Is there any obligation to proceed after I’m introduced to a provider?
Short answer: No — you’re in full control
No, there is no obligation to proceed after you’re introduced to a lender or broker via Best Business Loans. You can review your options, ask questions, and walk away at any time if the proposal isn’t right. Submitting a Quick Quote and being introduced is free, with no commitment to accept any offer.
We act as an independent introducer, not a lender, so you decide if and when to move forward. Any agreement is solely between you and the provider, and only begins if you formally accept their terms. If the timing, rates, or structure aren’t suitable, you can decline without penalty.
That’s why our process is designed to be transparent, compliant, and people-first. We want you to make confident, well-informed choices for your business.
How our “introduction only” model works
Your consent and control at every step
Our platform uses AI-driven matching to introduce you to suitable finance providers who are actively lending to businesses like yours. You’ll receive information tailored to your business profile and funding purpose. From there, you choose whether to talk to a provider, share documents, or request a proposal.
No application is submitted on your behalf without your knowledge. There are no fees for submitting an enquiry through Best Business Loans. We may receive a commission from a provider if you proceed, but that never obliges you to accept an offer.
If you want to pause, compare, or decline, you can. You can also ask to be matched with an alternative provider if your priorities change.
When obligations could begin — only with the provider
Any binding obligation starts only when you sign documentation with a provider. Before acceptance, you’re simply exploring options and learning what may be available. Providers typically issue non-binding quotes or heads of terms before final approval.
Always read the terms of engagement and confirm whether fees apply if you proceed, such as arrangement or documentation fees. Ask the provider to clarify when any fee becomes payable, and whether valuation or legal costs are refundable if you don’t complete.
It’s sensible to confirm the cooling-off position for the specific funding type. Many business finance facilities do not carry statutory cooling-off rights, so clarity up front helps you stay in control.
Will saying “no” affect my credit, data, or future applications?
Credit searches: soft checks vs hard checks
Requesting an introduction through Best Business Loans does not automatically trigger a credit check. Providers may perform a soft search initially, which does not impact your credit score. A hard search may only occur with your explicit consent when you choose to proceed with a formal application.
Ask the provider to confirm whether they use soft or hard searches and at what stage. If multiple providers are involved, clarify the search approach for each one. Managing this carefully helps protect your credit profile while you compare options.
If you decline to proceed before any formal application, it is unlikely to affect your credit file. Providers can confirm the position on request.
Your data, privacy, and opt-out rights
Your information is handled securely and shared only with relevant finance professionals connected to your enquiry. You can ask us to stop sharing your details or withdraw consent at any time. We never sell your data.
Providers will also have their own privacy notices that explain how they handle your information. Review those before submitting documents, especially if they include sensitive financial data. If you choose not to proceed, you can request that a provider stops processing your data.
For due diligence reasons, some records may be retained to meet legal and regulatory obligations. Ask how long information is retained and on what basis.
Declining now and trying later
It’s common for businesses to decline an offer and revisit finance options later. Market rates, appetite, and eligibility can change over time. If your turnover, profitability, or asset base improves, more favourable terms may become available.
You can return to us for a fresh introduction whenever your circumstances change. For sector-specific guidance, explore our industry pages, such as loans and finance tailored for hospitality. If you run a restaurant or café, see our page on loans for restaurants to understand typical options and criteria.
Declining today does not “blacklist” you with providers. A clear, documented decision is a positive sign of responsible management.
Reasons you might pause — and how to evaluate a proposal
Common reasons to say “not now”
Cash flow timing may not suit the repayments right now. The facility type may not align with your asset base or receivables cycle. The documentation requirements could be heavier than expected for the amount you need.
You may be waiting on updated accounts, a new contract, or a seasonal uptick to strengthen your case. Alternatively, you may prefer a different structure, such as asset finance instead of an unsecured loan. These are sensible reasons to pause and reassess.
Providers understand that timing and fit matter. A courteous, timely decline keeps the door open for the future.
How to assess a business finance proposal responsibly
- Map repayments against cash flow. Stress test for slower sales or delayed invoices.
- Compare APR, fees, and total cost of finance, not just the rate headline.
- Check early settlement, renewal, or variation fees and any security requirements.
- Confirm covenants or conditions that might restrict future decisions.
- Ask about approval timescales, drawdown steps, and documentation needed.
- Clarify whether director guarantees or debentures are required and their implications.
If the facility doesn’t meet your objectives, explain your priorities and ask whether the provider can restructure the proposal. Small changes to term length, security, or repayment profile can materially improve fit.
If you still prefer not to proceed, thank the provider and let them know. You can then explore additional matches through Best Business Loans when ready.
Next steps, transparency, and compliance-friendly notes
What to expect on fees, commissions, and transparency
Submitting an enquiry to Best Business Loans is free, and there’s no obligation to proceed. If you accept a proposal and complete a facility, the provider may pay us a commission. Where applicable, we aim to ensure this does not increase the price you pay compared to dealing direct.
Providers should disclose their fees and charges clearly, including arrangement, valuation, or legal costs. Ensure you understand when any fees become payable, especially if a deal doesn’t complete. If something isn’t clear, ask for it in writing before you proceed.
We encourage clear, fair, and not misleading information at every stage. Our goal is to help you make informed, confident decisions.
Who we can help — and who we cannot
We support established UK businesses across sectors including construction, manufacturing, logistics, retail, healthcare, and hospitality. Our network covers options such as cash flow funding, asset finance, invoice finance, vehicle and equipment finance, and fit-out finance. We can also help explore refinancing and government-backed schemes where available.
We currently do not support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages. We also do not provide regulated advice. Where a product is regulated, it will be provided and explained by an FCA-authorised firm.
If your business fits our supported profile, our AI matching can save time and connect you to relevant lenders or brokers. You remain in control of every decision throughout.
Key takeaways
- There is no obligation to proceed after an introduction via Best Business Loans.
- You can review offers, decline, or request alternatives at any time.
- Credit checks occur only with your consent; ask about soft vs hard searches.
- Fees and obligations start only when you sign with a provider; get terms in writing.
- We act as an independent introducer, helping you compare options with clarity.
Get your free Quick Quote to see what you might be eligible for today. It’s fast, secure, and without obligation.
FAQs: No-obligation introductions explained
Am I tied in if I speak to a provider? No. Conversations and indicative quotes are not binding unless you sign an agreement.
Will saying no hurt my credit score? No, not for simply being introduced. Ask providers to use soft checks until you’re ready to proceed.
Can I compare more than one option? Yes. You can request alternative introductions if you want to compare different structures or terms.
Do you charge me any fees? No, it’s free to submit an enquiry. If you complete a facility, a provider may pay us commission.
Is advice provided? We don’t provide regulated financial advice. Providers will explain their products and terms so you can decide.
Compliance and fair-promotion notes
Information on this page is for UK businesses and general guidance only. It is not advice or a recommendation to take out finance. Eligibility, rates, and terms are set by providers and depend on your circumstances.
We aim to ensure communications are clear, fair, and not misleading, reflecting FCA, ASA, and Google policy principles. Any regulated activity will be carried out by an FCA-authorised firm.
Please review provider documentation carefully before making a decision. If in doubt, seek professional advice.
Updated: October 2025
About Best Business Loans — BestBusinessLoans.ai is an independent introducer platform using AI matching to help established UK companies find suitable business finance providers quickly. We are not a lender and do not make credit decisions.
Ready to explore finance options with no obligation to proceed? Start your Quick Quote now.