Am I Obliged to Proceed After UK Business Loans Matches Me with Lenders?

Quick answer: No. When UK Business Loans matches your retail or shop business with lenders or brokers, that introduction is non‑binding. You will receive quotes or calls so you can compare options. You only enter into a contract if you choose to accept an offer and sign paperwork. Ready to check your options? Get Quote Now — a quick, free eligibility check (from £10,000 upwards).

How matching works (retailers)

UK Business Loans connects retail businesses and shop owners with lenders and brokers that specialise in retail finance: stock finance, EPOS and equipment funding, fit‑out loans, merchant cash advances and short‑term working capital. The process is designed to be fast and simple:

1. Complete a short enquiry with basic business details and the loan amount you need (from £10,000 upwards).
2. We match your request with lenders and brokers in our panel who work with retailers and shops.
3. Selected partners contact you to discuss options and may request additional details to prepare quotes.
4. You compare offers and decide whether to proceed. Only after you agree to a lender’s terms and sign an application does the process move toward a legally binding loan.

Typical response times vary, but many retailers hear back within a few hours to 48 hours. Want to see how quickly you could get matched? Get Quote Now for a free eligibility check.

No obligation: what “matched” actually means for your shop

Short answer: being matched is an introduction, not a commitment. UK Business Loans acts as an introducer — we do not underwrite loans or provide the funds. Matching simply means we’ve shared your enquiry with lenders/brokers we believe can help your retail business.

What happens after a match:

• Lenders or brokers will contact you with indicative terms, rates and next steps.
• You can ask for more detail, request alternative quotes, or say you don’t wish to continue — at any time.
• Only when you complete a formal application with a lender and sign any agreement do you become contractually committed.

Real‑world example: A boutique owner seeking seasonal stock finance completed an enquiry. They were matched to three providers, received three indicative quotes, compared fees and repayment schedules, and only proceeded when one lender presented suitable terms and the owner signed the application. Until that signature, there was no obligation or credit search affecting their score.

Important note: the enquiry form you complete is not a loan application — it’s information we use to match you to the best providers. For a quick comparison, start a Free Eligibility Check.

Will I be charged? Do I pay UK Business Loans? Will my credit be affected?

Using UK Business Loans is free. We do not charge businesses for submitting an enquiry or for being matched. Our revenue comes from partners when enquiries convert.

Charges to be aware of:

• If you accept an offer, lenders or brokers may charge arrangement or origination fees — these will be disclosed by the lender before you sign anything.
• Any application fees, early‑repayment fees or other lender charges will be explained in the lender’s terms.

Credit checks:

• Initial matching and the enquiry itself do not affect your personal or business credit score.
• Some lenders may perform a soft credit check to pre‑qualify you — they will ask your permission first and soft searches do not show on your credit file to other lenders.
• Hard credit checks are only performed when you submit a formal application and have given consent — lenders will tell you before they run them.

Why retailers benefit from a no‑obligation match

Retailers can test the market without pressure. Common retail funding needs and how matching helps:

• Stock finance / inventory lines: quickly compare terms so you can buy seasonal stock without depleting cashflow.
• Merchant cash advance / card advance: see repayment flexibility and fee structures before committing.
• Asset & equipment finance: finance EPOS, refrigeration, or coffee machines with tailored quotes.
• Fit‑out or refurbishment loans: compare finance for shop refits and staged disbursement options.
• Short‑term working capital: source fast, short‑term loans for peak trading periods.

Matching lets you receive multiple, comparable offers so you can choose the solution that best protects margins and cashflow. To compare your retail finance options now, Get Quote Now.

How we protect your data & your rights

Your privacy matters. When you submit an enquiry you explicitly consent to UK Business Loans sharing relevant details with selected lenders and brokers to allow them to provide quotes. We only pass information necessary to match your request.

• Data is processed lawfully and held only for as long as needed to manage your enquiry.
• You can withdraw consent or ask us to stop sharing your details at any time — contact us using the details on our site.
• See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions for full details on data retention and rights.

Common scenarios: what happens next

Below are typical retailer journeys after being matched, and the points where you remain in control.

1. Indicative quote only — lender or broker provides APR, fees and repayment example. No application started. You compare and decide whether to proceed.
2. Partner contact to gather documents — a broker may request financials to put together a formal quote. You can stop the process at any time before signing an application.
3. Formal application & checks — if you choose a provider and submit an application, expect formal checks (including a hard credit search with consent). A legally binding commitment only occurs after you sign the loan agreement.

At each stage you can: request more time, ask for clearer fee breakdowns, request soft vs hard search clarification, or withdraw completely. This control is especially useful for retailers balancing seasonal cashflow and stock commitments.

Frequently asked questions

Am I obliged to proceed once UK Business Loans has matched me with lenders?

No. Being matched is a non‑binding introduction. You can compare offers and decide not to proceed — commitment only happens when you sign a lender’s agreement.

Do I have to go ahead after being matched with lenders through UK Business Loans?

No. You are under no obligation to accept any quote or to complete an application. Use the match to explore options and protect your cashflow.

Is there any commitment to move forward after I’m matched with lenders via UK Business Loans?

No. Matching simply shares your enquiry with suitable providers. Any commitment is only created if you apply and sign a loan contract with a lender.

Can I be matched with multiple lenders?

Yes. We often share enquiries with several partners so you can compare multiple competing offers and choose the best fit.

Is the service free?

Yes — it’s free for businesses to complete an enquiry and be matched. You only pay if you accept an offer that carries fees with the lender.

How long before I get offers?

Many retailers hear back within hours; typical timelines range from a few hours up to 48 hours depending on the complexity of the request.

Can I withdraw after submitting my enquiry?

Yes. Contact us at any time to withdraw consent and stop the referral process. You remain in control throughout.

Next steps

Want to explore your retail finance options with no obligation? Complete a short form (takes around 2 minutes) and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers tailored for retailers. It’s free, quick and non‑binding.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

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Helpful link for retailers: learn more about specific options on our retailers shop business loans page: retailers shop business loans.

We are an introducer and do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Any offers you receive will come directly from lenders or brokers; read their terms and ask whether a credit search will be performed before you apply.

1. Am I obliged to proceed after UK Business Loans matches me with lenders?
No — being matched is a non‑binding introduction and you only incur any commitment when you submit a formal application and sign a lender’s loan agreement.

2. Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — the enquiry and matching process do not affect your credit score; some partners may run a soft check with your consent and hard searches are only done if you formally apply and agree.

3. How much can I borrow through UK Business Loans?
Our partners typically offer business loans from £10,000 up to multi‑million funding, depending on your needs and the lender’s criteria.

4. Is the UK Business Loans service free?
Yes — using UK Business Loans and completing a free eligibility check is free for businesses; any lender fees only apply if you accept an offer.

5. How quickly will lenders or brokers contact me after I submit an enquiry?
Most retailers and shops hear back within a few hours, with typical response times up to 48 hours depending on the complexity of the request.

6. Can I be matched with multiple lenders so I can compare offers?
Yes — we often share enquiries with several trusted lenders and brokers so you can compare rates, fees and repayment terms before choosing.

7. What types of retail finance can I get matched for?
We match retail and shop owners with providers of stock finance, merchant cash advances, EPOS and equipment finance, fit‑out loans and short‑term working capital, among other products.

8. Are the lenders and brokers you work with regulated and trustworthy?
Yes — we partner with reputable, FCA‑regulated lenders and brokers who follow responsible lending and transparency standards.

9. What information or documents will lenders typically ask for?
Lenders usually request business details, recent bank statements, management or statutory accounts, ID and VAT/registration numbers as required by the product and lender’s underwriting process.

10. How is my data used and can I stop the referral process?
We only share the necessary information from your enquiry with selected partners to obtain quotes, and you can withdraw consent or ask us to stop sharing your details at any time by contacting us.