Refinance Business Loans: Smarter Ways to Restructure Your SME Debt
Summary: Refinancing business loans can lower monthly repayments, simplify multiple debts and free working capital. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend — we introduce UK limited companies and SMEs to lenders and brokers who specialise in refinance solutions (from around £10,000 upwards). Complete a short enquiry for a free eligibility check and we’ll match your business to the most suitable partners — no obligation, no credit impact from the enquiry.
Introduction — who this page is for
This guide explains how UK businesses can refinance existing commercial debt to improve cash flow, reduce monthly costs or consolidate borrowing. It is written for directors and finance managers of limited companies and SMEs seeking new terms on loans from approximately £10,000 upwards.
Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we connect you to trusted brokers and lenders who can provide refinance options. Submitting an enquiry is not an application; it’s information we use to match your business with providers who are most likely to help. Start with a Free Eligibility Check.
What is business loan refinancing?
Refinancing replaces one or more existing business finance agreements with a new facility under different terms. The new loan may offer a lower interest rate, longer term, different security or a simpler repayment structure. Common aims include lowering monthly repayments, consolidating multiple facilities, or releasing capital tied up in assets.
When refinancing makes sense
- Interest rates can be reduced to cut monthly costs.
- Multiple loans can be consolidated into a single repayment to simplify administration.
- Term length can be extended to improve short-term cash flow.
- Swapping expensive short-term borrowing for a longer-term arrangement.
- Releasing equity from assets to fund growth or working capital.
If you’re unsure, speak to an independent adviser or use our matching service for broker options that understand your sector.
How Fast Business Loans helps
We don’t underwrite or approve loans. Instead, we streamline the search and match process so you connect only with lenders or brokers suited to your profile.
- Submit a short enquiry (takes under 2 minutes) — this is not an application.
- We match your details to our panel of lenders and brokers who specialise in refinance solutions.
- Partners contact you directly with eligibility feedback and quotes; you choose whether to progress.
- Compare offers, instruct a broker or accept an offer from a lender — the decision is yours.
There’s no obligation and submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. Ready to get matched? Get Your Free Eligibility Check.
Types of refinance solutions we can introduce
| Solution Type | Typical Use | Loan Amount Range | Indicative Time to Funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term loan refinance | Replace short-term high-rate loans | £10k – £5m+ | 3–21 days |
| Asset refinance (plant & machinery) | Release cash from owned assets | £20k – £2m | 1–4 weeks |
| Invoice finance restructure | Consolidate invoice discounting or factoring | £25k – £3m | 1–2 weeks |
| Commercial mortgage refinance | Refinance property-secured loans | £50k – £10m+ | 4–12 weeks |
| Merchant cash advance restructure | Replace expensive MCA with term funding | £10k – £250k | 3–14 days |
Eligibility varies by lender — size, sector, trading history and security are commonly considered.
For a deeper walkthrough of refinance-focused products and processes, see our dedicated refinance page on refinance loans: refinance loans.
Eligibility & document checklist
Who we can help
- Limited companies and small & medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across many UK sectors.
- Bespoke solutions for companies with seasonal revenue or asset-backed needs.
What lenders usually ask for
- Annual accounts for the last 1–3 years (or management accounts if more recent).
- Bank statements (typically last 3–6 months).
- Current debt schedule showing balances, monthly payments and any early repayment charges.
- Details of assets or property to be used as security (if applicable).
- Proof of ID and company documentation for directors (when progressing).
We ensure your information is only shared with matched partners. The enquiry form is for matching and is not a formal application.
Benefits & considerations
Potential advantages
- Lower monthly repayments and improved cashflow.
- Consolidation of multiple repayments into a single facility.
- Potentially lower overall interest costs over the long term.
- Ability to release capital to invest in growth or working capital.
Points to consider
- Arrangement, legal or broker fees may apply and affect overall savings.
- Existing lenders can charge early repayment penalties — factor these into any comparison.
- Longer terms can reduce monthly payments but increase total interest paid.
- Secured refinance may require business assets or property as collateral.
“Refinancing can ease short-term pressure — but always compare total cost of credit, not just monthly payments.”
Comparison: Refinance vs other funding paths
| Option | Speed | Impact on ownership | Cashflow effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refinance | Fast for unsecured; slower for asset-backed | No ownership dilution | Can improve monthly cashflow |
| New loan | Usually fast for smaller amounts | No dilution | Depends on term and rate |
| Equity | Slower (due diligence) | Dilutes ownership | Boosts capital without repayments |
Sector-specific support
We match businesses to lenders who understand their sector. Examples:
- Construction — refinance plant loans or invoice finance to smooth project cashflow.
- Hospitality — reprofile seasonal borrowing into more manageable monthly repayments.
- Manufacturing — consolidate equipment and asset finance to improve margins.
- Logistics — refinance vehicle finance to update fleets and reduce payments.
Case snapshots
Example 1 — Manufacturing SME
Challenge: Three separate asset and equipment loans with high combined monthly payments. Outcome: Broker introduced a consolidated term loan with a longer term, reducing monthly cost and freeing working capital for a new production line. Illustrative only — results vary.
Example 2 — Seasonal hospitality group
Challenge: Short-term overdrafts and merchant cash advances causing variable repayments. Outcome: Swapped some short-term facilities for a structured term loan and refinanced MCAs — improved cashflow predictability across seasons.
Our process & typical timeline
- Enquiry (you): quick form — Free Eligibility Check.
- Matching (usually same day): we link you to suitable partners.
- Contact & quotes (hours to days): brokers/lenders assess and propose options.
- Decision & documentation: accept an offer and complete lender checks.
- Funding: depends on product — from a few days to several weeks.
Typical unsecured refinances can complete in days; secured or mortgage refinancing normally takes longer due to valuations and legal work.
Fees, transparency & data security
Our service is free for business owners; partners pay introducer fees. We emphasise clear, fair and not misleading communications. Your data is shared only with selected partners and handled securely under data protection rules.
Tips for a strong refinance application
- Prepare up-to-date management accounts and bank statements.
- Know current loan balances and any early repayment charges.
- Be clear about your refinance objective (lower payments, consolidate, release capital).
- Review your business credit file and address any inaccuracies.
- Speak with an accountant or adviser if the restructure impacts covenants or tax.
Ready to explore your refinance options?
Our matching service is free, secure and non-binding. Tell us a few details and we’ll connect you to brokers and lenders best placed to help your business.
Frequently asked questions
Can I refinance multiple business loans into one?
Yes. Consolidation is a common reason to refinance. Lenders will assess affordability, existing settlement charges and your business financials.
Will an enquiry affect my credit score?
Submitting your details via our enquiry form does not affect your business credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks later if you proceed with an offer.
How quickly can funds be in place after refinancing?
Timeframes vary: some unsecured offers complete in a few days; asset-backed or commercial mortgage refinancing can take several weeks due to valuations and legal work.
Do I need property or assets as security?
Not necessarily. There are unsecured refinance options, but secured facilities often achieve better rates for larger amounts.
What if my business has experienced cashflow issues?
Specialist lenders and brokers consider a range of cases. Be prepared with a recovery plan, up-to-date accounts and evidence of any positive change in trading.
What does “no obligation” mean after an introduction?
It means you are free to accept or decline any quote from brokers or lenders — the introduction itself does not bind you to proceed.
Compliance & disclosure
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender or independent financial adviser. We do not provide credit decisions or guarantees. All options depend on lender criteria and your business circumstances. Always consider independent advice before committing to refinancing.
For an easy start, complete a short enquiry and receive a free eligibility check: Start Your Enquiry.
1) What is business loan refinancing and how does it work for UK SMEs?
It replaces one or more existing business finance agreements with a new facility on improved terms to lower repayments, consolidate debt, or release working capital.
2) Can I refinance multiple business loans into one facility?
Yes—many lenders allow consolidation into a single repayment subject to affordability, early settlement charges, and your company’s financials.
3) Will submitting an enquiry to Fast Business Loans affect my credit score?
No—the enquiry is not an application and has no credit impact, though lenders may conduct credit checks later if you choose to proceed.
4) How much can I refinance?
Our partners typically consider refinance from around £10,000 up to several million, depending on sector, security, and trading performance.
5) How quickly can a refinance complete?
Unsecured refinances can complete in a few days, while asset-backed or commercial mortgage refinancing may take several weeks due to valuations and legal work.
6) What documents do lenders usually require to refinance a business loan?
Expect recent annual or management accounts, 3–6 months of bank statements, a current debt schedule, director ID, and details of any assets used as security.
7) Do I need property or assets as security to refinance?
Not always—unsecured options exist, but providing security can help unlock larger amounts or better rates.
8) What types of refinance solutions can Fast Business Loans introduce?
We can connect you with term loan refinance, asset refinance, invoice finance restructures, merchant cash advance replacement, and commercial mortgage refinancing.
9) What fees and costs should I consider when refinancing?
Compare total cost of credit including interest, arrangement/legal fees, broker charges, and any early repayment penalties on existing facilities.
10) How does Fast Business Loans help and is there any obligation to proceed?
We act as an introducer matching UK businesses to suitable lenders and brokers via a free eligibility check, and there’s no obligation to accept any offer.
