Quick answer — what happens when you make an enquiry

In short: filling in the UK Business Loans enquiry form does not create a hard credit search and will not directly affect your business or personal credit score. Our form collects basic business and contact information so we can match you to lenders and brokers with relevant products. Lenders may carry out preliminary checks (often soft searches) to give indicative quotes, and a formal application — which you control and consent to — can trigger a hard search that may show on credit files.

Want reassurance now? Start a Free Eligibility Check — no obligation: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

How UK Business Loans handles enquiries (we’re an introducer, not a lender)

We introduce accountants, firms and limited companies to brokers and lenders that specialise in business finance. We do not provide or underwrite loans. When you submit an enquiry we:

• Collect a small set of details to understand your business, funding purpose and approximate requirements (we generally handle enquiries for funding from £10,000 upwards).
• Match those details with lenders and brokers in our panel who can consider accountant-run practices and professional services.
• Pass your information only to selected partners who are likely to be able to help; they then contact you to discuss suitable solutions.

If you’re ready to see who can help your practice today: Start Your Free Enquiry

For accountants seeking sector-specific guidance, see our industry page on Accountants Business Loans.

Soft search vs hard search — what affects your credit score?

Understanding the difference between soft and hard credit searches is central to protecting your credit record.

What is a soft search?

A soft search (sometimes called a soft footprint) is a background check used for pre‑qualification, identity verification or fraud prevention. Soft searches:

• May be used by brokers or lenders to give an initial, non‑binding quote.
• Are usually invisible to other lenders and do not affect credit scores.
• Can include checks against public records or basic identity checks (or an Open Banking pre-check for affordability).

What is a hard search?

A hard search is performed when a formal credit application is made. Hard searches:

• Are recorded on credit files and can be seen by other lenders.
• Can cause a small, usually temporary, downward movement in credit scores.
• Are typically only performed with your explicit agreement during the formal application stage.

Authoritative guidance: major credit reference agencies explain these differences — for more detail see Experian or Equifax guidance on soft vs hard searches.

Here’s what to expect in practice:

• Pre‑quote / eligibility checks = soft search or no search.
• Formal application for a loan or facility = likely hard search (with your consent).
• Multiple hard searches in a short period can have a larger impact, so it’s sensible to limit formal applications to chosen options.

Need a low‑risk way to test the market? Use our Free Eligibility Check to get matched without a hard search: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

When a lender or broker will carry out a hard credit check

Most lending journeys follow a staged process. Lenders or brokers usually move from pre‑qualification to application only when you ask them to proceed.

Typical stages:

1. Initial enquiry and matching (you complete our form).
2. Preliminary review and indicative proposals (often using soft searches or internal data checks).
3. Application submission (you sign/agree to a formal application) — this is the point a hard search is commonly performed.
4. Underwriting and offer — may require further checks, documentation and (in some cases) personal guarantees.

Practical tips to control hard searches:

• Ask lenders/brokers whether their initial check is a soft or hard search before you give permission.
• Clarify whether checks will be on the company credit file, director(s) personal file, or both — for limited companies directors may be checked when a personal guarantee is required.
• Limit formal applications to the options you want to pursue — too many hard searches across lenders can be detrimental.

Key considerations for accountants and practice owners

Accountants often look for business finance for working capital, growth, software investment, premises or to smooth cashflow between client payments. A few points for accountancy practice owners:

• If your company applies, lenders typically request company registration, recent accounts, turnover and bank statements.
• If a lender asks for a director personal guarantee, expect a personal credit check — discuss the guarantee provisions and whether alternatives exist.
• Keep business and personal finances tidy: clear financial records improve chances of positive outcomes and reduce the need for excessive checks.
• Because we deal with loans from around £10,000 upwards, we focus on lenders suited to established practice requirements rather than micro‑loans.

How to make a safe, low‑risk enquiry — step by step

1. Complete the UK Business Loans enquiry form. We ask for business name, company number, approximate loan amount and purpose, and contact details. This takes a couple of minutes.
2. We match you to suitable brokers and lenders. Only those partners likely to help are provided with your details.
3. You’ll receive a call or email. When contacted, ask explicitly whether the next check is soft or hard, and whether it will affect personal credit records.
4. Proceed to formal application only when you agree. A hard search is normally performed at application stage — you can decline or pause if you’re not ready.

Ready to try a discreet, no‑obligation enquiry? Start Your Free Enquiry — Get Quote Now

Compliance, privacy and transparency (what we share and why)

We act as an introducer. We do not lend, and we do not give regulated financial advice. We only share your enquiry details with selected lenders and brokers so they can respond with relevant quotes.

Before sharing, we will ask for your consent with an explicit form line such as:

“I consent to UK Business Loans sharing my details with selected lenders/brokers to provide matching finance quotes. I understand this enquiry does not itself affect my credit file.”

We handle data securely and only work with partners who follow applicable standards. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Frequently asked questions

Will an enquiry with UK Business Loans affect my credit score?

No. Submitting our enquiry does not create a hard search and will not directly affect personal or business credit scores. Any lender‑level hard search happens only if you expressly agree to a formal application.

Does UK Business Loans run credit checks?

No — we do not run credit checks. Our role is to collect matching information and introduce you to lenders/brokers. Partners may perform soft checks later; they will ask your permission before any hard search.

What is a soft credit search?

A soft search is a non‑impacting check used for pre‑qualification or identity verification. It does not affect credit scores and is often used to give indicative offers.

When will a hard search occur?

A hard search usually takes place when you submit a formal loan application or agree to a contract that requires credit assessment. Lenders should obtain your consent beforehand.

Will lenders check personal credit for business borrowing?

Sometimes. For limited companies, lenders may check company credit, but if a personal guarantee is requested they will usually check directors’ personal credit files. Ask lenders when and why they will check personal credit.

Can I get quotes without a hard search?

Yes. Many brokers and lenders provide indicative quotes based on soft searches or supplied paperwork. A hard search is typically only required to complete a formal application.

Who will you share my data with?

We share your details only with selected lenders and brokers in our panel that match your enquiry. We will not share data without your consent; the form includes an explicit permission statement.

Is UK Business Loans a lender?

No. We introduce you to lenders and brokers and do not provide funds or regulated financial advice.

Ready to compare quotes? Free eligibility check for accountants

Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match your practice to the right lenders and brokers — quick, discreet and no obligation. We specialise in business finance from around £10,000 upwards.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Our service is free for businesses. Lenders or brokers may have fees; they will disclose these before any agreement is signed.

Testimonials

“Matched quickly with a broker who understood accountancy firm cashflow. No hard checks until we applied. – J. Patel, Practice Director”

Related resources

• Home
• Business Loans UK
• Invoice Finance
• Asset Finance
• FCA — Financial promotions guidance
• Experian — Credit searches explained