Do you support start-ups or sole traders in manufacturing?
The short answer — who we can help today
Short answer: we currently support established UK manufacturing businesses, not start-ups or sole traders. Our platform connects limited companies and LLPs with suitable commercial finance providers through AI-powered matching. We do not offer loans directly, and we do not provide regulated financial advice.
Who we can help right now
We’re best placed to help trading manufacturers with an established track record and clear evidence of revenue. Typical applicants are limited companies or LLPs operating in sectors such as precision engineering, food production, packaging, fabrication, and machining. If that’s you, you can request a Quick Quote or Eligibility Check in minutes.
Who we don’t support at the moment
We’re unable to support start-ups, sole traders, or pre-revenue ventures at this time. This includes newly incorporated businesses with no trading history and self-employed manufacturers without a limited company structure. If your business evolves into a limited company with trading history, we may be able to help in future.
Why this policy exists
Most commercial lenders in our network require trading history, filed accounts, or asset backing to assess affordability and risk. We follow a “clear, fair and not misleading” approach to save you time and set accurate expectations. We’ll never suggest you’ll be approved if you don’t meet typical lending criteria.
For established manufacturers, our AI can point you to relevant providers across asset finance, equipment leasing, invoice finance, cashflow loans, and refinance solutions. You stay in control of who you engage with and when. There’s no obligation to proceed after your introductions.
Why we focus on established manufacturers
Manufacturing finance is specialised, and lenders look closely at real-world performance data. Established firms can evidence orders, margins, utilisation, and working capital cycles that underwrite responsible lending. That helps us introduce you to providers more likely to align with your position.
Typical eligibility indicators
- UK-registered limited company or LLP with UK operations.
- Minimum trading history, often 12–24 months depending on product type.
- Evidence of revenue, recurring orders, or confirmed contracts.
- Clean banking conduct and clear purpose for funds.
- For asset-backed options, suitable equipment or machinery available as security.
Funding types manufacturers commonly explore
- Asset and equipment finance for CNC machines, fabrication tools, and production lines.
- Invoice finance to unlock cash from business-to-business invoices on terms.
- Cashflow and working capital loans for seasonal peaks or input cost spikes.
- Refinance and consolidation to restructure existing agreements.
- Fit-out and sustainability upgrades to improve efficiency and energy use.
What to prepare before your Quick Quote
- Latest filed accounts or management accounts and bank statements.
- Equipment specs or supplier quotes for asset finance requests.
- Debtor listings or invoice schedules for invoice finance enquiries.
- Brief summary of purpose, use of funds, and expected benefits.
We don’t promise the lowest rates, and we don’t guarantee outcomes. Where a provider offers a Decision in Principle, it is always “subject to status, affordability checks, and underwriting.” Fees, rates, and terms are set by the lender or broker you choose to engage with.
Practical routes for manufacturing start-ups and sole traders
Although we can’t introduce start-ups or sole traders to finance providers, we still want to be helpful. Many early-stage manufacturers build towards eligibility through grants, supplier terms, or micro-funding options. Consider a staged approach that supports equipment acquisition, early working capital, and order fulfilment.
Useful alternatives to explore
- Government Start Up Loans and local growth hubs for guidance and mentoring.
- Regional and innovation grants for manufacturing (for example, digitalisation or green upgrades).
- Supplier finance, extended payment terms, or staged deliveries on equipment purchases.
- Leasing via vendor programs where the supplier has a captive or partner scheme.
- Crowdfunding and community finance where appropriate for your model.
- Credit unions and community development finance institutions for micro-funding.
Strengthen your future application
- Incorporate a limited company when appropriate and open a dedicated business account.
- Build verifiable trading history with recurring customers or contracts.
- Maintain clean banking conduct and track KPIs such as gross margin, WIP, and debtor days.
- Document processes, quality standards, and compliance to reduce perceived risk.
When you are an established limited company with evidence of trade, we can help you assess options quickly. Our AI-driven platform then shortlists providers who actively lend in manufacturing. That reduces the time spent contacting multiple firms with varying criteria.
How our AI matching helps manufacturers move faster
Best Business Loans uses intelligent data-matching to guide established manufacturers to suitable providers. You’ll tell us what you need funding for and how much you require. We then connect you with lenders or brokers aligned to your profile and sector.
Step-by-step: from Quick Quote to introductions
- Complete a Quick Quote or Eligibility Check with essential business details.
- Our AI analyses your sector, trading profile, and purpose of finance.
- We shortlist providers who are active in manufacturing and match your needs.
- You receive introductions to selected lenders or brokers to discuss terms.
- You decide whether to proceed, compare offers, or pause with no obligation.
What we look at to improve relevance
- Manufacturing sub-sector and production methods (e.g., CNC, injection moulding, food processing).
- Nature of assets required, their lifespan, and secondary market strength.
- Working capital cycle, debtor concentrations, and invoice terms.
- Business objectives such as automation, capacity increases, or sustainability upgrades.
Transparency and compliance you can trust
We act as an independent introducer, not a lender, and we do not provide personalised financial advice. Any Decision in Principle is indicative and subject to underwriting and status. Late or missed repayments can affect your credit rating and may incur additional costs.
Your information is handled securely and shared only with relevant finance professionals connected to your enquiry. You remain in control of your choices at every stage. There are no fees to submit an enquiry through our platform.
FAQs, next steps, and key takeaways
Do you ever make exceptions for start-ups or sole traders?
No, not at present. Our network and matching engine are geared towards established UK limited companies and LLPs. If your status changes and you build trading history, check back to see if we can help.
What if we are incorporated but less than 12 months old?
Some providers may consider young companies if there is strong evidence of revenue, orders, or asset cover. However, appetite varies widely and is subject to underwriting. Be prepared to provide detailed management information and director guarantees where requested.
Which funding solutions do manufacturers most often use?
Equipment and asset finance, invoice finance, and short- to medium-term working capital facilities are common. Refinance and consolidation are also used to optimise cash flow and lower monthly outgoings. The right option depends on your cash cycle, margins, and the assets involved.
How fast could I get an eligibility view?
Complete a Quick Quote and you may receive introductions shortly afterwards. Timelines depend on provider response and the complexity of your case. Decisions in Principle can be fast, but final offers always require underwriting and supporting documents.
Do you charge me for using the platform?
No, it’s free to submit your enquiry. If you choose to proceed with a provider, they will explain any costs, fees, or charges before you commit. Always review terms carefully to ensure they are appropriate for your business.
Where can I learn more about options for manufacturers?
For an overview of common approaches, see our in-depth page on manufacturing business loans. It outlines asset finance, invoice finance, cashflow facilities, and sector-specific considerations. You can then return to submit your Quick Quote when you’re ready.
Key takeaways
- We currently support established UK manufacturing companies, not start-ups or sole traders.
- Our AI matching connects you with relevant lenders and brokers for your needs.
- No obligation to proceed; providers set rates, fees, and terms subject to status.
- Start-ups and sole traders can explore grants, Start Up Loans, supplier finance, or vendor leasing.
- When you’ve built trading history as a limited company, come back for a fast eligibility view.
Ready to check your eligibility?
If you’re an established manufacturer, submit a Quick Quote or Eligibility Check to get started. It takes minutes, and you stay in control of your choices. Fast introductions, no pressure, and no obligation to proceed.
Important information and fair-promotion notice
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer using AI technology and a professional network to help UK businesses find suitable funding providers. We do not offer loans directly and we do not provide regulated financial advice. Any finance is subject to status, affordability checks, and underwriting by the provider.
Costs, fees, rates, and terms are determined by the lender or broker you choose to engage with, and may vary based on your business profile, assets, and creditworthiness. Late or missed payments can increase the cost of borrowing and impact your credit rating. Please consider professional advice if you’re unsure whether a product is right for you.
This page is intended to be clear, fair and not misleading, and aligns with UK advertising and financial promotion standards to the best of our knowledge. Content last reviewed and updated October 2025.