Can both limited companies and LLPs apply through your platform?

1) The short answer

Yes — both UK limited companies and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) can submit a Quick Quote through BestBusinessLoans.ai. We’re an independent introducer that uses AI to match established businesses with suitable lenders and brokers across a range of commercial finance types. We don’t lend directly, and a Quick Quote is not a loan offer or a guarantee of approval.

Applications from limited companies and LLPs are assessed against lender criteria such as time trading, sector, turnover trends, affordability, and credit profile. We currently do not support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages. Our service is free to use, and there’s no obligation to proceed with any option you’re introduced to.

If you’re ready to explore options, complete the Quick Quote form for an initial eligibility check or Decision in Principle. It takes a few minutes, and we’ll only connect you to relevant finance professionals who may be able to help.

2) Who can apply: limited companies vs LLPs

Limited companies: eligibility overview

Limited companies registered in the UK (Ltd or PLC) can apply for matching across products such as cashflow loans, asset finance, invoice finance, vehicle and equipment finance, fit-out finance, and refinance options. Lenders typically look for an active Companies House status, trading history, and evidence of affordability. Director identity checks and, in some cases, personal guarantees may be requested by lenders.

Trading length requirements vary by product and provider, with many options favouring businesses that have 12 months or more of trading. Data points such as bank statements, filed accounts, management accounts, VAT returns, and debtor books help providers assess risk. Your sector also matters, and our matching process prioritises lenders that are actively comfortable lending to your industry.

LLPs: eligibility overview

LLPs can also apply for matching across the same broad categories of commercial finance. Lenders often assess LLPs in a similar way to limited companies, focusing on trading history, revenue consistency, and cash generation. Depending on the structure and borrowing type, lenders may ask designated members for indemnities or guarantees.

As with companies, documents that demonstrate financial performance and cash flow are key. These can include LLP accounts, bank statements, aged debtor and creditor summaries, and contract schedules when relevant. Our platform routes LLP enquiries to providers known to work with partnership structures.

Practical eligibility notes

• We help established UK trading businesses exploring commercial finance — not consumer credit.
• Lenders’ criteria vary; being matched does not mean you will be approved or offered a particular rate.
• No single lender suits every case; our role is to introduce you to providers aligned with your needs.

We aim to make your options clear, fair, and not misleading, so you can make an informed decision. You remain in control throughout and can choose whether to proceed, compare, or decline offers. If you’re unsure which finance route is suitable, our Quick Quote helps narrow choices quickly.

3) How the process works for companies and LLPs

Step-by-step: from Quick Quote to introductions

1. Complete a Quick Quote: share your company or LLP details, funding purpose, and amount required.
2. AI analysis: our system benchmarks your profile against lender criteria and product types.
3. Introductions: we connect you with selected lenders or brokers who may be able to assist.
4. Your decision: review terms, ask questions, and proceed only if the solution fits your goals.

The process is designed to reduce the time you spend contacting multiple providers. It also helps prevent unnecessary credit checks by focusing on the most relevant options first. Submitting a Quick Quote does not impact your credit score; providers will explain if or when searches are required.

What you may need to provide

• Basic business details: legal name, registration, trading address, sector, and time trading.
• Financial information: turnover, net profit, recent bank statements, and latest accounts.
• Purpose: how funds will be used, projected benefits, and any existing finance commitments.

For invoice finance, lenders may ask for aged debtor listings and key customer concentrations. For asset finance, they may request equipment quotes or details of the asset. For refinance, details of current agreements help lenders assess suitability.

What happens next

After introductions, the finance provider will guide you through their assessment. They’ll explain any fees, security, or guarantees relevant to your case in plain terms. If you proceed, you’ll enter the provider’s standard application and underwriting process.

We’re transparent that we cannot guarantee the lowest rate or an approval. Our value lies in speed, relevance, and connecting you to providers with appetite for your sector and requirements. You can pause or withdraw at any time before agreeing to any finance.

4) Finance options commonly available to limited companies and LLPs

Cashflow and working capital solutions

• Cashflow Loans: short to medium-term funding to bridge seasonal gaps or support operations.
• Invoice Finance: release cash tied up in unpaid invoices through factoring or discounting.
• Refinance Options: consolidate or restructure existing agreements for simpler cash management.

These options suit established businesses that need flexibility or faster access to working capital. Lenders assess debtor quality for invoice finance and affordability for loan-based solutions. Terms, costs, and security vary by provider and product.

Asset, equipment, vehicles, and fit-out

• Asset Finance: acquire equipment without large upfront cost; structures may include hire purchase or leasing.
• Equipment Finance: fund machinery, technology, or tools to improve productivity.
• Vehicles & Fleet Finance: finance cars, vans, HGVs, or specialist vehicles for commercial use.
• Fit-Out Finance: refurbish or refit premises to modernise or expand operations.

Asset-backed options may reduce the need for wider security, depending on the asset and lender. Quotations from suppliers help lenders evaluate the request efficiently. Where appropriate, lenders will set out end-of-term options and any balloon payments for you to consider.

Sustainability and government-backed schemes

• Sustainability Loans: support green upgrades, energy efficiency, or emissions reductions.
• Growth Guarantee Scheme: government-backed support for eligible UK businesses through accredited lenders.

Scheme availability and eligibility criteria change over time and by provider. Some options prioritise businesses with clear environmental outcomes and measurable savings. We’ll guide your enquiry to lenders with current appetite and scheme access where relevant.

We work across many operational sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to retail and hospitality. If you’re in food production, processing, or hospitality, explore our sector page on food industry loans for additional context. Whatever your industry, our matching process focuses on lenders actively supporting your type of business.

5) Transparency, compliance, and common questions

Clear, fair, and not misleading

BestBusinessLoans.ai operates as an independent introducer and does not provide financial advice. Our communications aim to be clear, fair and not misleading in line with FCA principles and ASA guidance. We will never pressure you to take a product, and any promotion of a product by a lender will include their required disclosures.

We encourage you to read all terms, risks, and fees before deciding. Costs, rates, and eligibility differ by provider, product, and your business profile. Approval is not guaranteed, and rates are not fixed until a provider issues a formal offer.

Who we can’t support

• Start-ups and pre-trading businesses.
• Sole traders and non-limited partnerships.
• Franchises, property finance, and commercial mortgage applications.

If you’re unsure whether you fit, complete a Quick Quote and we’ll confirm quickly. We review every enquiry in context and signpost where appropriate. Our goal is to save you time and only make introductions likely to be relevant.

Fees, data, and your control

It’s free to submit an enquiry through our platform. We may receive an introducer fee from a lender or broker if you complete finance through them; this does not change the terms you’re offered. Your data is handled securely, shared only with relevant providers connected to your enquiry.

You can request to stop introductions at any point. If you proceed, your agreement and relationship will be directly with the selected finance provider. Always ask providers to confirm any fees, security, and key terms in writing.

Common questions from companies and LLPs

Do directors or members need to give a personal guarantee? Some lenders may request director guarantees for limited companies or member indemnities for LLPs, depending on risk and product type. The provider will explain this clearly before you commit. If you prefer non-PG options, say so in your Quick Quote and we’ll prioritise lenders that can consider them.

How long does it take? Initial matching can be same day for straightforward cases once we have your details. Full approval and funding timelines vary by provider and product, from a few days to several weeks. Responding quickly to information requests speeds things up.

Will this affect my credit score? Submitting a Quick Quote on our site will not. Lenders will tell you if and when they need to run a credit search as part of their assessment. You are free to decline any search or offer before proceeding.

What documents should I prepare? Recent bank statements, filed or management accounts, and details of the funding purpose are a great start. For invoice finance, prepare aged debtor and creditor reports. For asset or fit-out finance, provide supplier quotes or equipment details.

Key takeaways

• Yes — both UK limited companies and LLPs can apply through our platform.
• We introduce you to suitable lenders and brokers based on your profile and funding purpose.
• We don’t support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages.
• A Quick Quote is free, fast, and non-obligatory — it’s not a loan offer or guarantee.
• Decisions, rates, and terms are set by the provider after their assessment.

Ready to explore funding options? Complete your Quick Quote now for an instant eligibility sense-check and fast introductions. Last updated: October 2025.