Are you a lender or a broker/introducer, and how do you get paid?
The short answer — who we are and what we do
Best Business Loans (BestBusinessLoans.ai) is not a lender and does not offer loans directly. We operate as an independent introducer that uses AI-powered matching to connect established UK businesses with suitable lenders and specialist finance brokers. Our role is to help you navigate options efficiently, so you can make an informed choice.
A lender provides the funds and makes underwriting decisions. A broker is an authorised intermediary who sources and arranges finance on your behalf. An introducer like us connects you with vetted lenders or authorised brokers who may be able to help, based on your business profile and funding goals.
We do not provide financial advice or make credit decisions. We present potential routes and providers so you can compare and decide what is best for your business. Submitting a Quick Quote on our platform is free, with no obligation to proceed.
How our introducer model helps you
- Time saved: one short enquiry, multiple relevant options from active providers.
- Better fit: matching by sector, purpose, facility type, and eligibility signals.
- Confidence: introductions only to lenders or authorised brokers in our network.
Important clarity
We do not guarantee approval, specific rates, or that a product is suitable for your circumstances. Any rates, terms, or fees will be set and disclosed by the lender or broker before you proceed. You remain in full control throughout.
Who we commonly help
We support established UK companies across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and professional services. We do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property development finance, or commercial mortgages. If you operate a shop or online store, you may also find our sector guidance for retailers and eCommerce business finance helpful.
How we get paid — our fee and commission approach
Best Business Loans is typically remunerated by the finance provider we introduce you to if you go ahead with a facility. That might be the lender directly or an authorised broker acting on your behalf. This means there is no charge to submit an enquiry or to be introduced via our platform.
Our remuneration may be a fixed introducer fee or a commission based on the facility advanced. The structure varies by product type, partner, and market conditions. Where required, and on request, we will disclose the nature of any commission we receive in line with UK best-practice expectations.
Your costs and terms are set by the provider you choose. Arrangement fees, interest, or broker fees (if applicable) will be shown to you by the provider in writing before you commit. We do not add fees to your facility and we do not handle your funds.
Does commission affect the options you see?
No. Our AI-led matching prioritises potential eligibility, sector fit, funding purpose, speed, and service track record. Commission is never used to increase your cost or to hide better-fitting options in your matches. We only introduce to partners in our network who are actively lending or broking in your sector.
When a broker might charge you
Some specialist brokers charge arrangement or success fees for complex, bespoke, or high-effort cases. If a broker fee applies, it will be clearly explained to you beforehand, including when and how it is payable. You are free to decline any offer that is not right for you.
Examples of how providers pay introducers
- Fixed introducer fee: a set amount for a completed facility.
- Percentage commission: a small percentage of the funded amount.
- Tiered models: arrangements that vary by product type and complexity.
How our matching works — and what to expect next
Our process is designed to be quick, clear, and people-first. Complete a short Quick Quote telling us about your business, funding purpose, and target amount. Our system uses that information to identify suitable finance types and active partners in our network.
We introduce you to lenders or brokers that appear to align with your profile and goals. You can then discuss terms, submit any required documents, and receive tailored proposals. You only proceed if you are satisfied with the offer and understand the costs.
We do not carry out hard credit searches. Early-stage checks are soft or pre-qualification based, but lenders and brokers may perform credit and affordability checks if you choose to proceed. Credit decisions, rates, and terms are set by the provider.
Information that helps you get matched well
- Business details: company name, sector, time trading, and ownership.
- Financials: turnover, profitability, and existing finance commitments.
- Purpose: cash flow, equipment, vehicles, fit-out, or sustainability upgrades.
- Assets and invoices: where relevant for asset or invoice finance.
What you can ask for
You can ask for an indication of eligibility, timescales, and likely documentation. You can request a Decision in Principle where offered by the provider. Always review the provider’s terms carefully, including fees, early settlement rules, and any security or guarantees.
Who we are best suited to help
We are built for established UK companies seeking commercial finance to invest, grow, or manage cash flow. Common categories include cashflow loans, asset finance, invoice finance, vehicles and fleet, equipment finance, fit-out, and refinance. We also support eligibility checks for government-backed schemes when available, such as the Growth Guarantee Scheme.
Our commitment to transparency, fairness, and compliance
Although we are an introducer and do not ourselves lend, we aim to follow UK standards that financial promotions should be clear, fair, and not misleading. We avoid exaggerated claims and always encourage you to read provider disclosures before committing. We do not guarantee acceptance, timing, or the lowest rate in the market.
We focus on information that helps you make an informed decision. This includes highlighting where eligibility, security, or personal guarantees may be required. We also make it clear that finance is subject to status, affordability checks, and the provider’s criteria at the time of application.
We are independent and do not cover every provider in the UK market. Our network is curated for active lending appetite, sector expertise, and service quality. You can ask us how we are paid for a particular introduction and we will provide a clear explanation.
How we rank and present your options
- Eligibility and sector fit come first, based on your profile and purpose.
- Speed, product relevance, and service reliability are weighed next.
- Commission does not increase your price and does not override suitability.
Data, security, and updates
We handle your information securely and share it only with relevant finance professionals for your enquiry. We keep our content and partner criteria under regular review, and we update guidance to reflect market changes. If you spot an error, please let us know and we will correct it.
Clarity on what we do not do
We do not provide regulated financial advice or recommend a specific product as suitable for your individual circumstances. We do not take upfront payments from customers. We do not handle client money or make lending decisions.
FAQs, next steps, and how to get started
Are you a lender or a broker?
We are an independent introducer and AI-powered matching platform. We introduce you to lenders or authorised brokers who may be able to help. We do not lend or make credit decisions.
How do you get paid?
If you proceed with a facility via our introduction, we may receive a fixed fee or commission from the provider. This is not added to your cost by us. We can disclose the nature of our commission on request.
Do you charge me any fees?
Submitting a Quick Quote is free and there is no obligation. If a broker or lender fee applies, it will be disclosed to you in writing before you agree to proceed. You can decline any offer at any time.
Will using your service affect my credit score?
Our initial matching does not involve a hard credit search by us. If you choose to proceed, the provider may conduct credit and affordability checks, which can leave a footprint on your credit file. They will explain this before proceeding.
Are you FCA-authorised?
We operate as an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and authorised brokers. We aim to align with FCA expectations for clear, fair, and not misleading promotions. Providers we introduce you to are responsible for regulatory compliance relating to their products and advice.
Which businesses do you help?
We support established UK companies across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and professional services. We do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages. Finance is subject to eligibility and provider criteria.
What documents might be required by providers?
This varies by product and provider. Common requests include recent accounts, bank statements, aged debtor lists for invoice finance, and asset details for asset finance. Security, guarantees, or debentures may be requested for certain facilities.
What are the typical next steps?
- Complete your Quick Quote in minutes.
- Get introduced to suitable lenders or brokers.
- Share documents and receive tailored proposals.
- Decide if an offer is right for you and proceed when ready.
Key takeaways
- We are an introducer, not a lender, and we help you find relevant finance options.
- We are usually paid by the provider if you go ahead, not by you.
- Our matching prioritises eligibility, sector fit, and clarity over commission.
- All fees and terms are disclosed by the provider before you commit.
- Submitting a Quick Quote is fast, free, and without obligation.
Start your Quick Quote
Get a no-obligation Quick Quote to see which providers may be a good fit for your business. Our AI will route your enquiry to relevant lenders or specialist brokers, saving you hours of research. You remain in full control, with clear information at every step.
Smart finance choices start with better matches. Complete your Quick Quote and take the first step towards the right funding for your company today. Updated October 2025.