Construction business loans — are our lender & broker partners UK‑based and FCA‑regulated?

Summary (quick answer): UK Business Loans matches construction firms with UK‑based lenders and brokers. Some partners are FCA‑authorised for regulated activities, while others operate as commercial finance providers. We act as an introducer (we don’t lend or provide regulated advice). Below you’ll find how we vet partners, how to check a firm’s status, what protections may apply, and practical steps to take before accepting any quote.

Get a Free Eligibility Check — complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you with suitable lenders and brokers.

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Table of contents

• In plain terms: what “UK‑based” and “FCA‑regulated” mean
• How UK Business Loans works
• Are our partners UK‑based?
• Are our partners FCA‑regulated?
• Why FCA regulation matters for construction borrowers
• Checks you should make before accepting a quote
• Typical construction finance products
• How we use your enquiry & data protection
• Example: a matched construction enquiry
• FAQs
• Ready to get matched?

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In plain terms: what “UK‑based” and “FCA‑regulated” mean

• UK‑based — the firm’s main trading presence, offices or UK operations are located within the United Kingdom and they actively serve UK businesses.
• FCA‑regulated / FCA‑authorised — a firm holds permissions from the Financial Conduct Authority to carry out specified regulated activities (for example, advising on certain types of consumer credit or arranging regulated consumer credit). Not every form of commercial lending requires FCA authorisation.
• Why this matters: location affects local underwriting knowledge, speed of contact and legal governance; FCA‑authorisation indicates a firm has permissions and is subject to FCA rules where those activities are regulated.

Free Eligibility Check — start your enquiry in 2 minutes and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who understand construction.

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How UK Business Loans works

UK Business Loans is an introducer: we collect a small set of business details via a short enquiry form and use that information to connect you with appropriate lenders and brokers. We do not lend money and we do not provide regulated financial advice — we put you in touch with providers who will contact you directly with quotes and full terms.

1. Complete a quick enquiry (under 2 minutes).
2. We match your request to one or more appropriate partners (based on sector, loan size and product).
3. Selected lenders/brokers contact you to discuss options and issue quotes (they provide any regulated promotions or advice where required).
4. You decide which offer (if any) to accept and proceed with a formal application.

Get Quote Now — it’s free and no obligation.

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Are our partners UK‑based?

Yes — we prioritise matching UK construction businesses with lenders and brokers who operate in the UK. Our panel includes:

• Specialist construction & development lenders with UK underwriting teams
• Mainstream regional banks and challenger banks with UK presence
• Asset finance houses for plant and machinery, often with UK branches or appointed representatives
• Invoice finance providers serving UK supply chains
• Broker firms headquartered or authorised to trade in the UK

Why UK presence matters for construction borrowers:

• Local market knowledge (construction costs, regional labour rates, planning and local authority considerations).
• Faster site visits, asset valuations and inspection arrangements.
• Smoother legal and security processes for UK property and assets.

For more industry-focused guidance on funding in this sector, see our sector page on construction business loans.

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Are our partners FCA‑regulated?

Short answer: some are, and where a product or activity is regulated we expect partners to be authorised or have the correct permissions; other partners provide purely commercial finance not within the FCA remit.

What FCA‑regulated / FCA‑authorised means

The FCA authorises firms to carry out specific regulated activities. For certain credit products and for providers who give regulated advice, FCA authorisation is required. However, many commercial finance products (commercial development loans, some asset finance or bespoke bridging for companies) may sit outside FCA consumer-credit regulation.

How we check and vet partners

Before we add a partner to our panel we carry out basic verification checks that include:

• Confirming company details (Companies House records and trading address).
• Asking for evidence of professional standing, experience in construction finance and client references where relevant.
• Requesting an FCA registration number where the firm says it is authorised for regulated activities (we verify those numbers on the FCA register).
• Setting contractual terms for data handling and expected standards of conduct when they receive introductions from us.
• Ongoing monitoring — we review performance, client feedback and any regulatory changes that affect partners.

Important: UK Business Loans does not certify or guarantee every aspect of a partner’s conduct. Always verify material facts directly with the firm you’re introduced to.

How to verify for yourself

• Ask the broker or lender for their FCA registration number and check it on the FCA register: https://register.fca.org.uk/.
• Check Companies House details for the provider’s registered office and status: https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company.
• Request clear written terms that set out fees, security, repayment terms and complaints procedures.

Start your Free Eligibility Check and we’ll make introductions to appropriate partners quickly.

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Why FCA regulation matters for construction borrowers

FCA‑authorisation matters because it brings firms within a regulatory framework designed to protect customers where activities are regulated. Benefits can include:

• Obligations on firms to act fairly and provide clear information.
• Formal complaints processes and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service in relevant cases.
• Oversight and enforcement by a regulator (the FCA).

But: many commercial lending arrangements for limited companies and large development finance facilities are outside FCA consumer-credit regulation. That does not necessarily mean a lender is “untrustworthy” — it means different legal protections apply. Always ask whether a particular product is regulated and what protections (if any) are available.

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What checks you should make before accepting a quote

Ask these of any lender or broker that contacts you:

• Do you hold an FCA registration number for the activities you are proposing? If so, what is it? (Verify on the FCA register.)
• Who will be the contracting party — the lender or the broker? Request written identity and status.
• Provide full disclosure of fees, interest rates (or charging structure), arrangement fees, valuation costs and any early repayment penalties.
• Confirm security requirements (charges over property, personal guarantees, director pledges) and what will happen in default.
• Ask about expected timelines (site visit, decision, completion) and whether a valuation or survey is needed.
• Request the firm’s complaints procedure and whether disputes can go to the Financial Ombudsman Service (if applicable).

Get Quote Now — submit a short enquiry and we’ll connect you to firms that can explain these points clearly.

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Typical construction finance products our partners provide

• Asset finance — plant and machinery (often commercial; FCA involvement depends on product setup).
• Invoice finance — unlock cash from unpaid invoices for contractors and sub‑contractors.
• Bridging & development finance — short‑term project funding and development facilities (often commercial).
• Commercial mortgages — site purchase or refinance for construction companies and developers.
• Working capital & cashflow loans — unsecured or secured facilities for day‑to‑day operations.

Whether a product is regulated depends on its nature and on who is providing it — ask the provider to clarify.

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How your enquiry is used & data protection

When you submit our short enquiry we collect the minimum information needed to match you (business name, contact name, phone, email, amount required and brief purpose). We share your details only with selected, approved partners for the purpose of arranging quotes.

We handle data securely and only with your consent. Before submitting you will be asked to accept this statement: “I consent to UK Business Loans sharing my details with selected UK lenders and brokers for the purpose of providing finance quotes. I have read the Privacy Policy.” For full detail, see our Privacy Policy.

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Example match (anonymised)

Example: A regional contractor needed £120,000 to replace ageing excavators and bridge a 30‑day cashflow gap after a large invoice delay. After a short enquiry we introduced a UK‑based asset finance specialist and an invoice finance provider. Within 48 hours the broker arranged a combined solution—asset finance for the equipment and invoice discounting for working capital—allowing the contractor to keep crews on site while avoiding personal guarantees. Result: equipment delivered, cashflow restored, predictable repayments on commercial terms.

See if you qualify — Free Eligibility Check

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FAQs

Are your lender and broker partners UK‑based and FCA‑regulated?
We introduce businesses to UK‑based lenders and brokers. Some partners hold FCA authorisations for regulated activities and others operate commercially. Always ask the firm for an FCA number if you need regulated protection and verify it on the FCA register.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — making an enquiry with us does not affect your credit score. Partner lenders may carry out credit checks only if you proceed with an application.

Do you lend money?
No — UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects you to lenders and brokers who provide quotes and full terms directly.

How quickly will a broker or lender contact me?
Often within hours during business hours; typically within 24–48 hours depending on complexity and documentation required.

What if I have poor credit?
We can introduce you to a range of partners including specialist lenders who consider higher‑risk cases. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your score; lenders will explain options and any additional costs.

Who do I complain to if something goes wrong?
If the matter relates to a firm’s regulated activity, ask whether the firm is FCA‑authorised and whether the Financial Ombudsman Service can handle your complaint. For other disputes, the firm’s complaints procedure and your contractual documents set out the route to resolution.

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Ready to be matched with lenders & brokers who understand construction?

Complete a short, no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll match your business with UK‑based lenders and brokers who can provide quick, competitive quotes. Free and secure — start now:

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

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Compliance note: UK Business Loans does not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. We act as an introducer and match businesses with lenders and brokers. Lenders and brokers we introduce may be FCA‑authorised for regulated activities and will provide full terms and any required regulated promotions when they contact you. Check any firm on the FCA register: https://register.fca.org.uk/.

Written by: Head of Partnerships, UK Business Loans — 29 October 2025

1. How do I apply for construction business loans through UK Business Loans?
Complete our short, free eligibility enquiry (not a formal application) and we’ll match your construction business with suitable UK-based lenders and brokers.

2. Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — making an enquiry with UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score; lenders may carry out checks only if you proceed with an application.

3. Do you lend money directly or provide regulated financial advice?
No — UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects you to lenders and brokers; we do not lend or provide regulated advice.

4. Are your lender and broker partners UK‑based and FCA‑regulated?
We prioritise UK-based lenders and brokers; some partners are FCA-authorised for regulated activities while others provide purely commercial finance, so always ask for and verify an FCA number.

5. What types of construction finance can you help me find?
We match construction firms to a range of products including asset finance, invoice finance, bridging and development finance, commercial mortgages and working capital loans.

6. How quickly will a broker or lender contact me after I submit an enquiry?
Most partners contact you within hours during business hours and typically within 24–48 hours depending on complexity and documentation needed.

7. Can I get construction finance if I have poor credit?
Yes — we can introduce you to specialist lenders and brokers experienced in higher‑risk cases, though options and costs will vary by credit profile.

8. How do I verify a lender or broker’s FCA authorisation?
Ask the firm for their FCA registration number and check it on the FCA register at https://register.fca.org.uk/ to confirm permissions and status.

9. Does UK Business Loans charge fees for matching me with lenders?
No — our service is free and no obligation for businesses; any fees or charges will be disclosed by the lender or broker when they provide terms.

10. Is my enquiry data safe and how is it used?
Your details are handled securely and shared only with selected, approved UK lenders and brokers for the purpose of arranging finance quotes, with your consent and according to our Privacy Policy.