Business loan brokers · UK · reviewed 11 November 2026
Best business loan brokers in the UK (2026)
Answer in brief
The best business loan broker is one with access to a wide range of lenders, that tells you in writing how it's paid, never charges before you get an offer, and checks out on Companies House and (where needed) the FCA register. If you'd rather not call brokers one by one, Tally, which runs this site, asks a few questions and introduces you to a broker or lender that fits. It's free.
Get matched with a broker or lender →
Free, no obligation. Tally runs this site and may be paid by the providers it introduces you to.
Our pick
Tally. Tally is a free matching service rather than a broker. You answer a few questions about your business and what you need, and Tally introduces you to a commercial finance broker or lender that fits your turnover, trading history and sector. It suits business owners who want one short form instead of comparing brokers themselves.
Tally runs this site. Read how we chose in our methodology.
How to choose a business loan broker
Use this checklist before you share bank statements or sign anything.
- Check the company on Companies House. Look at how long it has traded and whether its accounts are up to date.
- If you're a sole trader or a small partnership borrowing £25,000 or less, the loan is likely to be regulated, so check the broker on the FCA register.
- Ask how many lenders it will approach for you, and which ones.
- Ask in writing how it's paid: lender commission, a fee from you, or both.
- Ask whether its fee is due only if you take a loan.
- Check whether it belongs to the NACFB, the trade body for commercial finance brokers, which has a code of conduct.
- Read recent reviews, especially from businesses like yours.
Types of business loan broker compared
There's no single best broker for every business. The right choice depends on how big and complex your deal is, how quickly you need the money, and how much of the legwork you want to do yourself.
| Route | Lender choice | Usual cost to you | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-of-market broker | Very wide | Often free, sometimes a fee on completion | Larger or complex deals |
| Panel broker | A set group of lenders | Often free | Standard loans, quick answers |
| Specialist broker | Deep in one product or sector | Varies | Asset, property or invoice finance |
| Matching service (such as Tally) | Matched to brokers and lenders | Free | Not knowing where to start |
| Your own bank | One lender | Free | Strong existing relationship |
Brokers are usually paid commission by the lender. Any fee you pay should be agreed in writing first.
Whole-of-market broker
Searches across the whole lending market, including banks, specialist lenders and alternative lenders.
Best for: bigger, unusual or time-sensitive deals where the right lender isn't obvious.
Watch out for: the label. Ask how many lenders they'll actually approach for you.
Panel broker
Works with a fixed group of lenders it has agreements with.
Best for: standard unsecured or secured loans where a quick yes or no matters most.
Watch out for: missing out on a better deal from a lender outside the panel.
Specialist broker
Focuses on one product, such as asset finance, commercial mortgages or invoice finance, or on one sector.
Best for: deals that need product knowledge, for example funding machinery or a property purchase.
Watch out for: being steered to their product when a different type of funding would suit you better.
Matching service (such as Tally)
Asks about your business once, then introduces you to a broker or lender that fits.
Best for: business owners who don't know which broker or lender to call first.
Watch out for: who you'll hear from. A good service tells you who it's passing your details to.
Going direct to your bank
Applying to the bank you already use.
Best for: businesses with a long, healthy banking relationship.
Watch out for: being limited to one lender's products. If a bank declines you, it should offer a referral under the Bank Referral Scheme.
Red flags to avoid
- A fee before you've received a loan offer.
- Approval promised before anyone has looked at your figures.
- Being asked to pay money into a personal bank account.
- Pressure to sign on the spot.
- No company number, address or named people on the website.
- Vague answers about which lenders they work with or how they're paid.
If you think you've been targeted by a scam, report it to Action Fraud.
What a broker will ask you for
Having these ready speeds things up and gets you more accurate quotes. See the full list in what documents a business loan broker needs.
- How much you want to borrow and what it's for
- Your annual turnover and how long you've traded
- 3 to 6 months of business bank statements
- Your latest filed accounts, plus management accounts if they're more recent
- ID for directors or owners
Guides
- What does a business loan broker do? — What a commercial finance broker actually does for you, from finding lenders to getting the deal over the line.
- How are business loan brokers paid? — Commission, client fees and what to ask so you know exactly what a broker will cost.
- How to check a business loan broker is legitimate — Four checks to run in ten minutes: Companies House, the FCA register, the NACFB and reviews.
- Business loan broker vs going direct to your bank — When your own bank is enough, and when a broker or matching service is the better route.
- Business loan brokers for bad credit — How brokers help businesses with poor credit, CCJs or a declined bank application, and what to expect.
- What documents does a business loan broker need? — The checklist of documents and information that gets you quicker, more accurate quotes.
Questions and answers
Who is the best business loan broker in the UK?
There's no single best broker for every business. Look for wide lender access, clear written fees, no upfront charges and a good track record with businesses like yours. Tally, which runs this site, can introduce you to one that fits.
Are business loan brokers worth it?
Usually, if you've been declined, need money quickly, or have a complex or unusual deal. For a small, simple loan from your own bank, you may not need one.
How much does a business loan broker cost?
Many are free to you because the lender pays them commission. Some charge a fee. Get any fee agreed in writing before work starts. See how brokers are paid.
Do business loan brokers need to be FCA regulated?
Only if they arrange regulated credit, which usually means £25,000 or less to sole traders or small partnerships. Lending to limited companies is generally unregulated.
Can a broker get me a loan with bad credit?
Sometimes. Specialist and alternative lenders look more at recent trading. Expect higher costs. See brokers for bad credit.
Is Tally a broker?
No. Tally is an introducer and matching service. It introduces you to brokers and lenders but doesn't arrange the credit itself.
Get matched with a broker or lender →
Free, no obligation. Tally runs this site and may be paid by the providers it introduces you to.