Quick answer

Short answer: Many retailers hear from a matched lender or broker within a few hours — typically the same business day or within 24–48 hours. Simple working‑capital and stock finance requests often get the fastest responses; larger, secured or bespoke packages can take 2–5 working days or longer. Submitting a short enquiry is not an application and usually does not affect your credit file. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

How UK Business Loans connects retailers with lenders and brokers

We’re a connection service that helps retailers find the best finance partners quickly. Our simple, 2‑minute enquiry gathers key information so we can match you to lenders and brokers who specialise in retail finance (stock finance, POS upgrades, invoice finance, asset or vehicle funding).

1. Complete the short enquiry form.
2. We match your request to appropriate lenders/brokers in our panel.
3. Matched lenders or brokers contact you by phone or email with an indicative quote or follow‑up questions.

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Typical response times — what you can expect

Immediate — within a few hours (same day)

Which enquiries: straightforward working‑capital needs, merchant cash advances, merchant services and online instant‑decision lenders, or when a broker has pre‑approved rates. During UK business hours many brokers aim to call within hours. Expect a brief eligibility check, a pitch of suitable products, or an emailed indicative quote.

Within 24–48 hours

Which enquiries: standard unsecured business loans up to mid‑size amounts, common asset finance deals, initial invoice finance enquiries. What happens: an initial phone/Email contact, a short eligibility conversation, and a request for basic documents (e.g., recent bank statements).

2–5 working days

Which enquiries: larger loans (typically from £10,000 upwards), secured lending, asset or vehicle finance requiring valuation, refinancing or multi‑lender broker packs. What happens: brokers pull terms from several lenders, gather further documents, and prepare comparative quotes — this takes time to ensure accurate, tailored offers.

Longer (1–2+ weeks)

Which enquiries: commercial mortgages, property development finance, complex refinance or specialist structures requiring underwriting, surveys or legal due diligence. Lenders and brokers may need to schedule valuations, speak to solicitors or underwriters — so these cases commonly take longer.

Note: These times are typical estimates. Response speed depends on lender/broker availability and the completeness of your enquiry. UK Business Loans introduces you to partners but cannot guarantee how quickly any third party will contact you. Get a free eligibility check

Factors that influence how quickly lenders or brokers contact you

• Loan type & complexity: Stock finance or short‑term merchant cash advances usually move fastest. Development or property finance needs more checks.
• Loan amount: Larger sums typically require additional underwriting and take longer to review.
• Completeness of your enquiry: providing phone, best contact times, turnover, requested amount, and purpose speeds matching.
• Time of day & business hours: enquiries made outside UK business hours, weekends or bank holidays will usually be processed the next working day.
• Credit history & company status: cases with complex credit histories or unusual company structures can prompt extra questions before contact.
• Seasonality & retailer cycles: peak trading periods (e.g., run‑up to Christmas) increase lender/broker workload — urgent seasonal requests may receive priority, but overall queues can be busier.
• Lender/broker workload & specialism: niche or specialist lenders may have slower processes but better tailored offers; high‑volume brokers may contact quickly but request more documentation.

Best‑case data to include in your enquiry to speed responses: requested amount, annual turnover, typical monthly bank balance, how the funds will be used (e.g., stock for spring season), and preferred contact times. The more accurate your enquiry, the faster and more relevant the matches.

What to expect when a lender or broker contacts you

When a matched partner gets in touch they typically follow this sequence:

1. Initial verification call or email — confirm business details, the purpose of funds and high‑level eligibility.
2. Follow‑up requests for documents — common items: recent bank statements (usually 3–6 months), management accounts or accounts filings, VAT registration, proof of ID, and details of outstanding debts.
3. Indicative quote or term sheet — a written summary of rates, fees and key terms sent by email.
4. Formal application — if you choose to proceed the lender or broker will submit the application and, with your consent, carry out any credit or affordability checks required.

Channels: contact is usually by telephone and email, sometimes SMS. Lenders and brokers will identify themselves and reference your UK Business Loans enquiry. You are under no obligation to accept any offer.

Start your free eligibility check

Quick tips to speed up lender contact and get better quotes

• Have recent 3–6 months bank statements ready (digital copies help).
• Prepare turnover figures, average stock value and typical supplier payment terms.
• State exactly how funds will be used (e.g., seasonal stock purchase, POS upgrade).
• Provide a best contact number and preferred times to take calls.
• Be upfront about past credit issues — it saves time and avoids unsuitable matches.
• If urgent, note the timeframe in your enquiry (e.g., “need funds within 7–14 days”) — time‑sensitive enquiries are often prioritised.

Remember: a clear, accurate enquiry returns faster, more relevant contacts and quotes. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Retailer-specific considerations

Retailers often need short lead times and flexible funding to match buying cycles. Common retail use cases include:

• Stock finance ahead of peak trading (Christmas, Black Friday, seasonal collections).
• POS and e‑commerce upgrades to increase conversion and manage omnichannel sales.
• Bridging cashflow while awaiting supplier credits or wholesale receipts.

Because of seasonal urgency, lenders and brokers that specialise in retail may prioritise time‑sensitive requests — but they still need adequate documentation to produce accurate quotes. For more on finance options tailored to shops, see our Retail industry page on Retailers & Shop Business Loans.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Privacy, compliance and what UK Business Loans does — clear legal information

UK Business Loans is an introducer/connection service. We do not lend money and do not provide regulated financial advice. We match your enquiry with lenders and brokers who may contact you. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and does not usually affect your credit score. Any lender or broker that proceeds with an application may perform their own checks with your consent.

We only share your details with selected partners relevant to your request. See our Privacy Policy for full details. By submitting an enquiry you consent to being contacted by matched lenders or brokers about finance options for your business.

Frequently asked questions

How soon will a lender contact me after I submit the form?

Often within a few hours — typically the same business day or within 24–48 hours. Complex or higher‑value requests may take 2–5 working days or longer.

Will completing the enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your credit file. Lenders may carry out credit checks later if you proceed with an application.

Who will contact me — a lender or a broker?

Either. We match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in retail finance. They will identify themselves and reference your enquiry.

Do I have to accept an offer if someone contacts me?

No. Introductions are free and without obligation — you decide whether to proceed with any offer.

What documents should I have ready?

Typically recent bank statements (3–6 months), management accounts or statutory accounts, proof of ID, VAT registration and details of any existing facilities.

What is the minimum loan size you can help with?

We help arrange business finance typically from around £10,000 and upwards. If your finance needs are below this, please contact us to discuss options.

Ready to get a fast quote for your shop or retail business?

Complete our short enquiry now and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who understand retail. Most matched partners contact retailers within hours or within 24–48 hours. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check