Business Loans in the UK — Compare Options and Get a Free Eligibility Check

Need business funding to move faster? UK Business Loans connects UK limited companies, LLPs and SMEs with trusted brokers and lenders who can help you secure suitable finance — quickly and without fuss.

Our service is free to use and there’s no obligation to proceed. Tell us what you need and we’ll match your enquiry to partners who understand your sector and requirements — often within hours.

We are not a lender and we do not provide financial advice. We act as an introducer, specialising in business loan introductions from £10,000 and upwards, matching you with brokers and lenders who will discuss your options directly.

What is a business loan?

A business loan is finance designed for commercial use. It can support working capital, growth initiatives, equipment purchases, refurbishments, and more. Depending on your goals, you can explore:

• Unsecured business loans: Based on your business profile and affordability, typically without specific asset security.
• Secured business loans: Backed by collateral such as property, equipment, or other assets — often with larger limits and potentially sharper pricing.
• Short‑term loans: Usually 3–24 months for cash flow, supplier payments, or time‑sensitive opportunities.
• Long‑term loans: For expansion, acquisitions, or substantial capex projects.
• Invoice finance: Funding against your receivables to release cash tied up in unpaid invoices.
• Asset and equipment finance: Acquire or refinance machinery, vehicles, or technology.
• Merchant cash advance: Flexible repayments linked to your card takings (if applicable).
• Sustainability and renewables finance: Funding for energy‑efficiency upgrades such as solar, EV charging and heat pumps.

Looking for sector‑specific options (e.g., construction or sustainability)? We’ll connect you with partners who understand your industry and can compare relevant solutions.

Why use UK Business Loans?

• Speed: Submit one short enquiry and get responses from suitable brokers/lenders — often the same day.
• Simplicity: One place to compare multiple commercial finance options tailored to your needs.
• Sector alignment: We match you with partners who understand your market and funding use case.
• Free and no obligation: It costs nothing to use our service, and you choose whether to proceed.
• Trusted network: We work with reputable UK brokers and lenders with strong track records.
• Privacy and security: Your details are only shared with selected partners relevant to your enquiry.

How our process works

1. Complete a quick enquiry: Share a few details about your business and funding requirements (takes around 2 minutes).
2. We match you with suitable partners: Based on sector, loan type, amount and purpose.
3. Receive a fast response: Expect an email or call to explore eligibility, products and next steps.
4. Compare and choose: Review terms, ask questions and proceed only if you’re happy. No obligation at any stage.

Types of business finance we can help you access

Unsecured business loans

• Flexible funding for working capital, marketing, inventory or hiring.
• Often faster to arrange as no specific asset security is required.
• Suitability depends on turnover, trading history and affordability.

Secured business loans

• Backed by property, equipment or other assets.
• Can support larger amounts and longer terms, subject to assessment.
• Useful for expansion, acquisitions or capex projects.

Short‑term business loans

• Designed for immediate needs or seasonal peaks.
• Common uses: bridging cash flow, supplier payments, contract mobilisation.

Start‑up and early‑stage funding

• Options for newly incorporated businesses and companies in early growth.
• Some partners consider revenue traction, contracts won, and director track record.

Cash flow loans

• Support payroll, stock purchases and supplier terms.
• Can smooth the timing mismatch between outgoings and customer receipts.

Invoice finance (factoring and discounting)

• Release funds tied up in outstanding invoices to improve liquidity.
• Helpful for businesses with long payment terms or rapid growth.

Asset and equipment finance

• Acquire, lease or refinance machinery, vehicles or technology.
• Common in construction, manufacturing, healthcare and logistics.

Vehicle and fleet finance

• Cars, vans, HGVs and EVs via hire purchase or lease structures.
• Support fleet upgrades and electrification plans.

Fit‑out and refurbishment finance

• Fund refurbishments and fit‑outs for retail, hospitality, offices and care facilities.

Refinance and consolidation

• Restructure existing debt to help cash flow or simplify repayments.

Sustainability and renewables finance

• Solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, heat pumps and efficiency upgrades.
• Lower energy costs and support ESG goals.

Merchant cash advance

• Repayments flex with your card takings, offering a variable alternative to fixed monthly payments.

Who we help

Business types

• Limited companies and LLPs
• Newly incorporated start‑ups and early‑stage companies
• Established SMEs and multi‑site operators
• Franchises and family‑run firms

Industries we frequently support

• Construction and building services
• Renewables and sustainability
• Agriculture and farming
• Hotels, hospitality, pubs and breweries
• Restaurants, catering and food production
• Healthcare, clinics and care homes
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Logistics, transport and warehousing
• Retail and e‑commerce
• Printing and packaging
• Trades: electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fit‑out

If your sector isn’t listed, submit an enquiry — we’ll aim to connect you with suitable partners.

Eligibility and what lenders look for

Criteria vary by lender and product. Typical considerations include:

• Trading history and turnover: Established revenue can help; some partners support early‑stage companies.
• Purpose of funds: A clear use case helps assess suitability.
• Affordability and cash flow: Ability to service repayments.
• Credit profile: Business and director credit may be considered; some partners can review imperfect credit.
• Security and guarantees: Available assets for secured loans; personal guarantees may be requested for unsecured facilities.
• Industry profile: Sector dynamics and perceived risks.

Documents and information checklist

Having the following ready can speed up assessments (requirements vary by product):

• Basic business details (company number, trading address, ownership)
• Recent bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
• Filed or management accounts (if available)
• Recent VAT returns (where applicable)
• Aged debtor/creditor reports (for invoice finance)
• Details of existing facilities (if refinancing)
• Director/owner ID and proof of address

Your matched broker or lender will confirm exactly what’s needed for the product you choose.

Costs, rates and fees — what to expect

• Rates vary: Pricing depends on the loan type, amount, term, security, sector and your business profile.
• Fees: Some products include arrangement, brokerage or early settlement fees. All costs will be disclosed by the broker or lender before you decide.
• No obligation: Reviewing quotes is free and you’re not committed to proceed.
• Credit checks: Submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. If you choose to proceed, lenders or brokers may conduct credit checks with your consent.

Responsible finance and transparency

• Clear, fair, not misleading: We present information to help you make informed decisions.
• Introducer only: UK Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide financial advice.
• Data protection: Your details are shared only with selected partners relevant to your enquiry.
• No‑pressure approach: You decide if and when to proceed.
• How we’re paid: Our service is free for business owners. We may receive a marketing or introducer fee from partners if you proceed. This does not change the terms you’re offered by the lender or broker.

Business loan examples and common use cases

• Retail and e‑commerce: Purchase stock ahead of peak seasons; accelerate marketing; smooth seasonal cash flow.
• Construction and trades: Fund materials and labour before client drawdowns; acquire plant and tools via asset finance.
• Hospitality and leisure: Refurbish venues; expand to new sites; manage off‑season cash flow.
• Manufacturing and engineering: Upgrade machinery; improve capacity; finance specialist equipment.
• Agriculture and logistics: Vehicles and fleet upgrades; cold‑chain equipment; warehouse improvements.
• Energy and sustainability: Solar, battery storage and efficiency upgrades to reduce operating costs.

Comparing loan types vs alternative finance

• Term loan vs invoice finance: If unpaid invoices constrain cash flow, invoice finance can unlock working capital and naturally repay as debtors pay. For longer‑term investments, a term loan may suit better.
• Unsecured vs secured: Unsecured funding can be quicker with less asset risk; secured options may support larger amounts or longer terms, subject to collateral.
• Merchant cash advance vs short‑term loan: If card takings fluctuate, an advance flexes with revenue; a short‑term loan offers predictable monthly costs.

Your matched broker or lender will outline product pros and cons for your circumstances so you can make an informed choice.

What happens after you submit your enquiry?

• You’ll receive a confirmation and may get a call or email from a suitable broker or lender — often the same day.
• They’ll ask for any additional details needed to assess eligibility.
• You’ll receive options, including key terms and costs, to review at your own pace.
• If you decide to proceed, your chosen broker or lender will manage documentation and completion.

Frequently asked questions

Is UK Business Loans a lender?

No. We’re an introducer. We connect UK businesses with trusted brokers and lenders who provide funding directly.

Does it cost to use your service?

No. It’s free for UK business owners and directors to submit an enquiry. If you proceed with a facility, we may receive a marketing or introducer fee from the partner.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Your enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. If you choose to progress with a lender or broker, they may perform credit checks with your permission.

How quickly will I hear back?

Often within hours of submitting your enquiry, depending on product type and documentation.

What loan amounts are available?

Our partners support a wide range of facilities from around £10,000 and upwards, subject to eligibility, product and lender assessment.

Do you support start‑ups?

Yes. Some partners specialise in newly incorporated companies and early‑stage businesses.

Can you help if I have imperfect credit?

Potentially. Some lenders will assess businesses with imperfect credit, subject to affordability and criteria.

What documents will I need?

Typically recent bank statements and basic business details. Requirements vary by product; your broker or lender will confirm exactly what’s needed.

Am I obligated to accept an offer?

No. You can review your options without commitment and proceed only if you’re happy.

Get your free eligibility check in minutes

• Complete our short, simple enquiry
• Get matched with suitable UK brokers and lenders
• Receive fast, no‑obligation quotes
• Choose the option that fits your business

1) What is UK Business Loans and how does it work?
UK Business Loans is an introducer that matches UK businesses with FCA-regulated lenders and brokers via a quick online enquiry so you can compare offers with no obligation.

2) How fast can I get a response and funding?
You’ll usually hear back within hours, and many partners can approve and fund in 24–72 hours depending on the finance type and your eligibility.

3) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—your enquiry won’t impact your credit score, and credit checks are typically done only if you choose to proceed with a lender.

4) What loan amounts and terms are available?
Our partners offer UK business loans from £5,000 to £5 million with flexible short-term and multi-year repayment options.

5) Do you help start-ups and small businesses?
Yes—many of our lenders specialise in start-up finance and SME working capital, even with limited trading history.

6) Can I get a business loan with bad credit?
Yes—some lenders consider adverse credit and CCJs, though costs, security and terms may differ.

7) What types of business finance can I compare?
You can compare unsecured and secured business loans, cashflow loans, invoice finance, asset and equipment finance, vehicle finance, commercial finance, fit-out finance, refinance options and green sustainability loans.

8) Do I need security or a personal guarantee?
Unsecured business loans often require a director’s personal guarantee, while secured loans may use property or equipment as collateral depending on the lender.

9) What documents do I need to apply?
Typically you’ll need basic business details plus recent bank statements, accounts or invoices and ID, though exact requirements vary by product and lender.

10) Does it cost to use UK Business Loans?
No—our service is free and no-obligation, and any broker or lender fees will be clearly disclosed by the finance partner before you proceed.