Why this matters

Comparing several working capital options helps you find the most suitable, cost‑effective solution for your business. However, repeatedly applying directly to lenders can trigger hard credit searches that are visible to other lenders and can lower credit scores. That’s why many businesses prefer an introducer service that organises soft pre‑qualification checks so you can compare indicative offers without impacting your credit file.

Get Quote Now — a short enquiry lets us match you to lenders and brokers who can provide fast, no‑obligation quotations.

How UK Business Loans helps you compare working capital options safely

We act as a quick, simple bridge between your business and a panel of specialist lenders and brokers. We do not lend — we introduce. Our process is built to preserve your credit position while delivering fast comparative quotes.

1. Complete a short enquiry: basic company details and the type/amount of finance you need. This is not a loan application — it’s an eligibility check we use for matching.
2. We match you: we introduce your enquiry to a small number of lenders/brokers best suited to your sector and requirements.
3. Indicative checks: partners typically run a soft check to give you an indicative quote or pre‑qualification outcome.
4. Compare offers: receive multiple indicative offers by email/phone so you can compare terms, rates and speeds.
5. Proceed only if you choose: a full application — and any hard search — happens only when you instruct a lender to progress.

Turnaround: many enquiries receive responses within hours during business days. For more complex cases it may take longer.

Free Eligibility Check — it’s quick, confidential and non‑binding.

Soft credit checks vs hard credit checks — what to expect

Understanding the difference between soft and hard checks is key to protecting your business credit position.

Soft credit check (soft search)

– Used for pre‑qualification or affordability estimates.
– Provides limited information to lenders (enough to assess likely eligibility).
– Does not appear on your public business credit file and does not affect your credit score.
– Common for initial broker/lender enquiries and marketplace pre‑screens.

Hard credit check (hard search)

– Performed for formal applications or final underwriting.
– Visible on your credit file and may affect your credit score (often a small, temporary impact).
– Usually only carried out with your explicit permission when you want to progress.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Which working capital products are likely to use soft checks?

Below is a practical guide to the common types of working capital finance and when soft and hard checks usually occur.

If you want to compare multiple cashflow options quickly and without a credit footprint, start a free eligibility check.

Real examples — typical scenarios

Seasonal retailer: A clothing retailer needed £60k for seasonal stock. Rather than apply to five banks (which would create multiple hard searches), the retailer completed our short enquiry. We matched them to three brokers who carried out soft pre‑checks and provided two suitable invoice finance and one unsecured short‑term loan option. The retailer compared terms and chose the best fit — no hard searches until they selected a provider.

Construction subcontractor: A subcontractor waiting on large invoices required short‑term cashflow of £25k. Through our service they were introduced to specialist invoice finance providers who used soft checks for indicative offers. This saved time and kept their credit file clean until they decided which facility to take to full application.

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What we’ll ask for (and why)

Our short enquiry asks for only the minimum information needed to match you to appropriate partners. Typical details include:

• Company name and registration number
• Turnover band and time in business
• Approximate finance required (we typically handle loans from £10,000 and upwards)
• Type of finance you’re interested in (e.g. invoice finance, overdraft, short‑term loan)
• Contact name, phone and email
• Any relevant credit history flags (defaults, CCJs) — optional but helpful

Only share what you’re comfortable with. The enquiry is used to match you efficiently — it is not a direct loan application.

Start Your Free Enquiry

Trust, transparency and how we work

UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects limited companies with lenders and brokers. We do not make lending decisions or provide regulated financial advice. We help you compare options and put you in touch with finance partners who can offer quotes and, if you choose, progress an application.

Your data is handled securely and shared only with selected partners relevant to your enquiry. Submitting a form does not commit you to anything — it simply allows us to obtain indicative offers on your behalf. We make revenue when businesses complete the enquiry process and a lender/broker connects with them.

If you want to learn more about restructuring debt or consolidating facilities, see our related page on cashflow loans which covers refinance and restructuring solutions.

Frequently asked questions

Will submitting an enquiry affect my business credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not by itself affect your business credit file. Our initial matching usually leads to lenders performing soft eligibility checks. A hard search is carried out only with your explicit permission.

What is a soft search?

A soft search is a limited credit check used for pre‑qualification that does not show on public credit files and does not affect credit scores.

Do I have to accept any offer?

No. You are under no obligation to accept any offers. You decide which provider, if any, to progress with.

How quickly will I receive quotes?

Many enquiries receive responses within a few hours during business hours. Complexity or additional documentation needs can extend this timeframe.

What loan sizes do you handle?

We generally work with loans and facilities from around £10,000 and upwards.

Next steps — get a free eligibility check

If you’d like to compare several working capital options without impacting your credit profile, complete a short enquiry and we’ll match your business to the best lenders and brokers for your needs. The enquiry is free, quick and non‑binding — and our partners will use mainly soft checks for initial quotes.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

By submitting your enquiry you consent to UK Business Loans passing your details to selected lenders/brokers who may contact you by phone or email. This is an introductory service and not a loan application. No hard searches are performed without your permission.