Can I be introduced to multiple providers to compare options?

Yes. Comparing options helps you assess suitability, costs, and terms. There is no obligation to proceed with any provider until you decide to sign.

Does Best Business Loans provide regulated financial advice?

No. We act as an introducer and provide general information. We are not authorised to give regulated financial advice; consider seeking independent professional advice before committing.

Is there any obligation to proceed after being introduced to providers?

Q: Is there any obligation to proceed after being introduced to providers?

No. An introduction is non-binding. You only become obligated if you accept a provider’s formal offer and sign their agreement. Before that point, you can pause or decline without penalty.

Q: Will an introduction affect my credit score?

No. Introductions do not affect your credit score. Some providers may request a credit search later; soft searches do not impact your score, while hard searches typically require your explicit consent.

Q: Do I pay any fees to Best Business Loans?

No. It is free to submit a Quick Quote and receive introductions. If you proceed with a provider, they will disclose their fees and charges before you commit.

The short answer

No. There is no obligation to proceed once you’ve been introduced to lenders or brokers through Best Business Loans. You remain in full control, and you can withdraw or decline at any point before you sign a provider’s agreement.

Our role is to help you explore options, not to pressure you into taking finance. Any decision to move forward only happens if and when you choose a specific provider and accept their terms.

What an “introduction” means — and when obligations actually begin

How our introductions work

Best Business Loans operates as an independent introducer, not a lender or broker. We match your details with relevant providers who are actively lending to businesses like yours.

After you submit a Quick Quote, our AI-driven process suggests suitable providers. With your consent, we introduce you so they can share indicative terms or discuss your needs.

When you are and aren’t committed

You are not committed by submitting an enquiry, receiving an introduction, or discussing options with a provider. No legal or financial obligation is created at these stages.

An obligation arises only if you formally accept a provider’s offer and sign their documents. Until then, you can step back, seek advice, or choose a different route.

Typical next steps with no obligation

Providers may ask for basic information to assess eligibility. This could include recent accounts, management information, or a short call to understand your funding purpose.

You can share information, ask questions, and compare options without committing to proceed. If nothing fits, you can decline and walk away.

Transparency and fairness

We aim to ensure all introductions are clear, fair and not misleading. That means you should always understand who you’re talking to and what they can offer in principle.

If anything feels unclear, ask for written details, examples of costs, and confirmation of any fees before deciding. You are entitled to take time to review.

What to expect after you’re introduced — and how to keep control

Who will contact you and why

Once introduced, a provider will typically contact you to confirm your requirements. They may provide indicative rates, terms, and next steps based on the information you shared.

This stage is exploratory and non-binding. Use it to assess suitability and fit for your cash flow.

Soft checks, hard checks, and consent

Some providers run a soft search at pre-approval stage, which doesn’t affect your credit score. A hard search may occur later and will require your explicit permission.

Always ask whether a credit search is soft or hard, and request confirmation in writing. You can decide not to proceed if a hard search is requested and you’re not ready.

Information you may need to provide

Be prepared with filed accounts, recent bank statements, and ID for directors. For asset or equipment finance, expect supplier quotes or asset details.

For invoice finance, you may be asked for aged debtor reports and sample invoices. Providing complete information helps you receive accurate, like-for-like comparisons.

How to compare offers confidently

Look beyond the headline rate and check fees, term length, early repayment rules, and security or guarantees required. Consider total cost of finance and practical impact on cash flow.

Ask providers to clarify all fees: arrangement, documentation, valuation, and any broker fees if applicable. You are entitled to take independent professional advice.

You decide — with no obligation

If the offer doesn’t meet your needs, you can decline with no penalty at the introduction stage. You can also ask to be re-matched to other providers.

When you are ready to proceed, you’ll accept the offer directly with your chosen provider. Until you sign, there is no obligation.

Fees, consent, and regulatory good practice

Our role and any costs to you

Submitting a Quick Quote via Best Business Loans is free for UK businesses. We do not lend or broker; we introduce and help you navigate providers.

We may receive an introducer fee or commission from a provider if you take out finance. This does not create any obligation for you to proceed.

Provider fees and disclosures

Any fees you may pay are charged by the provider, not by Best Business Loans. Providers should disclose fees clearly before you commit.

Ask for a full cost breakdown and example total payable, including interest and fees. Confirm whether fees are refundable if a facility does not complete.

Data, privacy, and consent

Your details are shared only with relevant providers in line with our privacy practices. We do not sell your data.

You can withdraw consent for contact at any time. If you want your data removed from a provider’s system, request this in writing.

Clear, fair, and not misleading

Although Best Business Loans is not FCA-authorised and does not provide regulated advice, we adhere to FCA principles for financial promotions. Our content aims to be clear, fair and not misleading.

We do not guarantee the lowest rate or approval. We help you explore finance options and make informed decisions.

Important note on regulated areas

UK advertising and platform content must be responsible. Providers are responsible for their regulated communications and agreements.

If you see a claim that feels unclear or too good to be true, ask for evidence. Seek independent professional advice if needed.

Real-world scenarios — proceed, pause, or decline

Proceeding when it fits

Proceed if a proposal aligns with your budget, purpose, and risk appetite. Ensure you understand security, guarantees, and covenants before signing.

Request a copy of terms to review with your accountant or adviser. Confidence comes from clarity and suitability.

Pausing to gather information

It’s sensible to pause if you need more data or an updated quote. Providers can often hold an offer for a limited time or reissue it later.

Use the pause to compare alternatives, or adjust the amount and term. No obligation means you can move at your pace.

Declining and next steps

If an offer isn’t right, decline it — there’s no penalty at introduction stage. You can ask us to match you with different providers.

Declining now won’t prevent you returning later when your circumstances change. Keep your documents ready to speed things up next time.

Sector example: manufacturing

Manufacturers often explore asset finance for machinery, invoice finance for working capital, or sustainability loans for energy upgrades. An introduction lets you compare these routes without commitment.

For more context on sector-specific funding, see our guide to manufacturing business loans and finance options. The same “no obligation” principle applies throughout.

What if you change your mind?

Changing your mind is expected, not unusual. You can tell the provider you’re pausing or not proceeding, and that’s the end of it.

If you’ve signed documents, check the agreement for any cooling-off, cancellation terms, or fees. Providers should explain these before you sign.

FAQs, key takeaways, and how to start

FAQs: your common questions answered

Is there any obligation to proceed after an introduction? No. You only become obligated if you accept a provider’s formal offer and sign their agreement.

Will an introduction affect my credit score? No. Introductions don’t affect your score. If a provider proposes a hard credit search, they should seek your consent first.

Do I pay any fees to Best Business Loans? No. Submitting a Quick Quote and receiving introductions via our platform is free for businesses.

Can I be introduced to more than one provider? Yes. In many cases, comparing multiple options helps you find the most suitable fit for your needs.

What if I receive a great rate elsewhere? That’s fine. You’re free to choose any route you prefer. There’s no obligation to proceed with providers introduced through us.

Can I request providers to stop contacting me? Yes. Ask the provider to cease contact and remove your data where appropriate. You can also contact us to update your preferences.

Does Best Business Loans provide advice? We do not provide regulated financial advice. We act as an introducer and provide general information to help you assess options.

Key takeaways

No obligation to proceed at any point before you sign a provider’s agreement.
Introductions are free and designed to help you compare relevant options efficiently.
Ask for clarity on rates, fees, security, and credit checks before you decide.
You control the pace — proceed, pause, or decline as required.
We adhere to clear, fair, and not misleading principles to support informed decisions.

Start with a free Quick Quote

It takes a couple of minutes to share your business details and funding goals. Our AI will match you to suitable lenders or brokers for your sector and requirements.

There’s no obligation and no pressure — just a faster, smarter way to explore finance options. Submit your Quick Quote now to see what’s possible.

Important information and compliance

Best Business Loans (BestBusinessLoans.ai) acts as an independent introducer and does not provide loans or regulated financial advice. We may receive an introducer fee from a provider if you proceed.

All finance is subject to status, affordability, and provider terms. Always review full terms and seek professional advice where appropriate.

Content updated: October 2025.