Refinance Business Loans: Compare UK Options with Fast Business Loans
Summary: Refinancing business loans can reduce monthly repayments, secure better rates, consolidate multiple facilities and simplify cashflow. Fast Business Loans is a free UK introducer that matches businesses (loans from £10,000 upwards) with lenders and brokers who specialise in refinancing. Completing our enquiry is quick, does not affect your credit score and is not a loan application—it’s a way to get matched to the best refinance specialists for your needs.
Why business owners refinance — and how we help
Business owners refinance for many reasons: to lower monthly repayments after a rate rise, consolidate several expensive short-term facilities, release equity from assets, move from a variable to a fixed rate, or to free up cash for growth. Fast Business Loans does not lend — we act as an introducer. You tell us your priorities and we match your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in the solution you need.
Free Eligibility Check — quick, no-obligation and it won’t impact your credit score.
Understanding business loan refinancing
What is business refinancing?
Refinancing replaces one or more existing finance facilities with a new one. The goal is usually to reduce cost, extend or shorten the term, change repayment structure, consolidate debt, or change the security attached. Refinancing is a common way for SMEs to better match finance to current trading conditions.
Common finance products you can refinance
- Term loans (secured or unsecured)
- Commercial mortgages and property loans
- Asset & equipment finance (hire purchase, lease agreements)
- Invoice finance (factoring or discounting)
- Merchant cash advances and shorter-term facilities
- Consolidation facilities that bundle multiple debts
| Original loan issues | Refinance opportunity |
|---|---|
| High monthly payments | Lower monthly cost via longer term or better rate |
| Variable interest exposure | Move to fixed rate for certainty |
| Multiple lenders & repayments | Consolidate into a single facility |
Benefits & when refinancing makes sense
Potential benefits
- Lower monthly payments: Improve cashflow by reducing the repayment burden.
- Better overall rate/APR: Competitive lenders or improved credit can reduce cost.
- Consolidation: Replace multiple facilities with a single, simpler arrangement.
- Release or reallocate security: Free up asset value or move from secured to unsecured finance where possible.
- Flexibility: Access features such as payment holidays, variable repayment schedules or redraw.
When to consider refinancing
- After a significant rise in variable interest rates.
- Near the end of an introductory or expensive term.
- When trading has improved and better terms are available.
- If you want to consolidate merchant cash advances or short-term invoice facilities.
Eligibility & documentation
Typical criteria our partners consider
- Minimum loan size: typically from £10,000 upwards
- Trading history: most lenders prefer at least 12 months of trading
- Revenue thresholds and sector risk
- Credit profile and company director history
- Security available (if refinancing a secured facility)
Documents to prepare
- Latest annual accounts (or management accounts)
- Business bank statements (3–6 months)
- Existing facility agreements and repayment schedules
- Asset valuations or vehicle/plant details where relevant
- Proof of identity and company documents
“Preparing these documents in advance speeds up matching and allows brokers to provide accurate indicative offers.”
Refinance options explained
Term loan refinance
Move from an expensive or short-term loan to a new term loan with better rate or longer term. Pros: predictable repayments; cons: may require security or a personal guarantee depending on lender.
Asset & equipment refinancing
Release equity via sale & leaseback or refinance existing hire purchase. Ideal for freeing capital tied up in machinery or vehicles.
Invoice finance switching
Switch factoring or discounting to providers with lower fees or better debtor management. Can improve cashflow and reduce costs.
Commercial mortgage refinancing
Remortgaging commercial property can lower rate or release equity; lenders will review LTV and rental covenants.
Debt consolidation facilities
Bundle merchant cash advances, card facilities and short-term loans into a single repayment plan to reduce admin and simplify cashflow.
For more detail on specialist routes and lender suitability, see our dedicated guide to refinance loans.
Fast tip: always ask about early settlement charges on your current facility before agreeing to refinance.
Costs, rates & risk considerations
Refinance offers vary widely. Expect lenders to outline an indicative APR band rather than a single “from” rate — APR depends on term, security and credit profile.
Typical fees to expect
- Arrangement or underwriting fees
- Valuation and legal fees (especially for property-secured deals)
- Exit or early settlement fees on existing facilities
- Broker fees (if applicable)
How Fast Business Loans works — step by step
- Share your requirements: complete our short enquiry with key details (takes 2 minutes).
- We shortlist partners: we match you to lenders and brokers experienced in refinancing your product and sector.
- Receive introductions & indicative offers: partners contact you directly with options.
- Due diligence & approval: supply documents and proceed with the chosen lender/broker.
- Completion & aftercare: funding completes and you manage the new facility with your chosen provider.
Most enquiries receive a response within the same business day.
Example: UK manufacturing SME — £250,000 refinance that cut monthly payments by 18% and combined three short-term facilities into a single term loan.
Compare refinance offers now — no obligation.
Industry-specific considerations
Construction & trades
Seasonal cashflow and plant finance are common. Lenders may offer invoice or plant refinance solutions to smooth peaks.
Hospitality & leisure
Seasonal revenue and post-pandemic recovery can affect affordability. Consolidation of CBILS-era finance is a frequent need.
E-commerce & retail
Replacing merchant cash advances with structured term facilities often improves cashflow and cost transparency.
Need sector-specific options? Request your tailored shortlist.
Success story — illustrative scenario
Profile: Regional bakery group with £120k of short-term loans and a finance lease on equipment.
- Challenge: multiple repayments and rising rates left tight weekly cashflow.
- Solution: Fast Business Loans matched the group with a broker who secured a consolidated term loan and equipment refinance.
- Outcome: monthly payments fell by 22%, single repayment schedule improved cashflow planning.
Results vary by business and lender. This example is illustrative only.
How to compare offers responsibly
When you receive offers, review:
- APR and total cost of credit (including fees)
- Repayment flexibility and penalties for missed payments
- Security and covenants required
- Early settlement fees on both the new and existing facilities
- Service levels and communication from the lender or broker
We do not provide financial advice. Consider independent professional advice if you are unsure about terms or security implications.
Why choose Fast Business Loans
- Fast — quick matching to relevant lenders and brokers
- Free — our introducer service is free for businesses
- Sector-aware — we connect you to partners who understand your industry
- Secure — we share details only with suitable finance partners
- No-obligation — you choose whether to proceed with any offer
- Transparent — we’ll highlight that the enquiry is not an application and won’t harm your credit score
Frequently asked questions
Can I refinance a government-backed loan like CBILS or RLS?
Often yes — many lenders offer refinance routes for these facilities. Eligibility depends on lender rules and your recent financial performance; settlement costs may apply.
Will enquiring affect my credit score?
No. An initial enquiry through us is a soft approach to matching and does not trigger a hard search. Formal credit checks occur only with lender permission when you apply.
How quickly can refinancing complete?
Simple unsecured refinances can complete in 1–3 weeks once documents are supplied. Property or complex asset refinancing typically takes longer — 4–8 weeks.
Can businesses with adverse credit be considered?
Potentially yes. We work with a broad panel; some partners specialise in adverse-credit cases. Results will depend on circumstances and the lender’s risk appetite.
What happens if I want to settle early?
Check your current facility for early settlement fees — these can affect whether refinancing is economical. Your chosen lender or broker will factor these into any comparison.
Get started
Ready to explore refinance options? Complete a short enquiry now and we’ll match your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in refinance solutions. This is a free, no-obligation matching service — not a loan application, and it will not impact your credit score.
By submitting your enquiry you authorise Fast Business Loans to share details with handpicked UK lenders and brokers who best match your requirements.
– What is business loan refinancing and how does it work?
Business loan refinancing replaces one or more existing facilities with a new one to lower costs, change terms, or consolidate debt with a single repayment.
– Will submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans affect my credit score?
No—submitting an enquiry is not a loan application and does not trigger a hard credit search, with checks only happening if you proceed with a lender.
– Can I refinance a government-backed CBILS or RLS loan?
Yes—many lenders will refinance CBILS or RLS loans subject to eligibility and any settlement fees on your current facility.
– What types of finance can I refinance?
Typical refinanceable facilities include term loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, merchant cash advances, and commercial mortgages.
– How long does the refinance process take?
Simple unsecured refinances often complete in 1–3 weeks once documents are supplied, while property or complex cases may take 4–8 weeks.
– What eligibility criteria do lenders look for?
Lenders usually want UK businesses trading 12+ months with suitable revenue, credit profile and (where relevant) security, with loan sizes typically from £10,000 upwards.
– What documents should I prepare for a refinance application?
Prepare recent accounts, 3–6 months of bank statements, current loan agreements, asset details/valuations, and standard ID and company documents.
– What costs and fees should I expect when refinancing?
Expect a total cost including APR plus arrangement fees, valuation/legal fees for secured deals, any broker fee, and possible early settlement charges on your existing loan.
– Can I consolidate multiple loans or merchant cash advances into one facility?
Yes—you can consolidate multiple short-term loans or merchant cash advances into a single refinance to simplify repayments and often reduce monthly outgoings.
– How does Fast Business Loans help me compare UK refinance options?
Fast Business Loans is a free introducer that matches your enquiry to specialist UK lenders and brokers who contact you with options so you can compare without obligation.
