Quick answer — No fee for eligibility checks or introductions

UK Business Loans acts as an introducer: we connect farm businesses with specialist lenders and brokers. We do not charge farmers for an initial eligibility check or for introducing your business to potential finance partners. Our service is free and without obligation — you only pay any lender or broker fees if you enter into an agreement with them and those fees are charged by that provider, not by UK Business Loans.

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How UK Business Loans helps farmers

We specialise in matching UK farm businesses (minimum loan enquiries typically from around £10,000) with lenders and brokers who understand agricultural finance. We can help you explore finance options for:

• Farm equipment and machinery finance
• Seasonal working capital and cashflow support
• Land improvements, farm buildings and development finance
• Asset and invoice finance
• Green and sustainability projects for farms (e.g., renewables, efficiency)

Typical process:

1. Complete a short enquiry (takes around 2 minutes) — Free Eligibility Check.
2. We match your request to suitable lenders/brokers who specialise in agriculture.
3. Your matched partner contacts you with likely options and a fee breakdown where applicable.
4. You compare offers and decide with no obligation.

To read more about the kinds of farm finance we commonly handle, see our farming loans page on the site: farming loans.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Why eligibility checks and introductions are free to farmers

Our business model is lead-introduction based. We do not charge farm owners for initial screening or for arranging introductions. Instead, UK Business Loans earns revenue when a farm business completes the enquiry and is matched — our partners (lenders or brokers) may pay for qualified leads or pay commission on completed deals. That means:

• There is no upfront fee from you to UK Business Loans to check eligibility or make an introduction.
• You can request a free, no-obligation quote without affecting your credit score.
• The cost of our service is not added to the initial eligibility check.

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When might fees appear — later-stage charges you should expect

Although the initial introduction is free, some fees can appear later in the lending process. These fees are charged by lenders or brokers and are not fees for our introduction service. Common later-stage charges include:

1. Lender arrangement or facility fees

Some lenders charge an arrangement or facility fee for setting up the loan. This can be a percentage of the loan or a fixed amount. Often it can be added to the loan balance rather than paid upfront — ask your lender how they handle it.

2. Broker advisory or success fees

Many brokers work for a commission paid by the lender when a deal completes. In other cases — particularly for complex, bespoke or advisory work — the broker may charge you directly, either upfront or on completion. Always ask for the broker’s fee policy in writing.

3. Valuation, legal and third-party fees

For secured lending (land, property or certain asset finance) expect costs for valuations, legal work, searches or surveys. These are charged by third parties (surveyors, solicitors) and vary by case.

4. Interest, running charges and default penalties

Interest, periodic fees, and charges for missed payments or defaults are set by the lender and are part of the financing product — not an introducer fee.

Best practice: ask for a full written fee breakdown before you accept an offer. If you want, tell us when you submit your enquiry and we’ll ask matched partners to confirm likely fees early in their proposal.

Free Eligibility Check — ask us to flag likely fees

Who usually pays broker fees?

There are two common models:

• Lender-paid commission: Most brokers receive commission from the lender after a successful completion. This means you normally do not pay the broker directly.
• Client-paid advisory fee: For complex financing or bespoke advisory work, a broker may charge you an upfront or completion fee. This is more common on larger or specialist deals.

Always ask a simple question up front: “Will you charge me a fee? If so, how and when?” and insist on written confirmation. If you’re unsure, ask us to clarify when we pass your details to partners.

Start your enquiry — we’ll match you with transparent partners

How to keep costs transparent — 6 practical tips

1. Ask for a written fee schedule and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) where applicable.
2. Request that brokers/lenders disclose who pays which fees and whether any fees are refundable if the application fails.
3. Check whether valuation or legal fees can be included within the loan rather than paid separately.
4. Compare at least two proposals to spot differences in fee structure and total cost.
5. Keep copies of all fee quotes and communications in writing.
6. Ask whether any early repayment charges apply if you might refinance later.

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What information we need for a free eligibility check

Our short enquiry collects key details so we can match you quickly and accurately. Typical fields include:

• Business name and structure (e.g., limited company, partnership)
• Estimated annual turnover
• Loan amount required (we typically handle enquiries from £10,000 upwards)
• Purpose of loan (equipment, seasonal cashflow, land works, etc.)
• Time in business and basic trading history
• Contact details

Submitting the initial enquiry does not affect your credit record. Partner lenders or brokers may run credit checks later in the application process, but only with your consent.

Free Eligibility Check — fill the short form

Typical timeline — from enquiry to lender contact

Expect a fast initial response, though exact timings vary by case and loan complexity:

• Submit form — 2 minutes.
• Matching — often within hours; you may see same-day matches in business hours.
• Contact from lender/broker — typically within hours to 48 hours.
• Application and documentation — depends on loan type; secured loans take longer.
• Decision and offer — from same day (for some asset finance) to several weeks (for complex development or land finance).

Get Started — quick enquiries often yield same-day responses

Compliance and what to ask your broker or lender

UK Business Loans is an introducer that helps match farm businesses with finance partners. We are not a lender and do not provide regulated financial advice. When you speak to any broker or lender, consider asking:

• “Do you charge any fees? If so, can you send a written breakdown?”
• “Who pays each fee and when are they payable?”
• “Will you run a credit check? If so, when and with my consent?”
• “What alternatives exist if my application is declined?”

Clear, fair and not misleading information helps you make an informed choice — it’s in your interest to get all fees and terms in writing before committing.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are farmers charged by UK Business Loans for eligibility checks or introductions?

No. UK Business Loans provides free, no-obligation eligibility checks and introductions. We earn revenue when a business owner completes the enquiry and a lender or broker pays for the qualified lead or commissions on completion.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — our initial enquiry does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks later in the application process, but they will only do so with your permission.

Could a broker or lender still charge me directly?

Yes. Some brokers or lenders may charge arrangement, advisory, legal or valuation fees. They must disclose any fees before you accept an offer — always ask for a full fee breakdown in writing.

How soon will I get a quote?

Many businesses receive contact within hours; simple equipment or asset finance can produce quotes quickly. Complex development or secured land finance can take longer.

What if I’m refused — will I be charged?

You will not be charged by UK Business Loans if you are refused. If a broker or lender charges application or advisory fees, ask their policy on fees for refused applications before you proceed.

Still unsure? Get a Free Eligibility Check — Start Your Enquiry

Ready to get a free eligibility check for your farm?

It takes around 2 minutes to complete our short enquiry form. There’s no cost, no obligation and it does not affect your credit score. We’ll match you with lenders and brokers who understand farming and can provide a clear breakdown of likely costs.

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