How does your AI matching and Quick Quote process work?
Short answer: here’s how our AI matching and Quick Quote work
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that uses AI to match UK businesses with suitable finance providers based on your needs and eligibility. You complete a short Quick Quote form, our AI compares your profile against lender and broker criteria, and we introduce you to appropriate providers for next steps. It’s fast, free to enquire, and there’s no obligation — but quotes and approvals always come from the provider, not from us.
From Quick Quote to matched providers: the 60‑second view
What happens after you click “Get Your Free Quick Quote”
You answer a few focused questions about your business, sector, purpose of funding, time trading, turnover, and the amount you’re seeking. Our system structures your details into the core factors lenders and brokers typically assess at triage. This takes a couple of minutes and keeps things simple while remaining decision‑useful.
Next, our AI engine compares your profile to live criteria, appetite and product fit across our network of business finance providers. It weighs signals such as sector, loan purpose, trading status, and indicative affordability against providers’ current lending policies. The goal is to rapidly surface realistic options without wasting your time.
Within a short time, we introduce you to selected providers whose products and appetite align with your profile. They will verify documents, answer questions, and offer indicative quotes or a Decision in Principle where appropriate. You stay in full control and are free to compare and decline any option.
Why AI improves your funding search
AI helps filter the market quickly and consistently so you’re not repeating the same answers to multiple providers. It also adapts to shifting lender appetites and product availability. That means you get relevant routes faster, while still making the final choice that suits your cash flow and goals.
Important
We are not a lender and do not provide financial advice. Any quote, rate, or approval is determined by the provider after their own checks and underwriting.
What data we use, how we match, and how we protect you
Data you provide and why it matters
The Quick Quote asks for business basics such as company structure, time trading, turnover band, funding amount, and use of funds. We may request sector and asset details if you’re seeking equipment, vehicle, invoice, or asset‑backed finance. These inputs are the minimum needed to assess indicative eligibility with providers.
We keep questions concise while gathering the signals lenders typically need to pre‑screen a case. This reduces back‑and‑forth and helps deliver more accurate matches. At this stage, we don’t ask for intrusive documentation or exhaustive financial statements.
In some instances, we may ask for clarifying details to refine provider matching, such as contract types for invoice finance or fleet composition for vehicle finance. We only share your information with relevant finance professionals aligned to your enquiry.
How the AI matching logic works in plain English
Our matching engine compares your profile to product criteria and sector appetite, then ranks potential routes by suitability. Factors may include business age and stability, funding purpose, asset type, indicative affordability, and sector risk. The system prioritises providers who are actively lending to businesses like yours.
This increases the chance of a productive conversation and reduces declines caused by obvious mismatches. The logic is reviewed and updated regularly as providers change policies or launch new products. Our aim is suitability and transparency, not unrealistic promises.
We cannot guarantee approval or the lowest rate, because those decisions rest with the provider. Instead, we deliver relevant options quickly so you can compare and proceed with confidence.
Your privacy and security
Your information is handled confidentially and shared only with appropriate providers. We never sell your data. You can ask us to stop sharing your details at any time.
Step‑by‑step: from enquiry to Decision in Principle
1) Complete your Quick Quote
Tell us who you are, what you need finance for, how much you’re seeking, and a few facts about your trading position. This takes minutes and does not create any obligation. Keep it honest and specific, as this improves the quality of matches.
2) AI matching and eligibility triage
Our system analyses your answers against product types such as cash flow loans, fit‑out or equipment finance, fleet funding, invoice finance, or refinance. It screens for basic eligibility markers that providers commonly use. This avoids unsuitable introductions and speeds up meaningful discussions.
3) Introduction to providers
We introduce you to one or more lenders or brokers who appear to fit your needs and sector. They will explain documentation requirements and next steps. At this stage, many providers can offer an indication or a Decision in Principle, subject to verification.
4) Provider checks and documents
Providers usually verify bank statements, filed accounts, management information, quotes for equipment or vehicles, and identity documents. Some may run a soft or hard credit search depending on product type and stage. They will be transparent about checks before proceeding.
5) Compare, decide, and proceed
Review any proposals, costs, and terms, and consider how repayments align with your cash flow. You can decline or proceed, and you may compare multiple options. If you accept, the provider completes underwriting and issues final documentation.
Compliance notes
Any Quick Quote or Decision in Principle is indicative and not an offer. Approval, terms, and rates are at the provider’s discretion after their own assessments. We encourage all businesses to read terms carefully and consider professional advice where appropriate.
Matching factors, sector examples, and what to expect
What the AI looks for when ranking options
Purpose of finance and product fit are key, as providers are selective by use case. Sector appetite matters too, because some lenders specialise in specific industries. Trading history, turnover profile, and existing commitments help gauge indicative affordability and risk.
For asset‑led products, the nature and condition of the asset can influence appetite and rates. For invoice finance, debtor quality, concentration, and payment terms are commonly assessed. The AI uses these signals to prioritise introductions that are likely to make sense for you.
Providers may have different strengths such as rapid decisions, flexible structures, or deep expertise in certain asset classes. Our role is to guide you to relevant routes, not to claim a one‑size‑fits‑all “best deal.”
Illustrative sector scenarios
Construction firms often seek asset finance for plant and machinery or short‑term working capital to manage project cycles. Manufacturers may explore equipment finance or refinance to release equity from existing assets. Logistics companies frequently look at vehicle and fleet funding aligned to contract schedules.
Agriculture businesses can consider equipment, vehicles, or cash flow solutions tied to seasonal income. For a sector overview and typical funding uses, see our page on farming loans. Professional services might explore invoice finance to smooth payment terms or a term loan to invest in growth.
Each provider will take a case‑by‑case view and may specialise in your sector’s nuances. That specialism often helps you secure terms that reflect operational realities rather than generic risk assumptions.
What we don’t cover
We do not currently support start‑ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages. Our focus is on established trading businesses seeking commercial finance that is not secured on property. If in doubt, complete a Quick Quote and we will confirm if we can help.
What you receive, timelines, and how to get the most from your match
What you can expect to receive
You will receive introductions to suitable finance providers, along with a summary of why they may be a good fit. Providers will outline indicative options or a Decision in Principle where feasible. You can ask questions, compare, and proceed only if you’re comfortable.
Turnaround times vary by product, provider, and the speed of document supply. Many businesses see initial indications quickly, with full approvals dependent on underwriting and complexity. Urgent cases may be possible where the provider’s criteria and documentation readiness allow.
There is no charge to submit an enquiry to Best Business Loans. If a provider’s product involves fees or commissions, those will be explained by the provider in writing.
How to get a better, faster outcome
Be precise about the funding purpose, amount, and timing so providers tailor proposals correctly. Share documents promptly and be upfront about existing commitments or challenges. Ask providers to explain the structure, fees, and obligations clearly before you commit.
Consider the total cost, not just the headline rate, and whether the repayment profile supports your cash flow. If you need flexibility, ask about options such as seasonal payments or balloon structures where appropriate. Keep copies of all agreements and communications for your records.
Our UK support team can help you understand the process before you submit your Quick Quote. If we cannot assist, we will tell you quickly and transparently.
Fair, clear, and not misleading
We aim to follow the FCA’s “clear, fair, and not misleading” standard in our communications. We do not guarantee approval, specific rates, or speed, as these are determined by the provider and your circumstances. This page is for information only and is not financial advice.
FAQs
Do you run a credit check when I submit a Quick Quote?
No, we do not run credit checks. Providers may carry out soft or hard searches later in the process, and they will disclose this before proceeding.
Are you a lender and are you regulated?
We are not a lender; we are an independent introducer that connects UK businesses to relevant finance providers. We strive to align with the FCA’s “clear, fair, and not misleading” standards for financial promotions, even though we do not lend directly.
How fast will I hear back?
You’ll typically receive introductions swiftly after submitting your Quick Quote. Final decisions depend on provider underwriting, product type, and the speed of document supply.
What types of finance can you help me explore?
We commonly match businesses with cash flow loans, asset and equipment finance, vehicle and fleet funding, invoice finance, refinance, and certain sustainability or fit‑out solutions. We do not support property finance or start‑ups at this time.
What does a Decision in Principle actually mean?
A Decision in Principle is an initial indication subject to checks. It is not a binding offer and may change after underwriting and document review.
Key takeaways
- Complete a Quick Quote in minutes, then our AI matches your profile to suitable providers.
- You receive introductions, indicative options, or a Decision in Principle from providers — not from us.
- No obligation to proceed, and we never sell your data.
- Approvals, terms, and rates depend on the provider’s assessment and your documents.
- Updated October 2025 — processes and lender appetite may change over time.
Next step: check your eligibility
If you are an established UK business seeking commercial finance, submit your Quick Quote to see suitable routes. It’s fast, secure, and free to enquire. Make a confident start on your funding search today.