What is business loan refinancing?

Refinancing means replacing one or more existing business finance arrangements with a new facility that better suits your needs. For UK companies this commonly involves securing a new loan or finance package to:

• consolidate multiple debts into a single payment;
• reduce monthly repayments by extending or re-profiling terms;
• move from higher-cost short-term facilities to lower-cost term lending; or
• release locked equity or obtain additional working capital.

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer — we don’t lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Instead, we match you with brokers and lenders who specialise in refinancing for companies. Use our quick enquiry to get matched and receive personalised options: Free Eligibility Check.

When refinancing might make sense

• Your current rate is above market and a lower-cost option is available.
• Multiple short-term facilities are creating administrative burden and high monthly costs.
• You need to release cash tied up in property, equipment or invoices.
• Business growth requires more flexible or larger borrowing capacity.
• Existing lender terms no longer match cash flow seasonality or trading changes.

Key advantages of refinancing

Improve monthly cash flow

Switching to a longer-term or lower-rate facility can reduce monthly outgoings and free cash for operations. That wiggle room can be vital for growth or to ride seasonal highs and lows.

Combine multiple facilities into one payment

Consolidation simplifies administration and can reduce overall financing complexity — one lender, one repayment date and clearer covenants.

Unlock better rates or flexible terms

Market conditions change; businesses that refinance when rates improve or when their credit profile strengthens can benefit from lower cost of borrowing or more flexible covenants.

Access additional working capital

Refinancing a secured asset (like equipment or property) may release equity or allow for a top-up facility to fund growth.

How Fast Business Loans supports your refinance journey

We connect businesses to lenders and brokers who have the appetite and sector expertise for refinance cases. Our four-step approach:

1. Quick enquiry: tell us a few details about your company, existing finance and goals (takes under 2 minutes).
2. Match: we identify brokers and lenders suited to your sector and situation.
3. Contact: partners will contact you to discuss options and confirm documentation needs.
4. Compare and decide: review quotes, pick a solution and work directly with the chosen provider to fund.

Get Quote Now — submit a short enquiry and we’ll match you quickly.

Types of finance you can refinance

Many kinds of commercial borrowing are suitable for refinance. Common examples include:

• Business term loans — unsecured or secured loans for working capital or investment.
• Asset finance — refinance or restructure hire purchase and leasing arrangements.
• Invoice finance — switch providers or move from factoring to invoice discounting.
• Merchant cash advances — replace high-cost MCA facilities with cheaper alternatives where possible.
• Commercial mortgages — refinance property debt to release equity or adjust term and rate.

For a broader look at options and to see if a refinance is appropriate for your circumstances, our partners can advise. Read more about refinance solutions and when they suit a business on our specialist page about refinance loans.

Realistic eligibility factors — what lenders assess

Exact criteria differ by lender, but typical factors include:

Business profile & trading history

How long you’ve traded, sector, contracts and client concentration are reviewed. Established performance helps secure better terms.

Financial performance & affordability

Lenders look at turnover, profit margins, cash flow forecasts and EBITDA to judge ability to service new terms.

Existing security or collateral

Secured refinance may require valuations and an assessment of asset quality. Some lenders prefer unsecured profiles but at different pricing.

Director credit profile

Personal credit and director track records can influence pricing and available products for limited companies.

Tip: lenders will treat each scenario differently — matching you to specialists who understand your sector increases the chance of a competitive offer.

Preparing a strong refinance enquiry

Before you request quotes, gather the essentials so brokers can act fast:

• Recent management accounts (latest 6–12 months)
• Bank statements (3–6 months)
• Details of existing finance (lender, balance, rate, term, monthly payment, security)
• Cashflow forecast or plan for use of funds
• Business plan or summary of growth plans if applying for additional borrowing

Submitting a clear set of documents speeds the matching and quoting process. Start your free eligibility check and we’ll connect you to sector-savvy brokers who can review your paperwork and price options.

Cost considerations & potential risks

Refinancing can save money, but it’s important to understand all costs and consequences:

• Early repayment charges on existing facilities
• Arrangement and application fees for new lending
• Valuation, legal or search costs for secured finance
• Higher total cost if you extend the loan term

Why comparing offers matters

Different lenders price risk and structure deals in different ways. Comparing multiple quotes ensures you balance monthly affordability against total cost and flexibility. Our matching process helps by presenting several relevant options quickly.

Sector snapshot: refinance use cases

Refinance is used across many industries. Examples:

• Hospitality: smooth seasonal cash flow and fund refurbishments.
• Construction: release capital from completed projects and manage retentions.
• Retail & e‑commerce: consolidate supplier credit and free up working capital for stock.
• Manufacturing: reprofile asset finance to modernise machinery and reduce monthly strain.

Each case is unique — start with a simple enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders who understand your sector’s cashflow patterns.

Why choose Fast Business Loans?

• Speed: a short enquiry connects you to suitable partners quickly.
• Sector expertise: we match you to providers with relevant industry experience.
• No-obligation: our service is free for business owners to use.
• Discretion: enquiries don’t affect your credit score; only formal applications may incur checks.

Ready to compare refinance options? Get Quote Now.

Step-by-step: from enquiry to funding

Typical timeline (indicative):

1. Day 0: Submit a short enquiry (under 2 minutes).
2. Day 1–3: Brokers contact you, request documents and provide indicative offers.
3. Week 1–3: Due diligence, valuations and formal credit checks (times vary by product).
4. Week 3–6+ Legal completion and drawdown for secured facilities; unsecured loans may be faster.

Timescales depend on product type and whether security/valuations are required. For a quick start, Start Your Enquiry now.

Frequently asked questions

Can I refinance if my credit isn’t perfect?

Possibly. Some lenders specialise in more complex credit profiles. Fast Business Loans will match you with brokers who can review your situation and discuss realistic options without impacting your credit record at the enquiry stage.

Will refinancing cost more overall?

It depends. Lower monthly payments can sometimes mean higher total interest if the term is extended. Always compare total cost, fees and any early repayment charges before deciding.

Do I need to provide security?

Not always. Many refinance cases use secured routes (property, plant or equipment) to access better pricing, but unsecured options exist for eligible businesses. The right route depends on your needs and asset position.

How fast can a refinance complete?

Unsecured facility switches can sometimes complete within days; secured refinances typically take several weeks because of valuations and legal work. Your matched broker will set expectations early on.

Is Fast Business Loans regulated?

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide lending or regulated financial advice; partners handle application, checks and contract terms.

Will checking options affect my credit file?

No — making an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you choose to proceed with a formal application.

Compare your refinance options today

Refinancing can be a fast way to lower monthly costs, consolidate debt and access working capital. To get tailored refinance quotes from lenders and brokers who understand your business, complete a short enquiry now. It’s free and there’s no obligation.

Get Started Free Eligibility Check

• Secure and discreet
• No-obligation matching
• Suitable for loans from £10,000 and up

Important information & disclaimer

Fast Business Loans introduces businesses to lenders and brokers; we do not provide lending or regulated financial advice and we are not a lender. Borrowing is subject to status, affordability and the lender’s terms and conditions. Fees, rates and terms vary between providers. Always review the full cost and legal terms before agreeing to a facility.