Quick summary (TL;DR)

UK Business Loans does not lend directly but connects retailers to lenders and brokers who can provide shop finance. Typical outcomes:

• Many partners will fund pharmacies, convenience stores and newsagents.
• Typical loan sizes start from around £10,000 up to several hundred thousand depending on product.
• To start, complete a short enquiry — it’s a free eligibility check, not an application: Free Eligibility Check.

Who we are — and important compliance notes

UK Business Loans is an introducer that helps UK businesses find the most suitable lenders and brokers for their funding needs. We do not provide loans and we do not give regulated financial advice. Your enquiry is free and no obligation — it simply helps us match your business with the most relevant finance partners. Submitting an enquiry is not an application; lenders may contact you to request further information and will carry out credit checks if you proceed.

Important: We typically arrange loans from around £10,000 and upwards. Get Started — Get Quote Now.

Do our partners support pharmacies, convenience stores and newsagents?

Yes. Within our network are specialist lenders and brokers who regularly arrange finance for high‑street retailers and independent shops. Appetite depends on the product, the business model and how the shop generates income, but the common funding purposes we see are:

• Working capital to smooth seasonal cash flow or cover short gaps.
• Stock and inventory finance for peak trading periods (e.g. holidays, promotions).
• Asset and equipment finance (shop fittings, EPOS systems, dispensary equipment, refrigeration).
• Commercial mortgages and refinance for premises purchases or leasehold buy‑outs.
• Merchant cash advances or card‑turnover lending for businesses with strong card transactions.
• Bridging loans for time‑critical purchases or property transactions.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies have particular funding needs: dispensary equipment, software upgrades, NHS contract timing, and seasonal prescription volumes. Some lenders view pharmacies favourably because of recurring prescription income, but they do look for clear evidence of prescription volumes, NHS contract details (where relevant), landlord/lease status and regulatory compliance. Specialist pharmacy lenders and brokers can structure deals that consider seasonality and contract payments.

Convenience stores

Convenience stores often have steady card and cash turnover. Lenders will assess EPOS/merchant statements and stock management. Popular solutions include stock finance to buy seasonal goods, asset finance for fridges/dispensers, and merchant cash advances tied to card receipts. For larger projects (refit or premises purchase) commercial mortgages or secured business loans are used.

Newsagents

Newsagents are often small to medium turnover operations with seasonal peaks. Typical funding is smaller stock lines, short‑term loans for diversification (e.g. adding a coffee counter) and asset finance for equipment. Some lenders specialise in smaller retail loans and may accept shorter trading histories, though criteria will be stricter if credit issues exist.

Want to see product options for your shop? Start a free eligibility check: Get a Free Eligibility Check.

For more general retail sector background and the range of shop finance solutions we introduce to businesses, see our retailers overview at retailers shop business loans.

Typical finance products available for retailers

Below are the common products lenders and brokers offer to retail businesses, and when they are suitable.

• Stock / Inventory finance — short to medium term lines to buy seasonal or promotional stock. Typical amounts: £10k–£250k. Decision time: hours to a few days.
• Asset & equipment finance — for fridges, dispensers, EPOS, dispensary units. Often hire‑purchase or lease. Amounts: £5k–£200k. Decision time: 24–72 hours.
• Short‑term business loans / bridging — quick access for time‑sensitive needs. Amounts: £10k–£500k+. Terms vary from weeks to 24 months for bridging.
• Merchant cash advance / card income lending — advances repaid from card turnover. Useful for stores with high card transactions. Amounts: £5k–£250k. Decisions can be rapid.
• Invoice finance — where B2B elements exist (e.g. wholesale supply), unlock cash tied in invoices. Amounts typically £10k upwards.
• Commercial mortgage / refinance — for premises purchase or capital reorganisation. Amounts typically £50k–£5m. Process: several weeks to months.
• Business overdraft & credit cards — flexible short‑term cover; suitable for smaller working capital needs.

Decision times, rates and security requirements differ markedly between products and lenders. To compare tailored options for your shop, complete a quick enquiry: Compare offers — Free Eligibility Check.

Lender appetite & specialist broker capability

We match enquiries to lenders and brokers that actively look to fund retail businesses across the UK — from high‑street chains to independent shop owners. Some lenders prefer pharmacies because of predictable prescription income; others favour convenience stores with strong card turnover. Newsagents frequently work with lenders focused on smaller ticket sizes and equipment loans.

Our broker partners can source niche or specialist lenders where mainstream banks won’t, especially when businesses have unusual income profiles, short trading histories, or previous adverse credit. We operate nationwide, so location alone is rarely a blocking factor — but footfall, catchment and local competition are factors lenders assess.

Start your enquiry now — it takes about two minutes: Start Your Enquiry.

What affects approval for shop finance — practical checklist

Preparing these documents and facts will speed up the matching and decision process:

• Trading history — months/years trading and summary of performance.
• Recent accounts (last 1–3 years) and management accounts where available.
• Bank statements — typically last 3–6 months.
• VAT returns where applicable and proof of turnover.
• Merchant/EPOS statements showing card turnover.
• Lease or title documents and landlord details, or mortgage statements if owned.
• Details of NHS contract or prescription income for pharmacies.
• Business plan or quotes for refit/expansion when applying for larger amounts.

Common deal breakers: unresolved legal disputes, sustained heavy losses with no turnaround plan, undisclosed related-party liabilities. If any of these exist, specialist brokers in our network can often package the case to lenders who accept higher risk (with adjusted terms).

Ready to upload basic details? Upload documents & Get Quote Now.

Real example scenarios (anonymised)

Your business could be next — Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Frequently asked questions

Will applying affect my credit score?

No. Submitting our enquiry form is a soft, non‑impacting step. Lenders or brokers may perform credit checks later if you choose to proceed with an application.

What documents will lenders ask for?

See the checklist above. Typically: recent accounts, bank statements, VAT returns, merchant/EPOS statements, lease/title and proof of ID for directors.

How quickly will I get offers?

Often you’ll hear from matched brokers or lenders within hours during business hours; for more complex cases expect 24–72 hours for initial indicative offers.

Can you help if I have adverse credit?

Yes — some partners specialise in adverse or non‑standard credit cases. Terms may differ and rates may be higher; a specialist broker can advise realistic options.

Is the service free?

Yes. Our service for business owners is free and without obligation. We receive payment from partners when deals are completed, not from you when you enquire.

Can newly purchased shops apply?

Yes — lenders consider newly purchased shops, but they may require additional evidence (e.g. purchase contract, forward cashflows). Some specialist lenders accept shorter trading histories.

Still have questions? Fill in a short enquiry and our team will match you to the lenders/brokers best suited to your situation: Free Eligibility Check — Start Now.

Ready to get a quote?

Complete our short, secure enquiry form (takes under two minutes). We’ll match your business to the best lenders and brokers in our panel and you’ll receive a rapid response. There’s no cost and no obligation — just practical, relevant finance options for your shop.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check