Business Loans. Without the Fuss.
Compare business loans by cost, eligibility, repayment, and speed — plain-English guides to help you choose the right lender and apply with confidence.
Business loans explained
Use these guides to compare business loan options by cost, eligibility, repayment structure, speed, and lender fit before you apply — so you walk into a funding decision already knowing the answers.
What to compare before you borrow
Total cost of borrowing
Look past the headline rate at the APR, arrangement fees, and the total amount repayable over the full term.
Repayment structure
Fixed monthly payments, a share of card takings, or a flexible facility — match it to how your revenue actually arrives.
Eligibility & trading history
Most lenders weigh time trading, turnover, and credit profile. Knowing yours up front avoids wasted applications.
Speed to funding
Some lenders pay out in 24–48 hours, others take weeks. If timing matters, prioritise lenders built for speed.
Security & guarantees
Check whether the loan is secured against assets or needs a personal guarantee before you commit.
Early repayment terms
If you might clear the balance early, confirm whether there are exit fees or interest savings.
Latest guides
Funding Circle Claims Two-Thirds of UK SME Loan Scheme Payouts
Funding Circle, one of the UK's largest non-bank SME lenders, has claimed approximately two-thirds of all payouts made under the British Business Bank's Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) and its predecessor Recovery Loan Scheme. Of the 937 settled lender claims totalling £55.03m by 31 December 2025, Funding Circle's share amounts to roughly £35–37m. This concentration raises important questions about how government-backed SME finance is distributed, and what it means for small businesses seeking loans in 2026.
Business Loans to Buy a Business: Fast UK Funding Options for 2026
Business loans to buy a business are available from £10,000 to £1 million through traditional banks, SBA-style programmes, and online lenders.
Emergency Business Loans UK: Fast Funding When You Need It Most
When your business faces an unexpected cash flow crisis, equipment breakdown, or urgent opportunity, emergency business loans UK can provide funding within 24-48 hours.
Business Loans for Expansion: Fast Funding for Growing UK Businesses
Business loans for expansion provide UK companies with £10k to £1m funding to fuel growth, from opening new locations to increasing inventory or hiring staff.
No Personal Guarantee Business Loans: Fast Funding Without Risking Personal Assets
Banks demand personal guarantees on 59% of small business loans, putting your house and savings at risk.
Business Loans for Stock and Inventory: Fast Funding for UK Retailers
Business loans for stock and inventory provide £10k to £1m funding specifically for purchasing, maintaining, or expanding product inventory.
Franchise Business Loans UK: Fast Funding for Your Franchise in 2026
Franchise business loans in the UK range from £10,000 to £1 million with flexible repayment terms designed around your trading performance.
Business Loans for VAT or Tax Bills: Fast UK Funding Solutions
HMRC doesn't negotiate payment deadlines, but your bank account shouldn't suffer for it.
Business Debt Consolidation Loans: Fast Solutions for UK SMEs
Business debt consolidation loans combine multiple business debts into a single monthly payment, typically at a lower interest rate than your existing obligations.
Business Loans questions
The important details before you check eligibility.
What should a business compare before choosing a loan?
Compare total repayment cost, repayment frequency, eligibility criteria, security requirements, application speed, and whether the loan fits the way the business earns revenue.
How much can a business typically borrow?
Loan sizes vary widely by lender and depend on turnover, trading history, and affordability. Facilities commonly range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand pounds, with larger amounts available to established businesses.
Do I need to be a homeowner to get a business loan?
Not always. Some lenders ask for a personal guarantee that can take homeownership into account, but many business loans don't require you to own property.
Will checking my options affect my credit score?
An initial eligibility check is often a soft search that doesn't affect your score. A full application may involve a hard credit check, so confirm with the lender before you proceed.
How quickly can the money arrive?
It depends on the lender and how ready your paperwork is. Some online lenders approve and fund within a day or two, while traditional lenders can take longer.
Are business loan requirements the same in every market?
No. Eligibility, terminology, credit checks, and lender expectations vary by market, so each Funding Fred guide is written for the relevant country.
Ready when you are
Explore business funding options
Start a short eligibility check and compare selected business funding options. It only takes about 2 minutes, with no hard credit check to start.