Independent Business Loans Broker
As an independent business loans broker, we compare 100+ lenders to find the right deal for your business. We provide quality lending advice for UK and International clients, including unsecured loans, merchant cash advances, or specialist finance options.
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Independent · Access to 100+ lenders · No upfront fee · Finance from £5,000 to £20m
Your Business Finance Options
A business finance broker is an independent actor connecting commercial businesses with appropriate lenders. We offer borrowing advice and negotiate on your behalf, using our relationships across the market to secure the best product for you.
The value of independent expertise is clear: in 2023, UK brokers arranged approximately £38bn in SME lending, representing 69% of all SME finance.
Our brokers can advise you on the right type of business loan for your needs at this time, and find the most suitable offer from our lender panel.
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Finance Types |
Description |
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No collateral, designed to help you spread the cost of assets |
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With assets as collateral, these allow you to borrow more |
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Merchant cash advance / card machine loans |
Automatic repayments via your card machine, flexing with your income |
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A capital injection to support your cashflow when you need it |
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Short term finance for land purchase and property construction |
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Finance to get your business off the ground and build your team |
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Lending based on cash flow, revenue and experience, not credit ratings |
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Funding for commercial property refurbishments or expansion |
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Short term loans to help secure assets or property while traditional finance clears |
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Cover your VAT costs on large purchases without impacting operations. |
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Asset finance |
Helping you buy or lease the equipment and assets you need to operate |
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R&D tax credit loans |
An advance on up to 80% of the value of tax credit payments, before the year-end |
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Invoice finance |
An advance on outstanding customer invoices, up to 90% of the pending amount |
Supporting Businesses Like Yours
AptPay Case Studies
Our experienced brokerage team have negotiated funding for businesses across sectors. Your business can succeed with the right finance at the right time.
Hospitality
A restaurant in North London needed £75k working capital after a slow winter, but were turned down by their usual bank. AptPay were able to arrange an unsecured loan for the full amount in just 48 hrs.
Retail
An independent retailer wanted to open a second location. AptPay arranged a secured commercial loan of £150k at a competitive rate, after comparing 12 lenders.
Manufacturing
A large business with a complex governance structure and an outstanding CCJ had struggled to find finance. AptPay arranged a £200k secured loan via a specialist lender.
Service
A café in Manchester needed to invest in a new espresso machine. AptPay brokered a merchant cash advance for £7500, with flexible repayment terms.
What Is a Business Loans Broker?
A business loan broker acts as an independent intermediary connecting businesses with suitable lenders.
Using a specialist saves you time and unlocks better rates.
- We assess your needs
- We search the wider market
- We recommend tailored products
- You decide whether to proceed
- We manage the application and underwriting process
Rather than being tied to a single bank’s criteria, a business finance broker acts entirely on your behalf to recommend the most competitive and flexible products available across the market.
You’re free to stay fully focused on your day-to-day operations.
How Our Business Loan Brokerage Works
Securing your finance is a streamlined, stress-free process. We manage the heavy lifting from start to finish in five simple steps.
1. Free initial consultation
Your journey begins with a brief, no-obligation conversation with one of our finance specialists. We take the time to thoroughly understand your business model, your specific funding need, and your current financial position to ensure we target the right solutions.
2. Market search
Once we understand your requirements, we conduct a comprehensive search of both alternative and traditional finance markets. We compare rates, terms, and lending criteria across our trusted panel of over 100+ UK lenders to find the best possible match for your company.
3. Personalised recommendation
We do not just present a single option; we provide you with a carefully ranked selection of tailored finance facilities. Whether you prioritize the cheapest overall cost or the most flexible repayment structure, we provide a clear, transparent breakdown of all costs and terms so you can make a confident, informed decision.
4. Application management
Securing finance often involves heavy administrative work, but we take that burden completely off your shoulders. Our team handles all the necessary paperwork, packages your application to maximize the chance of approval, and liaises directly with the lender’s underwriters on your behalf.
5. Completion
Once your application is formally approved and the final terms are agreed upon, the agreement is signed. The funds are then released and deposited directly into your business bank account, providing you with the capital you need to grow.
Why Use a Business Loan Broker?
The difference between using a broker and going directly to a lender for your business loan is in getting the widest possible range of terms on the market.
- Access to lenders you can’t approach direct
- Time saving – only apply once
- Negotiation leverage
- Knowledge of specialist and niche lenders
- Soft credit search to preserve credit score
- Application quality increases approval chances
Broker vs. Direct Lender: Comparing Services
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Feature |
Broker
Direct Lender | |
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Lender access |
Access to a panel of 100+ lenders, including specialist and niche lenders |
Limited to the lender’s own products and rates. No negotiation leverage. |
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Time required |
Time-saving, as you submit one application and the broker handles paperwork and liaison with the underwriter. |
Requires submitting multiple individual applications to compare options |
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Application expertise |
Increases approval chances due to application quality. Broker handles all paperwork. |
Borrower manages all aspects of the application. Approval is solely based on their submission quality. |
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Best rate guarantee |
Compares products across the market and presents ranked options (cheapest vs. most flexible). The aim is to secure the “best deal”. |
Offers only their own rate with no market comparison |
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Credit impact |
Uses a soft credit search to preserve the credit score. |
Applying to multiple institutions often involves hard credit checks that could potentially harm the credit score. |
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Cost |
Broker fees vary, and where they are present they are usually offset by the favourable terms not available directly. |
No broker fees, but the cost may be higher if the borrower does not secure the best available market rate. |
If you have strong financials and a clear need for a particular product, approaching a lender directly is a reasonable route.
Explore our direct business loan options.
Is a Business Loan Broker the Right Choice?
Working with a commercial finance broker is highly beneficial for most UK SMEs, but it is particularly valuable if your funding needs fall outside the usual criteria of high-street banks.
You're a Busy Person
Researching lenders and submitting multiple applications is time-consuming. Your broker handles the entire market search, paperwork, and application process, so your time isn’t taken up with administration.
Your Bank Won’t Lend
With poor credit or a short trading history, traditional lenders can be rigid. Brokers have direct access to specialist alternative lenders and private banks, with far more flexible criteria. This is ideal if you’re starting a new business.
You need capital quickly
Traditional bank applications can take weeks or even months to process. We know exactly which lenders can deploy funds quickly, often securing funding approvals within 24 hours. We can release funds to your account within a matter of days.
You’re seeking specialist finance
Whether you need a bridging loan for a commercial property purchase, a merchant cash advance to ease seasonal cash flow, or invoice finance to unlock tied-up capital, a broker will match you with the exact product for your needs.
You’re looking for the best possible rates
Rather than being tied to one bank’s pricing, an independent broker leverages their relationships across a diverse network of lenders to negotiate bespoke, market-leading terms and rates on your behalf.
How Much Does a Business Loan Broker Cost?
AptPay’s broker fees depend on the amount of credit you’re looking for, the type of loan and any specialist terms.
1) Commission-only
The lender pays us a procurement fee, typically 0.5–2% of loan value. There is no cost to you as the borrower. The vast majority of business loans we arrange for our clients are commission-only.
2) Client fee
A client fee of between 1–5% of the loan amount is charged up-front for complex or specialist deals. This is usually offset by the better rate and lending terms we can secure for your business loan.
3) Hybrid
In some cases, we receive a combination of commission and client fees. This reduces costs to both lender and client.
AptPay will always clarify which fee structure applies to your loan before you proceed, so you can make an informed decision.
Aptpay is a trading name of Apt Business Consultants Ltd . Company reg: 12781495 acting as an intermediary.
Why Choose Us?
Rapid Loan Disbursement
Upon approval of your paperwork, we expedite the processing to ensure your business loan is in your hands within a few hours, allowing you quick access to your funds.
Adaptable Financing
Recognising the unique needs of every individual, our loans are customised to suit your specific requirements. We provide loans ranging from £10,000 to £5 million at fixed interest rates, with the added flexibility of opting for a top-up if your needs evolve.
Payments That Suit You
Tailor your loan repayment plan to your comfort. Choose from a variety of instalment frequencies, including daily, weekly, or monthly, ensuring a repayment schedule that aligns with your preferences.