timeline: enquiry → match → funds in 7–21 days (typical)
Community convenience store upgrading refrigeration
- Challenge: urgent equipment replacement to avoid spoilage
- Solution: asset finance with manageable monthly repayments
- Result: minimal downtime, preserved sales
- Timeline: funds often within 2 weeks
Online retailer opening a pop-up shop
- Challenge: short-term premises costs and fit-out
- Solution: tailored working capital and fit-out finance combo
- Result: pop-up launched on time, tested new physical channel
- Timeline: 1–4 weeks depending on paperwork
Illustrative examples only — not guarantees.
Responsible finance for retailers
We follow clear, fair and not misleading principles when introducing customers to finance partners. You will always be told who will contact you and why.
- Transparent introductions — you’ll know which broker or lender reached out
- Partners adhere to clear conduct standards when contacting you
- We only share your details securely with matched partners
Advertising and promotions should be clear and non‑misleading — lenders and brokers will provide full cost information including APR where applicable. Submit a compliant retail finance enquiry
What sets Fast Business Loans apart for retailers
Compared with searching multiple lenders yourself, our matching service saves time and increases the chance of a suitable match by connecting you directly with specialists.
| Going it alone | Fast Business Loans | Single lender approach |
|---|---|---|
| Many hours of research | Quick match to relevant partners | Limited offers |
| Higher chance of mismatch | Sector-aware matches | May not fit retail needs |
| No cost to compare | Free service for retailers | May charge fees |
Retail Funding FAQs
Clear answers to common retailer questions.
Are you a lender or broker?
We are an introducer — we connect you to lenders and brokers. We do not lend directly.
Does making an enquiry affect my credit score?
No. Submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks later with your permission.
What loan sizes are available for retailers?
Partners typically support requests from around £10,000 and upwards. Exact ranges depend on product and lender.
Can new shops apply?
Some partners specialise in newer businesses; eligibility depends on trading history, turnover and security. Complete an enquiry to see which partners can help.
How quickly could funding be arranged?
Simple working capital or equipment finance can be arranged in days to a few weeks; more complex facilities may take longer.
What fees should I expect?
Fees vary. Brokers will explain commission or fees and lenders will provide full cost disclosure including APR where relevant.
Can I apply if I’ve been declined elsewhere?
Yes — different lenders have different criteria. We may be able to match you with a provider suited to your circumstances.
Do you support franchise or multi-site retailers?
Yes — we work with partners experienced in franchise and multi-site funding structures.
Ready to unlock retail finance? Start here
If your shop needs funding for stock, equipment, a refit or to smooth cash flow, start with a quick enquiry. We’ll match you to the best-suited lenders and brokers so they can provide no-obligation quotes.
After you submit an enquiry:
- We match you to retail finance partners
- A broker or lender will contact you to discuss options
- You compare offers and decide — there’s no obligation
Get your retail finance quote now
No obligation. Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide regulated financial advice. We only share your details with matched finance partners; your data is handled securely.
1. What is Fast Business Loans and how does it help UK retailers? Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches UK shops with vetted lenders and brokers for retail finance, letting you compare tailored options quickly and free of charge.
2. Is the enquiry form a loan application? No—the online enquiry is an information-only eligibility check used to match you with suitable finance partners, and there’s no obligation to proceed.
3. Will submitting a retail finance enquiry affect my credit score? No, submitting an enquiry won’t affect your credit score; any credit searches are carried out later by the matched lender or broker and only with your consent.
4. What types of retail business finance can I be matched with? You can be connected to working capital loans, stock and inventory finance, shop fit-out/refurbishment funding, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance and non-MCA alternatives.
5. What loan amounts are typically available for UK shops? Partners commonly fund from around £10,000 and upwards, with the amount available depending on the lender, security and your business circumstances.
6. How quickly will I hear back and how soon could funding be arranged? Most retailers hear back within hours during business hours, and straightforward facilities can complete in days to a few weeks depending on paperwork and complexity.
7. What are the typical eligibility criteria for retail business loans? Lenders usually look for 6+ months’ trading, consistent card takings or turnover, and a clear use case such as stock, equipment or a fit-out.
8. What documents should I prepare to speed up approval? Have 3–6 months of business bank statements, recent turnover and VAT records, supplier quotes or invoices, and management accounts for multi-site retailers.
9. Can new shops, franchises or those declined elsewhere still get matched? Yes—some partners specialise in newer, franchise or previously declined retailers, and matching helps identify lenders whose criteria fit your situation.
10. What fees or costs should I expect? Fees vary by lender and product, but brokers will explain any commission and lenders will provide full cost disclosure, including APR where applicable, before you decide.