Fit-Out Finance for UK Shops, Offices and Hospitality Projects

Summary: Fit-out finance covers funding for shop, office and hospitality refurbishments — from fixtures and kitchens to compliance and signage. Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies to specialist brokers and lenders for fit-out loans and finance from around £10,000 upwards. Use our free eligibility check to get matched quickly (this enquiry is not a loan application and does not affect your credit score).

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Table of contents

• What is fit-out finance?
• Why businesses choose fit-out funding
• Finance routes we can introduce
• How Fast Business Loans matches you
• Eligibility snapshot & documents
• Estimating budget & cashflow impact
• Benefits of using Fast Business Loans
• Case study: boutique gym refurbishment
• Tips to strengthen your fit-out finance enquiry
• Fit-out finance FAQs
• Ready to transform your space?

What is fit-out finance?

Fit-out finance is a category of business funding that pays for the physical transformation of commercial premises. It covers costs associated with converting or refurbishing retail units, offices, restaurants, pubs, gyms and other customer-facing or operational spaces. Unlike general working capital, fit-out finance is targeted at capital and project costs so your everyday cashflow isn’t drained while the work is done.

Typical projects covered

• Retail shop refurbishments and rebrands
• Restaurant and bar kitchens, front-of-house and extraction systems
• Office redesigns, partitions, lighting and IT cabling
• Hospitality upgrades (hotels, B&Bs) and compliance works
• Gyms and leisure fit-outs, including specialist flooring and HVAC
• Signage, external works and disabled-access improvements

What you can include: contractor fees, fixtures & fittings, kitchen equipment, flooring, lighting, compliance costs, signage and project contingency. Lenders vary in what they will include — we’ll match you with lenders who understand your sector.

Why businesses choose fit-out funding

Businesses choose fit-out finance because refurbishments are often essential to increase revenue, improve customer experience or meet regulatory standards — but they can be expensive and time-sensitive. Common challenges include cashflow pressure, tight landlord deadlines and seasonal trading constraints.

Common challenges

• Large upfront contractor deposits
• Unexpected compliance or remedial works
• Seasonal trading reducing available cash
• Credit history issues making direct lender searches slow

Want to see your options? Get a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you with brokers and lenders suited to your project.

Finance routes we can introduce

Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend directly. We introduce you to lenders and brokers that offer a range of products. Below is a concise comparison to help you decide which route might suit your project.

Terms, fees and eligibility vary by lender. We’ll help you understand the trade-offs so you can choose the best structure for your cashflow and project timeline.

Fast Business Loans matching process

1. Complete a quick enquiry — it takes under 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score. Start Your Free Eligibility Check.
2. We review your details and match you to lenders or brokers who specialise in fit-outs.
3. Selected partners contact you to request any supporting documents and provide indicative terms.
4. Compare offers, ask questions and choose the provider that fits your project. There’s no obligation to proceed.

What happens after you enquire?

A specialist broker or lender may request quotes from contractors, up-to-date management accounts and a project plan. Typical turnaround for an initial response is 24–72 hours depending on complexity.

Eligibility snapshot & documents lenders may request

While each lender sets its own criteria, most will consider the following:

• UK-registered limited company
• Minimum trading history (varies) — some partners support newer businesses
• Turnover and cashflow evidence
• Business bank statements and management accounts
• Contractor quotes and project schedule
• Personal guarantees or director support may be required for some facilities

Documents lenders commonly request: 3–12 months business bank statements, last 2–3 months management accounts, ID for directors, contractor quotes and landlord permission where needed.

Estimating budget & cashflow impact

Plan for direct costs plus contingency (usually 10–20%). Typical budget items:

• Contractor labour
• Fixtures & fittings
• Specialist equipment (kitchen / gym)
• Design fees, permits and snagging
• Contingency and fit-out project management

Illustrative example (for guidance only): if you borrow £150,000 over 5 years, monthly repayments depend on the product and fees. Ask matched lenders for personalised illustrations — we’ll connect you so you can compare.

Benefits of using Fast Business Loans

• Speed: match with specialist partners quickly
• Choice: access a broad panel of lenders and brokers
• Time saved: avoid contacting multiple lenders yourself
• No obligation: free introductions so you can compare

Client snapshot: An independent café group secured £150k for a 3-site refurbishment within 72 hours after completing our enquiry and comparing two matched broker quotes (anonymised example).

Learn more about sector-specific options such as retail or hospitality fit-outs and how lenders treat those projects by visiting our detailed guide on fit-out finance.

Case study: boutique gym refurbishment

Problem: A boutique gym needed new flooring, specialised equipment and updated changing rooms to attract premium members but lacked immediate capital.

Solution: After completing a Fast Business Loans enquiry, the owner was introduced to two brokers offering hire purchase for equipment and a secured term loan for premises works. The combined package preserved working capital and spread costs over 5 years.

Outcome: Refurb completed within 8 weeks, membership increased 35% in first quarter post-refurb. (Outcomes vary; funding is not guaranteed.)

Tips to strengthen your fit-out finance enquiry

1. Get 2–3 written contractor quotes and a short project timeline.
2. Prepare recent bank statements and latest management accounts.
3. Confirm landlord consent if works require approval.
4. Detail expected revenue uplift or cost savings from the fit-out.
5. Be transparent about existing debts — it speeds matching.

Fit-out finance FAQs

How quickly can fit-out finance be arranged?

Turnaround varies. Many brokers can provide initial indicative terms within 24–72 hours once they have the necessary information. Complex or secured facilities will take longer.

Will enquiring affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Some lenders may perform a soft credit search at the enquiry stage which won’t show on your file; hard searches are only carried out if you proceed and give permission.

Can start-ups access fit-out finance?

Yes — some specialist lenders and brokers work with newer businesses, though terms and required security may differ. Provide clear forecasts and contractor quotes to improve your options.

Do lenders require personal guarantees?

Some lenders may ask for personal guarantees or director-level security, especially for higher-risk applicants or unsecured borrowing. The matched brokers will explain any such requirements upfront.

Is your service really free?

Yes. Fast Business Loans is free for businesses. We earn revenue when partners receive completed enquiries, so our incentive is to match you correctly.

What if my project costs increase?

Plan a contingency in your budget. If costs rise, speak to your matched broker — they may be able to arrange top-up finance or restructure terms.

Ready to transform your space?

If you’re planning a shop, office or hospitality fit-out and need funding from £10,000 upwards, take two minutes to complete our free enquiry. We’ll match you with lenders and brokers that understand your industry so you can compare options quickly.

Get Quote Now – Free Eligibility Check

– What is fit-out finance and what can it pay for?
Fit-out finance funds UK shop, office and hospitality refurbishments including contractor fees, fixtures and fittings, kitchens, signage, compliance works and contingency.

– How much fit-out finance can my business get?
Funding typically starts from around £10,000 and can extend much higher depending on the product (unsecured, secured, asset finance) and your eligibility.

– How quickly can fit-out funding be arranged?
Once documents are provided, matched brokers can often share indicative terms within 24–72 hours, with secured or complex cases taking longer.

– Will your eligibility check affect my credit score?
No—our free eligibility enquiry uses soft checks at the enquiry stage, with any hard searches only if you choose to proceed and give consent.

– Is Fast Business Loans a lender?
No—we’re a free introducer that connects UK limited companies with specialist brokers and lenders for fit-out finance, with no obligation to proceed.

– What types of finance can I use for a fit-out?
We introduce unsecured and secured business loans, asset finance/hire purchase, lease finance and merchant cash advances for shop, office and hospitality projects.

– Who is eligible for fit-out finance?
Most lenders look for a UK-registered limited company with evidence of turnover and cashflow, though some partners can consider newer businesses.

– What documents do lenders usually require?
Expect to provide 3–12 months of business bank statements, recent management accounts, contractor quotes, a project timeline, director ID and landlord consent if needed.

– Will I need a personal guarantee or security?
Many lenders may request a personal guarantee for unsecured borrowing and asset or property security for larger amounts, subject to risk assessment.

– Does submitting an enquiry guarantee funding or commit me to a loan?
No—the enquiry is not a loan application and carries no obligation; offers depend on lender assessment and your decision to proceed.