Refinance Business Loans: Compare UK Options with Fast Business Loans
Summary: Refinancing can reduce monthly costs, consolidate high-cost products and improve cash flow — but it’s not always the right move. Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and SMEs (loans from £10,000+) with lenders and brokers who specialise in refinance solutions. Complete a short enquiry — it’s not an application, it won’t affect your credit score — and we’ll match you with the best providers to discuss options.
What is business loan refinancing?
Refinancing means replacing or restructuring one or more existing business finance arrangements with a new facility. For UK SMEs that often means consolidating several high-cost or mismatched products into a single loan, switching to a lower rate, or securing a longer term to reduce monthly payments. Refinancing can also include moving a commercial mortgage, replacing asset-backed finance, or reworking invoice finance arrangements.
Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we don’t lend or give regulated financial advice. We help you find lenders and brokers who may offer refinancing options suited to your business situation.
When does refinancing make sense for UK SMEs?
Early signs your existing finance needs reviewing
- Rising interest costs or variable rates that have increased repayments.
- Multiple monthly payments across different products causing administrative burden.
- Balloon payments or short-term facilities that don’t match current cash flow.
- High-cost merchant cash advances or bridging finance dragging profits down.
Strategic reasons to restructure debt
Refinancing can free cash for growth, fund an acquisition, release equity from property or equipment, or simplify financing ahead of a sale or refinancing event. It’s a tactical tool to align debt with strategic plans — but it should be evaluated alongside costs, fees and future cash flow forecasts.
How Fast Business Loans streamlines your refinance search
We take the legwork out of finding refinance options. Our process is simple:
- Complete a short enquiry form — it takes under two minutes and does not affect your credit score.
- We match your business to specialist lenders and brokers from our panel based on sector, deal size and urgency.
- Selected providers contact you directly with tailored options and quotes.
- Compare offers, ask questions and choose the route that best meets your goals — there’s no obligation to proceed.
To start, click here to Get Quote Now and complete the free eligibility check.
Key refinance products our panel can offer
Term loan refinance
Replace one or more existing loans with a single term loan to simplify payments and potentially secure a lower rate.
Asset-backed refinancing
Use property, plant, or equipment as security to access lower-cost capital or release equity to support growth.
Invoice finance refinance
Switch or consolidate ledger-based facilities to improve advance rates, reduce fees or move to a provider that better suits your sector.
Commercial mortgage & property refinance
Restructure business property debt to manage cash flow, change repayment profiles, or unlock capital for business needs.
Merchant cash advance consolidation
Consolidate short-term, high-cost advances into longer-term finance to lower monthly pressure — where available.
Remember: Fast Business Loans connects you with providers; we do not give lending decisions or financial advice. Products, availability and terms depend on the lender’s assessment.
Eligibility snapshot: what lenders typically consider
Trading history & financial performance
Lenders usually look for consistent trading performance, turnover size, and recent profit/loss trends. The stronger your recent accounts and cashflow, the broader your options.
Security & guarantees
Some refinance options require business assets or property as security. Others may ask for director guarantees — acceptance varies by lender.
Credit profile & sector risk
Credit history, any late payments or insolvency events, and the perceived risk of your sector influence pricing and eligibility. That said, our panel includes brokers who specialise in complex or previously-declined cases.
Refinance purpose & plans
Clear, credible reasons for refinancing (e.g., consolidating high-cost debt, funding growth) help lenders understand your proposition and may improve terms.
Check your eligibility quickly: Free Eligibility Check.
Benefits and risks of refinancing
Refinancing can reduce monthly payments, lower overall interest, simplify admin and release capital — but there are trade-offs to consider:
- Benefits: lower monthly costs, unified repayments, improved cash flow, potential to extend term or secure competitive rates.
- Points to watch: arrangement fees, early repayment charges on existing facilities, a longer overall term increasing total interest, new security or guarantees.
Always compare the total cost of refinancing (including fees) and consider independent financial or accounting advice for major decisions.
How to prepare for a refinance application
Documents to gather
- Latest 2–3 years’ business accounts (or management accounts where appropriate).
- Business bank statements (typically 3–6 months).
- Schedule of current debts and monthly repayments.
- Details of security (property deeds, asset information) and company structure.
Financial storytelling
Prepare a short summary of why you’re refinancing and how you will use the funds or savings. Lenders respond well to clear, realistic plans showing improved sustainability or growth.
Strengthening your case
Review and tidy bookkeeping, reconcile creditors and debtors, and be ready to explain any recent dips in turnover. Small improvements in presentation can expand your lender options.
When ready, start the process with a short form: Get Matched with Refinance Specialists.
Case snapshots: how refinancing helped UK businesses
- Construction contractor — consolidated two asset loans and a merchant advance into a single term loan of £120,000. Result: lower monthly outgoings and smoother cashflow for seasonal peaks.
- Hospitality group — refinanced commercial mortgage and released equity to fund refurbishment across three sites. Loan: £450,000. Outcome: improved property cashflow and increased revenue post-refit.
- Manufacturing SME — moved from a short-term high-cost bridging facility to asset-backed finance secured on machinery. Loan: £85,000. Outcome: lower effective rate and fixed monthly repayment profile.
Illustrative only — individual results vary depending on lender assessment and business circumstances.
Why businesses choose Fast Business Loans for refinance
We save you time by matching your enquiry to lenders and brokers who understand your sector and deal size. Our service is free, quick and non-binding — enquiries do not affect credit scores. We work with partners experienced across commercial mortgages, asset finance, invoice finance and refinance solutions.
Start with a short enquiry so we can find the right matches for you: Start Your Free Eligibility Check.
Frequently Asked Questions on business refinancing
Will refinancing hurt my credit score?
Submitting an enquiry with Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks later in the process if you choose to proceed — those checks can have an impact. We’ll always make clear whether a partner intends to perform a credit search before they do so.
Can I refinance with a poor credit history?
Possibly. Some brokers and lenders specialise in cases where standard providers have declined. Eligibility depends on the overall business story, security available and recent trading performance. Use our enquiry to access a wider panel — even previously-declined businesses can sometimes secure refinancing options.
How long does a refinance decision take?
Timescales vary: some simple refinances can be quoted within 24–72 hours, while complex property or secured deals can take several weeks. After your enquiry, a broker or lender will advise expected timelines based on the product and documentation required.
Can I refinance multiple loans into one?
Yes — consolidating multiple facilities into a single loan is a common refinance aim. Consolidation can reduce admin and potentially lower monthly payments, but you should weigh fees and long-term costs before proceeding.
Will I need security or personal guarantees?
Some refinance products require security (property, equipment) or director guarantees, especially for larger sums or businesses with limited trading history. Requirements vary by lender and deal size; brokers can often identify solutions that minimise personal exposure where possible.
Are there fees to use Fast Business Loans?
No — our introducer service is free for businesses. Lenders or brokers you’re matched with may charge fees as part of their process; any such fees will be disclosed by the provider prior to agreement.
Does refinancing always reduce costs?
Not always. While the goal is often to reduce costs, refinancing can involve arrangement fees, early repayment penalties and potentially higher overall interest if the term is extended. It’s important to compare the total cost of each option, not just monthly payments.
What if I’m tied into a fixed-term loan?
Fixed-term loans can have early repayment charges. A refinance decision should factor these costs in. Some lenders will consider switching the debt if the net benefit outweighs penalties; a broker can run the numbers and advise whether a refinance is sensible.
Ready to explore your options?
If you’re considering refinancing business loans of £10,000 or more, start with a brief, no-obligation enquiry. We’ll use the details to identify lenders and brokers likely to help, and they’ll contact you with options.
Get Started: Free Eligibility Check — it takes under two minutes and won’t affect your credit score.
Important information & disclaimers
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers; we do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Completing an enquiry is not an application and does not guarantee offers. Any finance offered is subject to the lender’s terms, eligibility checks and affordability assessments. We recommend you obtain independent financial, legal or tax advice where appropriate before committing to any refinancing arrangement.
We handle your information securely and only share it with relevant partners who can assist with your funding request. For full details on how we use your data, see our privacy notice on the site.
For further reading on solutions that can help you restructure existing borrowing, you may find our refinance loans resource useful: refinance loans.
– Q: What is business loan refinancing for UK SMEs?
A: It’s replacing or restructuring existing business finance with a new facility to lower costs, improve cash flow, or consolidate debt.
– Q: When should a UK business consider refinancing a loan?
A: When rates have risen, repayments or admin are high, short terms or balloon payments don’t fit cash flow, or you want to release capital for growth.
– Q: Can I use business loan refinance to consolidate multiple debts?
A: Yes—many SMEs refinance to combine several facilities into one loan to simplify repayments and potentially lower monthly costs.
– Q: Will submitting a Fast Business Loans enquiry for refinance affect my credit score?
A: No—the enquiry is not an application and won’t affect your credit score; credit checks only happen later if you choose to proceed with a provider.
– Q: How does Fast Business Loans help UK companies refinance business loans?
A: We match UK businesses (typically seeking £10,000+) with specialist lenders and brokers via a quick, free enquiry so you can compare refinance options without obligation.
– Q: What refinance loan options are available in the UK?
A: Options include term loan refinance, asset-backed refinancing, invoice finance switches, commercial mortgage/property refinance, and merchant cash advance consolidation.
– Q: What are the eligibility criteria for refinancing a business loan in the UK?
A: Lenders assess trading history, recent financials, credit profile, sector risk, available security, and a clear refinance purpose, usually supported by recent accounts and bank statements.
– Q: Do I need security or a director guarantee for a refinance loan?
A: It depends on the lender and deal size, but higher amounts or riskier profiles may require property or asset security and/or a director guarantee, while some unsecured options exist.
– Q: How long does business loan refinancing take in the UK?
A: Simple cases can be quoted in 24–72 hours, while secured or property-backed deals can take several weeks depending on documents and valuations.
– Q: What fees and risks come with refinancing business loans?
A: Consider arrangement and broker fees, early repayment charges on existing facilities, and the risk of paying more total interest if the term is extended despite lower monthly repayments.
