How long must my company have been trading to qualify?
Most UK lenders typically expect ~12 months trading; asset- or invoice-finance and specialist lenders may accept less. Try a Quick Quote to check.
Category Business Finance
How is BestBusinessLoansai paid—are there introducer or broker fees?
BestBusinessLoans.ai is free for businesses - an introducer paid by lenders/brokers. We don't charge you; ask for an itemised fee breakdown.
How does your AI matching choose suitable lenders or brokers?
Best Business Loans' AI matches your Quick Quote to UK lenders or brokers by combining your business data, live lender signals and human review.
Does an Eligibility Check or Quick Quote affect my credit score?
Most Quick Quotes use soft searches and won't affect credit scores; hard checks may occur at formal application. Best Business Loans seeks consent.
Do you support start-ups or sole traders?
Best Business Loans doesn't introduce start-ups or sole traders. We signpost alternative funding and show how to build eligibility for finance.
Will the eligibility check or Quick Quote affect my credit score?
Quick Quotes usually use soft credit checks that don't affect your credit score. A hard search only occurs with your consent for a formal application.
What’s the difference between a Decision in Principle and a formal offer?
DIP = quick, non-binding lender indication; formal offer = legally binding terms after full underwriting. Use DIP to shortlist lenders.
What information do I need to provide for a Quick Quote?
Provide company/contact details, funding purpose and amount, recent financials, credit history and assets. Upload docs to speed lender matches.
What documents do lenders usually ask for (accounts, bank statements, VAT returns)?
Lenders usually want statutory & management accounts, 3-12 months business bank statements, VAT returns, ID, contracts and security; tips to organise.
What agreement lengths are available (eg – years or longer)?
Typical business finance terms: short (days–12m), medium (1–7y) and long (7–25+y). Match term to asset life, cashflow and total cost.
Is my enquiry confidential, and how is my data handled securely?
Your enquiry is confidential: we share only minimal, consented info with matched lenders, use TLS and encrypted storage and uphold UK data rights.
How many providers will I be introduced to, and can I compare options?
Expect 3-8 introductions for common business finance (fewer for specialist deals). Compare providers via standardised metrics and request DIPs.