What is business loan refinancing?

Refinancing means replacing one or more existing business borrowings with a new facility that better suits your needs — for example, a lower interest rate, longer term, or simpler payment structure. Refinancing can include consolidating multiple loans, switching asset finance arrangements, remortgaging commercial property, or restructuring short-term facilities into longer-term debt.

Fast Business Loans does not provide loans. Instead, we collect a few details about your business and match you with lenders or brokers who specialise in refinancing. If you’re unsure whether refinancing is right for you, our partners can explain the options after you complete a short Free Eligibility Check.

Why UK SMEs choose to refinance

Businesses refinance for many reasons. Typical goals include:

• Reduce monthly repayments and improve cash flow
• Lower the overall cost of borrowing by securing a better rate
• Simplify a complex debt stack by consolidating multiple lenders into a single facility
• Release equity tied up in assets or property to reinvest in the business
• Replace short-term or expensive facilities with longer-term, predictable loans

For many SMEs, even a small reduction in interest or a switch to interest-only in the short term can free cash to cover payroll, stock or expansion. If any of the above applies to you, start with a Free Eligibility Check — it takes under two minutes and will not affect your credit score.

How Fast Business Loans matches you with the right partner

We make refinancing fast and straightforward by connecting you with lenders and brokers that specialise in your business type and borrowing amount. Our typical process:

1. Quick enquiry: You complete a short form with basic business and borrowing details via our secure site.
2. Smart match: We identify panel partners (lenders or brokers) whose criteria align with your needs.
3. Partner contact: One or more specialists contact you to discuss options and request supporting documents.
4. Compare offers: Review proposals from providers and choose whether to proceed. There’s no obligation to accept any offer.

Enquire now for a no-cost, no-obligation match: Get Quote Now. We’ll only share your details with partners who can help with your request.

Refinance solutions available through our panel

Business debt consolidation

Combine multiple high-cost loans and merchant facilities into a single loan with one monthly payment. This can simplify administration and often secure a lower blended rate.

Asset & equipment refinance

Release equity from machinery, vehicles or other equipment. Asset refinance can improve liquidity without selling core equipment — a clear option for manufacturers, transport and construction firms.

Invoice finance refinance

If you already use invoice discounting or factoring, specialist providers can review and match you to alternative facilities with better terms or higher advance rates.

Commercial mortgage refinance

Remortgage owner-occupied or investment commercial property to secure a lower rate, change term, or release equity for business use.

Short-term bridging & cash flow refinance

Short-term bridging or working capital facilities can be replaced by longer-term finance when appropriate, reducing cost and improving predictability.

Learn more about targeted refinance options on our dedicated page for refinance-loans. When you’re ready, complete a Free Eligibility Check to get matched to a specialist.

Eligibility & what lenders commonly review

Each lender has its own criteria, but common factors include:

• Minimum loan size: our panel typically considers requests from £10,000 upwards
• Trading history: many lenders look for at least 12–24 months of trading, though some specialist lenders accept shorter histories
• Annual turnover and cash flow: lenders assess ability to service new repayments
• Credit profile: lenders will review business and, in some cases, director information
• Security available: some refinance options require asset or property security and/or personal guarantees

Even if you have previous credit issues, our broad panel means there is often an alternative route — start with a Free Eligibility Check to see which partners may be able to help.

Costs, terms & considerations

Refinancing can save money, but it has costs. Typical items to review:

• Interest rates and APR (compare total cost over the term)
• Arrangement or facility fees
• Early repayment charges on existing loans
• Valuation and legal costs for secured facilities
• Any new personal guarantees or changes to covenants

When comparing offers, ask lenders for a full cost breakdown and an example repayment schedule. Our introduction service is free — lenders may charge fees, and you’ll be advised of these by any partner you choose to contact.

Documents & information you’ll usually need

Having documents ready speeds up the process. Typical checklist:

• Company registration details and director ID
• Recent management accounts and bank statements (usually last 3–6 months)
• Existing loan agreements and repayment schedules
• Details of assets or property proposed as security (if applicable)
• Cashflow forecasts and VAT returns where relevant

Once you submit an enquiry, a matched partner will tell you exactly what they need. Ready now? Start Your Enquiry.

Timeline — from enquiry to offer

Typical timings vary by complexity and lender, but a guide:

• Initial enquiry and match: minutes to 24 hours
• Partner contact and document request: 24–72 hours
• Underwriting and credit decision: 3–14 working days (complex cases may take longer)
• Completion and funding: from a few days for unsecured facilities up to several weeks for secured or property-based refinance

We aim to connect you quickly so you can get a clear timeline from the lender or broker handling your case.

Refinancing vs other funding routes

Refinancing can be preferable when you want to reduce cost, simplify borrowing or release equity. Alternatives include raising equity, taking new borrowing while maintaining existing debt, or selling assets. Consider:

• Refinance: may lower cost and simplify payments but could incur early repayment charges
• New loan: can add capacity but increases overall debt and repayments
• Equity: dilutes ownership but removes repayment burden

Speak to a matched specialist to weigh the options for your business — start with a Free Eligibility Check.

Mini case study

A Midlands manufacturer faced high monthly repayments across four short-term loans and an equipment hire agreement. After an enquiry through Fast Business Loans, a specialist broker secured a consolidated secured term loan that extended the term, reduced monthly payments and released modest working capital from equipment refinance. Outcome: improved monthly cashflow and a single predictable repayment.

Why businesses trust Fast Business Loans

• Free, no-obligation matching service — you only pay if you proceed with a provider’s terms
• Fast connections to lenders and brokers experienced in commercial refinance
• Simple enquiry — typically under two minutes to submit
• Your enquiry won’t affect your credit score
• We organise refinance requests from £10,000 and above

Ready to explore options? Get Quote Now and our team will match you to the right partners.

FAQs

Does enquiring affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans is a soft process and will not affect your business or personal credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you progress with an application.

Can I refinance if I’ve missed payments before?

Possibly. Some specialist lenders take a pragmatic view of past issues; our panel includes providers who assess the full commercial picture. Complete a Free Eligibility Check to see who can help.

How quickly will I hear from a lender?

Often within hours during business hours. Complex or secured refinance requests can take longer. You’ll receive a clear timeline from any partner that contacts you.

Are there minimum or maximum loan sizes?

We work with lenders and brokers handling loans from £10,000 upwards. Maximums vary by provider and sector.

Do I have to accept an offer if I enquire?

No. Your enquiry is no obligation — you decide whether to take any offer put to you by a lender or broker.

Is Fast Business Loans a lender or adviser?

We are an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice.

Important information & non-advice notice

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not provide lending, nor do we give regulated financial advice. All loan offers are made by lenders or brokers and are subject to their eligibility and underwriting checks. Any figures, rates or timescales provided on this page are for guidance only. We recommend reviewing the terms of any offer carefully and seeking independent advice if required. Your details will be shared only with panel partners who may be able to help with your enquiry.

Ready to explore refinance options?

Get matched to lenders and brokers who understand your sector. It takes two minutes, it’s free, and it won’t affect your credit score. Start Your Free Eligibility Check today.