Small Business Loans for UK SMEs

Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK limited companies and growing SMEs find business loan and finance solutions from specialist lenders and brokers. Our free, no-obligation enquiry is not an application — it’s a secure way to share key details so we can match you to the right provider for loans from £10,000 and up. Submitting an enquiry won’t affect your credit score; you decide whether to proceed after quotes are provided.

What is a small business loan?

In the UK a small business loan is a form of commercial finance provided to companies to support working capital, investment or one-off costs. Loans may be unsecured (no asset taken as security) or secured (against property, plant or equipment). Typical uses include cash flow smoothing, purchasing stock or equipment, refinancing existing debt, property fit-outs and growth projects.

• Typical loan sizes we help arrange: from £10,000 upwards (subject to lender criteria).
• Common structures: term loans, invoice finance, asset finance, revolving facilities and short-term bridging finance.
• Important: availability and terms depend on your company profile and the lender’s appetite; Fast Business Loans does not lend directly.

Get a Free Eligibility Check — it’s a quick enquiry, not an application.

Why consider a small business loan now?

Many businesses face increased costs, seasonal cashflow swings and supply-chain pressures. A well-chosen loan can:

• Stabilise day-to-day cashflow.
• Fund growth projects (premises, staff, equipment).
• Replace expensive short-term borrowing with more affordable terms.
• Enable investment in sustainability or technology to reduce long-term costs.

Deciding to borrow should always be part of a clear plan — if you’re unsure, the enquiry will connect you to brokers who can show multiple options for comparison.

How Fast Business Loans supports your search

Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We don’t provide loans or regulated financial advice — we match your business to lenders and specialist brokers who can. Our service is free and without obligation.

• Access to a broad panel of UK lenders and brokers across sectors.
• Sector-aware matching so you talk to partners who understand your needs.
• Soft-search approach at enquiry stage — no initial credit impact.
• Human follow-up to clarify options and next steps.

Start with a simple enquiry and we’ll handle the introductions: Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Types of small business finance we can introduce

Unsecured business loans

Unsecured loans require no business asset as security. They suit companies with a strong trading record and a need for quick working capital. Note: these typically cost more than secured options and may be limited in size.

Secured business loans

Secured lending (e.g., against property or equipment) can unlock larger sums at lower rates. Suitable where the business wants longer-term funding or larger capital investments. Understand the implications — defaulting could put secured assets at risk.

Short-term & bridging finance

Short-term facilities and bridging loans are for immediate funding gaps (e.g., pending invoice settlement or property transactions). They can be arranged quickly but often carry higher costs; good for short durations where speed is essential.

Revolving credit & overdraft alternatives

Revolving facilities offer ongoing flexibility for working capital, allowing drawdowns up to an agreed limit and repayments that free up capacity again. Useful for seasonal businesses and fluctuating cash needs.

Invoice, asset & equipment finance

• Invoice finance: Unlock cash tied in unpaid invoices.
• Asset & equipment finance: Fund new machinery, vehicles or IT with the asset often acting as security.

Sector expertise

Our panel includes partners experienced in construction, hospitality, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, logistics, sustainability projects and more. Each sector has common funding needs — for example, hospitality often needs seasonal cashflow; construction may require staged funding for materials and labour. Tell us your sector in the form so we can match you faster.

For a broader overview of targeted options for SMEs see our small business loans industry page on small business loans.

Eligibility snapshot & documents

Each lender sets its own criteria. Typical items lenders review include trading history, turnover, management accounts, cashflow and director records.

General minimums (varies by lender)

• Loan sizes usually start at £10,000 and can go into the millions.
• UK-registered limited companies are the primary clients we assist.
• Some specialist partners consider newer businesses or growth-stage companies.

Common documents you may be asked for

• Management accounts or statutory accounts (past 1–3 years).
• Bank statements (typically 3–6 months).
• VAT returns (if applicable) and business plan or cashflow forecast for larger facilities.
• Proof of ID and address for directors where required.

Provide these once and share securely with matched brokers to speed the process. Start your free enquiry — it takes under 2 minutes.

The Fast Business Loans 4-step matching process

1. Share key details: Complete our short enquiry form — trading status, loan amount, purpose and contact.
2. Smart matching: We match your submission to lenders/brokers with the right appetite for your sector and loan size.
3. Rapid contact: Matched partners will contact you (typically within hours) to discuss specifics and may request supporting documents.
4. Compare and decide: Receive quotes and terms, compare options and choose the best fit. You are under no obligation to proceed.

Remember: the enquiry is not a loan application. You’ll only proceed to formal applications with the lender or broker you select.

What will a small business loan cost?

Costs vary by product, lender and business risk profile. Main cost elements include:

• Interest rate (variable across providers).
• Arrangement or facility fees.
• Security valuation or legal fees for secured loans.
• Early repayment charges for some facilities.

We encourage comparing total cost of credit (including fees) across quotes. Use the enquiry to receive tailored pricing from matched lenders: Get Quote Now.

Responsible borrowing & compliance

Borrow only what you can afford to repay. Lenders perform affordability assessments and may require director guarantees or security. Fast Business Loans makes transparent introductions; lenders will provide full key product information and terms before any commitment.

Data you submit is shared only with relevant finance partners and handled securely according to our privacy policy. Submitting an enquiry does not commit you to any fee or product.

How fast could you get funding?

Timescales vary by loan type:

• Short-term working capital or invoice finance: often same-day to a few days once documents supplied.
• Unsecured and smaller term loans: typically 3–10 working days.
• Secured or property-related finance: several weeks due to valuations and legal work.

Having documents ready speeds the process. Complete the short form and matched partners will advise realistic timelines for your situation: Free Eligibility Check.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No. We are an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. Matched partners handle assessments and lending decisions.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit file?

No — submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks if you choose to proceed with a formal application.

How much can I borrow?

Our partners typically arrange finance from £10,000 upwards. Exact amounts depend on lender criteria, business performance and security offered.

Do you charge to use the service?

No. Fast Business Loans is free for business owners. Any fees or charges will be disclosed by the lender or broker you select.

Can I apply if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

Possibly. We work with a broad panel and specialist partners who consider varied credit profiles. Complete the enquiry and we’ll aim to match you appropriately.

Ready to explore your small business loan options?

If your limited company needs funding of £10,000 or more, the quickest way to get matched is to complete our short, secure enquiry. We’ll use your details only to connect you to the most relevant lenders and brokers — you then choose whether to proceed.

Get Your Free Eligibility Check — fast, no obligation, and won’t affect your credit score.

Disclaimer: Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender or regulated financial adviser. Loans are subject to lender approval and terms. Always consider the affordability implications and seek independent advice if unsure.

– How does Fast Business Loans work for UK SMEs? We’re an introducer that matches UK SMEs to trusted lenders and brokers for small business finance, free and with no obligation to proceed.

– Is your enquiry a loan application or a credit check? No—our online enquiry is not a loan application and won’t affect your credit score; checks only occur if you choose to proceed with a lender.

– How much can I borrow with a UK small business loan? Our partners typically arrange funding from £10,000 upwards, with larger amounts available where security or strong trading supports it.

– How quickly can UK SMEs get funding? Funding can be as fast as same day for invoice or short-term facilities, around 3–10 working days for many unsecured loans, and several weeks for secured or property-backed finance.

– What types of small business finance can you introduce? We can introduce unsecured and secured business loans, invoice finance, asset and equipment finance, revolving credit/overdraft alternatives, and short-term or bridging finance.

– What are the eligibility criteria for a small business loan in the UK? Eligibility varies by lender but typically suits UK-registered limited companies with demonstrable trading and turnover, though some specialists consider newer or growth-stage businesses.

– What documents do lenders usually ask for? Lenders commonly request recent management or statutory accounts, 3–6 months’ bank statements, VAT returns if applicable, cashflow forecasts for larger facilities, and director ID/address.

– What will a UK small business loan cost me? Total cost depends on product and risk, usually combining an interest rate with arrangement and possible valuation/legal fees, so compare tailored quotes to assess the true cost of credit.

– Do I need security or a director’s guarantee? Unsecured loans may require a personal (director) guarantee, while secured loans are backed by assets such as property or equipment that could be at risk if you default.

– Can you help if I’ve been declined elsewhere or have a low credit score? Yes—our broad panel includes specialist lenders and brokers who consider varied credit profiles, so submit a free eligibility enquiry to check your options.