Are you a lender or an introducer, and what does that mean for my application?
Short answer: We’re an introducer — here’s why that helps your application
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer, not a lender. We use AI matching and human insight to connect UK businesses with relevant lenders and brokers who are actively able to consider your application. Your credit decision, rates, and terms are always set by the lender or broker you choose to engage with.
Updated October 2025. Information on this page is general and not financial advice. Business finance is subject to status, affordability, and provider criteria.
1) What being an “introducer” means in practice
What is an introducer in UK business finance?
An introducer helps you find and connect with suitable finance providers but does not lend money or make credit decisions. Our role is to accelerate your path to relevant options without you contacting dozens of firms yourself. We focus on relevance, clarity, and a smooth handover to professionals who can assess your case in detail.
How is this different from a lender?
A lender provides the funds, underwrites risk, and issues loan agreements. They run affordability checks, set interest rates and fees, and approve or decline applications. When we introduce you, you engage directly with a lender or with a broker who works with multiple lenders.
Where do brokers fit in?
Many UK businesses prefer to use brokers because they can compare multiple lenders and structures. Depending on your profile and loan purpose, our system may match you to a broker for wider choice. Whether you’re matched to a lender or a broker, you stay in control of your next steps.
Why does this matter for your application?
Knowing we’re an introducer sets clear expectations about decision-making and timescales. We help you prepare, aim to reduce misfires, and point you to providers aligned with your sector, asset base, and funding need. The provider you choose handles the formal application, credit assessments, and final offer.
If you operate in production, you may benefit from sector-specific routes, such as manufacturing business loans. Matching to lenders who understand your industry can improve fit and speed.
2) How our introducer model shapes your journey
Step-by-step: From Quick Quote to provider introduction
Step 1: You complete a Quick Quote, sharing basic details about your business, funding amount, and purpose. Step 2: Our AI maps your profile against up-to-date lender and broker criteria. Step 3: We introduce you to one or more suitable providers for next steps. Step 4: You review options and proceed with whichever route fits best.
Will there be a credit check during the Quick Quote?
No, our Quick Quote does not perform a hard credit search. In some cases, a soft check may be conducted by a provider when you progress, but only with appropriate notice. The provider will tell you if and when a hard search is required.
What documents should you prepare before the introduction?
Prepare recent management accounts, bank statements, and details of existing finance. Have your Companies House details and director IDs ready for KYC checks. If requesting asset or equipment finance, prepare supplier quotes and asset specs.
What changes once you’re introduced?
The provider will contact you to run eligibility checks and discuss structure, pricing, and timelines. You might be asked for additional documents to verify revenues, margins, or asset values. If you proceed, the provider will issue formal terms or a Decision in Principle.
What does our team do after the introduction?
We aim to remain available to help your process stay on track. You can ask us to re-match if circumstances change or if a different structure is needed. There is no obligation to proceed with any option we introduce.
3) Who makes decisions, runs checks, and sets rates?
Who decides whether your application is approved?
The lender or the broker’s chosen lender always makes the credit decision. They review affordability, risk, security, and sector exposure. Each provider has its own risk appetite, approval authority, and documentation policy.
Who sets the interest rate and fees?
Pricing is set by the provider based on their assessment of risk and market conditions. Factors include your trading history, cash flow coverage, security, and loan purpose. We do not influence pricing or guarantee the lowest rate on the market.
What kinds of checks should you expect?
Expect KYC/AML checks, credit searches, and affordability assessments, along with verification of directors and shareholders. For asset finance, a valuation or inspection of the asset may be required. For invoice finance, debtors may be analysed and concentration risks assessed.
Will a personal guarantee be required?
Some providers request personal guarantees, especially for unsecured or cash flow loans. Requirements vary by lender and can be influenced by security offered and term length. The provider will explain any guarantees or indemnities before you sign.
Who handles compliance, complaints, and regulatory duties?
Compliance obligations for the finance product sit with the provider you proceed with. If you have a concern about a promotion or process, raise it directly with the provider first. You can also contact us for support in clarifying your route or the provider’s details.
4) What to expect when we introduce you to a lender or a broker
Speed and communication
Introductions are typically same day or next business day once your Quick Quote is submitted. Providers vary in response times, but we prioritise active lenders in your sector. Clear, prompt document sharing can materially speed up decisions.
Ways an introducer helps reduce friction
We reduce mismatches by channelling your case to providers currently lending for your profile. That can lower the number of “no’s” and compress your timeline. We also aim to align you to structures likely to fit your cash flow and asset base.
Typical timelines by product type
Asset finance can be fast if the asset and supplier details are complete. Invoice finance may turn around quickly once debtor data is provided and verified. Larger cash flow loans usually take longer due to deeper diligence and legal steps.
When you might be introduced to multiple providers
For some cases, choice helps you compare pricing, security, and covenant preferences. You can engage with one provider or compare several and pick the best fit. If a path stalls, we can rematch you without restarting from scratch.
What we don’t do as an introducer
We don’t approve credit, hold client money, or provide regulated financial advice. We don’t guarantee funding, rates, or timescales. We don’t submit applications to providers without your consent or share data beyond what’s necessary.
5) Transparent fees, data, and compliance — and how to start
Do we charge you a fee?
Submitting a Quick Quote on Best Business Loans is free for UK businesses. We may receive a commission from a provider if you proceed, which we aim to disclose on request. If a broker route involves a customer fee, they will disclose this clearly before you agree to proceed.
How your data is handled
We share your information only with relevant providers to assess your eligibility. Your data is handled confidentially and in line with UK data protection law. You remain in control and can request rematch or withdrawal at any time.
Important compliance notice
We are an independent introducer helping limited companies and incorporated businesses. We aim for communications that are clear, fair, and not misleading, in line with FCA and ASA standards. Credit is subject to status, terms, and provider criteria, and late or missed repayments can affect your credit profile.
Who we can help today
We commonly support established firms in construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, and professional services. We do not support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages. For sector-aware matching, submit your Quick Quote and we’ll guide you to active providers.
Ready to check eligibility?
It takes minutes to complete your Quick Quote, with no obligation and no hard search at this stage. Our AI will match you with suitable lenders or brokers who are currently lending. Start now and compare your options before you choose a route that fits your plan.
Common questions about introducers vs lenders
Are you regulated?
We operate as an introducer for business finance and do not provide advice or lend money. Many providers we introduce are authorised and regulated by the FCA where required for their activities. Always check the provider’s regulatory status on their website or the FCA Register.
Will you run a credit check?
We do not run hard credit checks during the Quick Quote. Providers may run soft or hard checks later with your consent. They will explain this clearly before proceeding.
Can I choose to deal only with a direct lender?
Yes, you can request a direct lender route if available for your profile. In some cases, a broker may provide wider choice and faster comparisons. We’ll present the best-matched options and you choose how to proceed.
Do you guarantee the lowest rate?
No, rates are set by providers and reflect market conditions and risk. Our goal is suitability and speed rather than claiming cheapest every time. Comparing options can help you find the right blend of cost, structure, and flexibility.
What happens if I’m declined?
Ask us for a rematch or feedback-led re-route to a better fit provider. Sometimes a small change in structure or documentation unlocks a positive outcome. There’s no obligation to proceed until you’re satisfied with an offer.
How to make your application stronger
Practical steps you can take today
Ensure your management accounts and bank statements are up to date. Explain your funding purpose, payback plan, and any security you can offer. Disclose existing borrowing and HMRC positions to avoid delays later.
Sector specifics matter
Providers value sector familiarity, asset profiles, and seasonality insights. If you run a plant-heavy operation, asset finance or refinance may be faster. If cash is tied in invoices, invoice finance can unlock working capital quickly.
Signal resilience and governance
Demonstrate consistent revenue, margin stability, and realistic forecasts. Show governance: director experience, strong debtor controls, and any ESG improvements. Clear answers reduce friction and improve turnaround times.
Key takeaways
- We are an introducer, not a lender. We connect you with relevant lenders and brokers.
- Decisions, rates, and terms are set by the provider you choose to engage with.
- Quick Quote is free, with no obligation and no hard search at this stage.
- We share your data only with relevant providers and aim for clear, fair communication.
- Funding is subject to status, affordability, and provider criteria; late payment can impact credit.
About BestBusinessLoans.ai
Best Business Loans helps established UK businesses explore suitable finance options using AI-led matching. We commonly support incorporated companies in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, and professional services. For guidance before submitting your quote, contact hello@bestbusinessloans.ai.
FAQs
Is Best Business Loans a lender?
No. We are an introducer that connects you with suitable lenders or brokers.
Who decides on approval and pricing?
The lender (or a lender working with your broker) makes the decision and sets pricing.
Will applying through you hurt my credit score?
Our Quick Quote does not trigger a hard search. Providers will explain if a hard search is needed later.
Do you charge me a fee?
Submitting a Quick Quote is free. We may receive a commission from a provider if you proceed; any broker fee will be disclosed by the broker before you agree.
Can I speak directly to the lender?
Yes. You can choose a direct lender route where appropriate or use a broker for wider choice.