Why fit‑out finance matters for growing UK businesses

A well‑executed fit‑out protects brand experience, improves customer retention and can increase sales or staff productivity. Whether you’re launching a new site or refreshing an existing premises, fit‑out costs are often substantial and can interrupt cash flow if paid from working capital alone. Fit‑out finance spreads the cost so you can deliver the project on time without compromising day‑to‑day operations.

Typical drivers of cost include interior works, specialist kitchen or bar equipment, HVAC and electrical upgrades, compliance works (fire, accessibility), and professional fees for design and project management. Matching to a lender who understands your sector (hospitality, retail, professional premises) speeds funding and increases the chance of a suitable offer.

What is fit‑out finance and how it works

Fit‑out finance is funding for refurbishing or fitting commercial premises. It differs from general refurbishment or asset finance because it may combine elements of working capital, equipment funding and short‑term credit to cover staged works.

Common structures include:

• Unsecured business loans for speed and simplicity (typically suitable for smaller projects).
• Secured loans using property or assets to access larger sums and longer terms.
• Asset or equipment finance for fixtures, kitchen kit and tech — often tailored to the asset life.
• Revolving facilities or bridging for phased developments or seasonal businesses.

Loan sizes our partners commonly consider start from around £10,000 and can extend into the hundreds of thousands depending on the lender and security offered. Exact rates and terms are set by the lenders/brokers who contact you after your enquiry.

Free Eligibility Check — tell us about your project and we’ll connect you with the most relevant lenders and brokers.

Fit‑out finance solutions we can help you explore

Unsecured business loans

Quick to arrange and useful for smaller fit‑outs. No asset security required in many cases, but amounts and rates depend on credit profile and trading performance. Fast decisions possible where trading history is strong.

Secured commercial loans

If you can offer property or other security, lenders may provide larger amounts and longer repayment terms — useful for major refurbishments or multi‑site rollouts.

Asset & equipment finance

Perfect for commercial kitchen equipment, POS systems, furniture and fixtures. Payments are often linked to the useful life of the asset and can include hire‑purchase or lease arrangements.

Revolving credit & phased funding

For projects delivered in stages, a revolving facility or staged drawdown reduces interest on unused funds and provides flexibility for changes in scope.

Invoice & bridging solutions

If your project timing creates cash‑flow gaps (e.g., contractor payments before customer revenue), invoice finance or short‑term bridging can keep works moving.

Each option has pros and cons depending on project size, timescale and security. We don’t provide lending or financial advice — after you submit your enquiry our matched partners will discuss the most suitable solution for your circumstances.

Which fit‑out costs can funding cover?

Fit‑out finance can usually be structured to cover many of the direct and indirect costs involved in a project. Commonly fundable items include:

• Construction & joinery (walls, partitions, flooring)
• Mechanical & electrical works (HVAC, lighting, specialist extract)
• Kitchen and bar equipment, commercial appliances
• Furniture, fixtures, fittings and POS systems
• IT, security, phone and EPOS hardware
• Design fees, planning and project management costs
• Regulatory or compliance upgrades (fire, accessibility)
• Temporary relocation or storage during works

Pro tip: keep contractor quotes, supplier invoices and a simple project plan ready — lenders will usually ask for evidence of how funds will be spent.

Want a sector‑specific guide? See our dedicated page on fit‑out finance for more detail on fit‑outs and common funding approaches.

Eligibility snapshot & documents lenders may request

Typical borrower profiles we match include limited companies and partnerships. Lenders vary in their criteria, but common requirements include:

Trading history & business performance

Most lenders prefer at least 12 months of trading; some specialist providers will consider younger businesses with strong management accounts or relevant experience.

Credit profile & security

Creditworthiness and any offered security (property or assets) affect rates and amount. Personal guarantees may be requested by some lenders for certain facilities.

Documentation checklist

• Recent company accounts or management accounts
• VAT returns and business bank statements
• Contractor or supplier quotes and a project cost plan
• Lease, licence or land registry details if premises are involved
• Identification and director details for compliance checks

Each lender sets its own rules — once you submit your enquiry we’ll match you to partners who are most likely to consider your business, and they’ll confirm the precise documentation needed.

How our fit‑out finance matchmaking process works

We act as a fast introducer. Our simple 3‑step process is designed to get you relevant quotes quickly:

1. Complete the short enquiry form: Takes a couple of minutes — project value, premises type, how much you need and contact details. This is not a loan application and will not affect your credit score. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.
2. We match you to suitable partners: Our platform selects lenders and brokers who understand your sector and project size. They will review your details and contact you to discuss terms.
3. Compare offers & decide: You’ll receive quotes and guidance from lenders/brokers; compare rates, fees and timings and choose the right partner. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Typical timings: initial responses are often within hours during business days; time to funding depends on the product — unsecured loans can be faster, while secured or complex facilities may take longer.

Transparency, compliance & responsible borrowing

Fast Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers — we do not provide regulated financial advice. We encourage responsible borrowing: check affordability, review full terms and consider independent advice if uncertain.

Your enquiry is confidential and only shared with selected partners who can help. Submitting an enquiry does not constitute a loan application and will not, by itself, affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you progress with an offer.

Fit‑out finance — Frequently asked questions

What types of premises qualify for fit‑out finance?

Shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, offices, clinics and many commercial premises are typically eligible. The lender will assess the project, the borrower’s business model and any security offered.

How long does approval usually take?

After your enquiry, a broker or lender may contact you within hours. Unsecured loans and equipment finance can be arranged in days; secured or large commercial facilities often take several weeks depending on valuations and legal checks.

Can start‑ups access fit‑out funding?

Some lenders and specialist funds work with early stage businesses, especially where the management team has sector experience or where assets/guarantees are available. We’ll match you to partners who consider younger businesses where appropriate.

Will I need to provide security or personal guarantees?

It depends on the product and amount. Smaller unsecured loans often don’t require security, while larger sums or longer terms commonly need property, business assets or personal guarantees. Your matched partner will explain the options.

Are sustainability upgrades covered?

Yes — many lenders will fund energy‑efficient lighting, HVAC upgrades, solar, EV charger installations and other sustainability works as part of a fit‑out package. Be ready to provide supplier quotes and expected savings where relevant.

What if project costs change mid‑way?

Discuss contingency and staged funding with your lender before you start. Some facilities allow drawdowns over time, which helps manage scope changes; otherwise you may need to return to the market for additional funding.

Is there any obligation if I don’t proceed after being matched?

No. Submitting the enquiry and receiving quotes does not oblige you to accept any offer. You remain free to compare and decline proposals.

Take the next step

Ready to get quotes from lenders and brokers who specialise in fit‑outs? Complete our short enquiry — it’s free, quick and will not affect your credit file. We’ll match you to partners who can provide quotes and discuss next steps.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Submitting the form will not impact your credit score. Lenders may run checks only if you choose to proceed with an application.

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We are not a lender and do not provide financial advice. Eligibility, rates and terms are set by the lenders or brokers you are introduced to.