How does your AI matching work to connect my enquiry with suitable providers?
Quick answer — how our AI matching works
Our AI matching combines the information you submit with lender and broker criteria to identify the best-fit finance partners for your enquiry. It ranks suitable providers using a mix of rule-based filters and probabilistic scoring, then introduces you to those providers so you can progress to quotes or eligibility checks. This process is designed to save time while keeping the final decision and contact with providers under your control.
What you tell us and how we use it
Essential inputs we ask for
When you complete a Quick Quote we request concise, relevant data about your business, the funding amount and the purpose of the loan. Typical fields include company age, turnover, sector, security available, recent trading performance and the type of finance you want. We only ask for what is necessary to make a reliable match and to respect your time.
How we protect and share your information
Your data is handled securely and only shared with selected lenders or brokers who are relevant to your enquiry and have a legitimate reason to see it. We never sell your data and we record consent and processing activity for auditability. You remain in control — introductions are made with your permission and you can withdraw consent at any time.
How the AI interprets your profile
Feature extraction and normalisation
Our system converts the information you provide into standardised features such as credit indicators, asset values and sector risk classifications. Normalising inputs ensures the AI compares like-for-like between lenders’ differing eligibility rules. This step reduces mismatches caused by inconsistent terminology or free-text entries.
Combining rules, statistics and expert models
We use a hybrid approach: explicit rule-based filters (for clear exclusions or mandatory criteria) plus machine-learned models trained on historical introduction outcomes. Rule filters quickly remove providers that cannot consider an enquiry. Probabilistic models then score remaining providers by likelihood of acceptance and speed of response.
Provider scoring, ranking and selection
Scoring criteria explained
Each potential provider receives a score based on factors such as sector appetite, deal size range, security preferences and recent acceptance patterns. Scores also reflect soft signals like turnaround time and the broker’s or lender’s current market focus. We never base matches on a single metric; multiple signals combine to form an overall suitability score.
Human oversight and continuous learning
While AI automates the core matching, our team applies human oversight to refine models and review edge cases. We monitor match quality, gather feedback from providers and users, and retrain models regularly to reflect market shifts. This continuous learning keeps recommendations current as lending criteria and product availability change.
From match to introduction: what happens next
How introductions are made
Once you approve, we introduce your enquiry to the highest-scoring lenders or brokers who are likely to help. Introductions are made through a secure channel and include only the information required for an initial eligibility check. Providers then contact you to request further documents or to offer a Quick Quote or a Decision in Principle.
What providers see and what you control
Providers receive a concise summary of your enquiry, not full historic accounts or unnecessary sensitive details. You choose whether to progress any connection into a full application, and you can request more information from matched providers before committing. This keeps the process transparent and compliant with advertising and financial promotion standards.
For help finding finance for green projects, our AI can also match you with lenders focussed on eco-friendly upgrades — see our sustainability loans page for more detail: Sustainability Loans.
Practical benefits, limitations and compliance
What this means for UK businesses
Our matching reduces time spent contacting unsuitable providers and increases the chance of getting a meaningful quick quote or eligibility check. It helps businesses compare options and focus on providers that understand their sector and funding need. You still control the process and decide which offers to pursue.
Limitations and responsible messaging
AI matching improves efficiency but cannot guarantee approval or the lowest available rate. Market conditions, lender appetite and your full application documents ultimately determine outcomes. We are clear and fair in our promotions and do not make misleading claims about outcomes or prices.
Regulatory and advertising compliance
Best Business Loans does not lend money and acts as an independent introducer rather than a regulated lender. We design our communications to be clear, fair and not misleading in line with the FCA, ASA and Google advertising guidance. Where specialist regulated financial promotions are involved, matched providers will comply with applicable rules and approvals.
Security, data retention and auditability
We store enquiry records securely and retain processing logs to support transparency and complaints handling. Our systems are designed for traceability so we can show which providers were matched and on what basis. You can request deletion or a copy of your data at any time under applicable data protection rights.
Key takeaways
Our AI matching answers your enquiry by combining your business details with lender criteria to produce a ranked shortlist of likely-fit providers. The process uses rule-based filters, machine-learning scoring and human oversight to keep matches accurate and up to date. You remain in control of introductions and final decisions, and we operate as a secure, independent introducer rather than a lender.
Ready to get matched?
If you’d like a quick eligibility check or a Decision in Principle, submit our Quick Quote and let our system identify suitable providers for your business. It’s free to try, secure, and designed to connect you only with lenders or brokers who may genuinely consider your enquiry.
If you have any questions about how we handle data or how matches are scored, contact our UK support team and we will explain the steps we take to keep the process transparent and compliant.