How do I get started — can I obtain a Quick Quote or a Decision in Principle online with UK Business Loans?

Summary — quick answer

Yes — you can get a fast, no‑obligation Quick Quote from UK Business Loans by completing our short enquiry. UK Business Loans is an introducer: we don’t lend directly but we match engineering businesses with lenders and brokers who can supply quotes quickly. Many partners can also provide an online Decision in Principle (DIP) or pre‑approval after an initial review, but a formal offer requires application, checks and documentation.

Get Quote Now — 2 minutes, no obligation.

Why engineering businesses choose specialist finance

Engineering and manufacturing companies often have specific funding needs: buying machinery, upgrading CNC lines, funding a large contract, releasing cash tied in invoices, or financing green upgrades. These needs frequently require lenders who understand asset values, contract terms and supply chains.

Using a specialist matching service saves time: one short form that connects you to multiple lenders and brokers who know the engineering sector and the types of finance that work best for it.

What is a Quick Quote vs a Decision in Principle (DIP)?

Quick Quote

A Quick Quote is an indicative, no‑obligation estimate based on a small set of business details (amount required, turnover, trading history, purpose). It helps you gauge likely options, pricing bands and whether a lender is interested — all without a formal application. Quick Quotes are typically provided rapidly by brokers or lenders after an initial review.

Quick tip: a Quick Quote is indicative — it is not a guaranteed offer and final terms will depend on verification and underwriting.

Decision in Principle (DIP)

A Decision in Principle is a stronger pre‑approval that signals a lender’s willingness to lend subject to verification. Some lenders or brokers can provide an online DIP quickly if your business details are clear and documentation is available. However, a DIP still isn’t a legally binding loan offer — final approval follows full checks, contracts and sometimes asset inspections.

Important: DIPs may involve soft or hard credit checks. A soft check leaves no footprint on your credit file; a hard check usually requires your consent.

How UK Business Loans gets you a Quick Quote (step-by-step)

1. Complete the short enquiry — basic business details and the finance you need. This takes around 2 minutes. Get Quote Now.
2. We match your case — your enquiry is routed to a small number of lenders/brokers who specialise in engineering finance and the amount you request (from around £10,000 upwards).
3. Initial review — matched partners typically perform a rapid eligibility review and may issue an indicative Quick Quote or invite you to a short call.
4. Receive quotes — you’ll normally hear within hours to 48 hours during business days; timings vary by lender and complexity.

Example: you need £120,000 to buy a used CNC lathe. You complete the Quick Enquiry (company turnover, trading years, amount, asset details). Within 24 hours a broker who specialises in machinery finance calls with an indicative quote and timescale for a DIP or full application.

Can I get a Decision in Principle online via UK Business Loans?

Short answer: sometimes. UK Business Loans does not issue DIPs itself. We introduce you to lenders and brokers — several of our partners can provide an online DIP or pre‑approval after they review your Quick Enquiry and supporting data.

Factors that increase the likelihood of an online DIP:

• Clear trading history (2+ years helps).
• Recent management accounts or filed accounts.
• Stable turnover and a sensible loan purpose (asset purchase, contract funding).
• No recent major defaults or undisclosed litigation.

Soft vs hard checks: many lenders use soft checks for initial pre‑qualification. A hard search (which may affect credit files) is only performed with your permission — you’ll always be told before that happens.

If you want a quick pre‑screen and the chance of an online DIP, complete our short form now: Free Eligibility Check.

What information & documents you’ll need

Prepare these items to speed up the process and improve the likelihood of a rapid DIP or firm quote:

• Company name and registration number
• Years trading and annual turnover
• Amount required (from £10,000 upwards) and purpose
• Recent management accounts or last 1–3 years’ accounts
• 3–6 months’ business bank statements
• Details of assets (manufacturer, model, serial numbers) for equipment finance
• Copy of contract, purchase order or supplier quote if funding a particular job
• Director ID and contact details

Quick tip: having supplier quotes and order confirmations to hand makes equipment finance quotes much faster and more accurate.

Typical finance options for engineering firms

Common products and what they’re best for:

• Asset & equipment finance (hire purchase, leasing) — good for purchasing CNC machines, presses, vehicles; preserves working capital.
• Invoice finance / factoring — unlock cash from unpaid invoices to improve cashflow between milestones.
• Contract / retention finance — bridge cashflow while waiting for milestone payments or retentions to be released.
• Business loans (secured / unsecured) — for working capital, refurbishment or smaller investments.
• Green & sustainability financing — for energy efficient machinery and upgrades that reduce long‑term running costs.

For deeper industry-focused detail see our page on engineering business loans which explains product choice in engineering and manufacturing situations.

How we match you to the right lender & what to expect after a match

We combine a quick algorithmic match with manual review: your enquiry is directed to a curated shortlist of partners experienced in engineering finance and the size of deal you need. Partners contact you directly to refine the quote, request documents, or run a DIP.

What happens next:

• A broker or lender will contact you to confirm details and may ask for documents.
• They may give a Quick Quote, issue an online DIP, or invite you to apply formally.
• If you proceed, lenders/brokers will complete underwriting and present formal terms — you then decide whether to accept.

We do not charge you for introductions — our service is free for applicants and exists to connect you rapidly to suitable finance partners.

Transparency & data use

UK Business Loans is an introducer: we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Your enquiry helps us match you with lenders or brokers who may contact you to discuss options. We will only share your details with selected partners relevant to your request.

By submitting an enquiry you agree that matched lenders or brokers may contact you by phone or email. Submitting a Quick Enquiry will not affect your credit score. Privacy: your information is handled securely — see our Privacy Policy for full details.

Quick case studies

Machine purchase — Midlands engineering firm
Needed £85,000 for a CNC mill. Submitted a Quick Enquiry in the morning; matched broker called same day and issued an indicative quote. DIP issued within 48 hours; funds released after final checks within 10 business days.

Contract cashflow — North‑West fabricator
Required £150,000 to meet a large contract. Introduced to a specialist invoice/contract finance broker who provided a rapid facility to cover retention and progress payments. First drawdown in under 2 weeks.

FAQs

Can I get a Decision in Principle (DIP) online via UK Business Loans?

We don’t issue DIPs — but many of our lender partners can provide an online DIP or pre‑approval after they assess your Quick Enquiry and documents.

How quickly will I get a Quick Quote?

Often within hours, typically within 48 hours on business days. Complex requests may take longer.

Will applying affect my business credit score?

No — the initial Quick Enquiry won’t. Lenders may perform soft checks; hard checks are only made with your consent.

What loan sizes do you arrange?

We typically arrange finance from around £10,000 upwards to several millions, depending on the lender and product.

Do you lend the money directly?

No. UK Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers who make lending decisions and disburse funds.

What should I do next?

Complete the short enquiry and we’ll match you quickly: Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Next steps — get started

Ready to explore options? Fill our quick enquiry (about 2 minutes) and we’ll connect you with finance partners who specialise in engineering and manufacturing. No obligation — you’ll receive rapid, relevant quotes and, where possible, an online DIP from a partner.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide finance or regulated financial advice. By submitting this enquiry you agree that selected lenders or brokers may contact you by phone or email. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score.

1. How do I get a Quick Quote and how long will it take?
Complete the 2‑minute Quick Enquiry form and matched lenders or brokers typically respond with an indicative Quick Quote within hours to 48 hours on business days.

2. Can I obtain a Decision in Principle (DIP) online via UK Business Loans?
UK Business Loans does not issue DIPs itself but will introduce you to partner lenders or brokers who often can provide an online DIP or pre‑approval after an initial review.

3. Will submitting a Quick Enquiry affect my business credit score?
No — submitting a Quick Enquiry will not affect your credit score; some partners may run soft checks and any hard credit search will only be done with your permission.

4. What loan sizes and finance types can engineering businesses access?
Through our network you can access finance from around £10,000 to multi‑million deals, including asset/equipment finance, invoice and contract finance, working capital loans and green/sustainability funding.

5. Do you lend the money directly or charge fees to applicants?
No — UK Business Loans is a free introducer that connects you with FCA‑regulated brokers and lenders; we do not lend money or charge applicants for introductions.

6. What documents should I have ready to speed up a Quick Quote or DIP?
To accelerate quotes and DIPs, have your company registration, years trading, turnover, recent management or filed accounts, 3–6 months’ bank statements, asset or supplier quotes and director contact/ID ready.

7. How does UK Business Loans match my business to the right lender or broker?
We use an algorithmic match plus manual curation to route your enquiry to a shortlist of lenders and brokers who specialise in engineering and the specific amount and product you need.

8. Can start‑ups or businesses with poor credit apply through UK Business Loans?
Yes — many partner lenders specialise in start‑ups and in supporting businesses with imperfect credit histories, though eligibility and terms depend on the lender and product.

9. How long does it take to receive funds after I accept an offer?
Timescales vary by product and lender, but straightforward asset finance or invoice facilities can often complete in days to a couple of weeks, while more complex facilities require longer for underwriting and documentation.

10. How will my enquiry data be used and who will contact me?
By submitting your Quick Enquiry you agree that selected, approved lenders or brokers may contact you by phone or email and your details will only be securely shared with partners relevant to your request.