Fit-Out Finance for UK Businesses Made Simple

Summary: Need funding to fit out, refurbish or refit premises? Fast Business Loans connects UK companies (loans from £10,000+) with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit-out finance. Complete a short enquiry (not an application) and we’ll match your business to providers that can offer tailored solutions—quickly and without obligation. Free Eligibility Check.

Why fit-out finance matters for growing businesses

Refurbishing premises, upgrading kitchen equipment or transforming retail space can directly increase revenue, improve customer experience and boost staff productivity. But fit-outs are capital intensive and timelines are often tight. Fit-out finance lets businesses spread the cost, preserve working capital and complete projects on schedule — essential when quality, compliance and speed matter.

Quick tip: getting the right funding early avoids project delays and costly interim finance. Get a Free Eligibility Check in minutes.

What is fit-out finance?

Fit-out finance covers funding for interior works and equipment needed to prepare premises for trading. It commonly covers Cat A (basic finishes) and Cat B (tenant-specific fit-outs), including partitions, lighting, heating/ventilation, fixed fixtures, catering appliances, point-of-sale systems and signage. It can also support sustainability upgrades such as LED lighting, improved HVAC or EV chargers.

Typical project elements covered

• Design and project management fees
• Partitions, ceilings, flooring and decorative finishes
• Electrical works, lighting and M&E upgrades
• Kitchen and catering equipment (restaurants, cafés)
• Fixtures & fittings, shelving, counters and signage
• Accessibility and compliance works
• Sustainability measures with demonstrable ROI

What isn’t usually covered

• Property purchase or major structural development works
• Ongoing working capital unrelated to the fit-out (we can help find other solutions)
• Projects under typical minimums — our panel generally arranges loans from £10,000 upwards

Fit-out finance options available via our panel

We introduce your enquiry to brokers and lenders who specialise in each product. Below are common options — indicative ranges shown for guidance only; actual offers depend on lender assessment.

Unsecured business loans

Fast to arrange, useful for smaller fit-outs. Amounts typically range from £10k–£150k. May require personal guarantees depending on lender and business profile.

Secured loans & asset-backed lending

For larger works where property or assets can be used as security. Typical amounts from £50k upward; terms can extend to 5–10 years for major projects.

Hire purchase & equipment finance

Good for expensive catering or AV equipment. The asset is financed and ownership transfers after final payment. Terms often 1–5 years.

Leases & operating lease agreements

Lease options keep the initial cash outlay low and can include maintenance packages—popular for high-value equipment.

Revolving facilities & short-term bridging

Useful when staged payments are required or invoices need to be managed during project phases.

Government & regional support

Some regional schemes or British Business Bank initiatives can help with specific projects—if applicable, we’ll signpost these options.

Figures indicative only; actual terms set by matched lender/broker.

Compare Fit-Out Finance Options – Free Eligibility Check

How Fast Business Loans helps your fit-out project

We act as an introducer. Our simple three-step process saves time and increases the chance of a suitable match:

1. Complete a short enquiry with project details (this is not an application).
2. We match you with lenders/brokers experienced in fit-outs for your sector.
3. Providers contact you with tailored offers—compare and decide.

Benefits: speed, sector knowledge, multiple options and no obligation to proceed. We only share your enquiry with partners likely to help you—your enquiry does not affect your credit score. Get Matched Now.

Eligibility snapshot & documentation checklist

Typical lender criteria (varies by product):

• UK-registered business (limited company preferred)
• Minimum trading history often required (varies by lender)
• Turnover and cashflow to support repayments
• Credit profile and director guarantees where applicable

Common documents lenders request:

• Recent management accounts and bank statements
• Three-year profit & loss or forecasts for larger projects
• Contractor quotes, project plan and schedule
• Landlord consent if tenant works are planned

Tips to strengthen your enquiry

• Provide clear, itemised contractor quotes
• Show cashflow forecast with proposed repayments
• Highlight any sustainability savings (energy, maintenance)
• Confirm landlord permissions in writing where required

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Costs, terms & cashflow considerations

Rates and fees vary widely. Indicatively, unsecured options often carry higher rates than secured lending. Repayment structures can be monthly, seasonal, or with a balloon payment for bespoke arrangements. Always treat rate estimates as indicative until you receive an offer from a lender.

VAT treatment: fit-out costs may attract VAT. Businesses should confirm VAT recovery positions with their accountant. Consider total project cost (works + VAT + contingency) when choosing term lengths to protect cashflow.

Important: Fast Business Loans does not provide financial advice. We introduce you to providers who will set rates and fees; consider independent professional advice where needed.

Timeline – from enquiry to fit-out completion

• Enquiry submitted: response typically within 12–48 hours.
• Document submission & lender review: 1–10 days depending on complexity.
• Offer issued: subject to valuation/conditions; allow several days.
• Funding release: once paperwork complete, funds can be released in stages or in full.
• Project completion: follows contractor schedule; align payment milestones with lender requirements.

Start Your Fit-Out Enquiry Today – No Obligation

Sector snapshots & example use cases

Retail

Goal: convert store layout to improve conversion. Typical finance: unsecured loans or secured loans for large refurbishments. Equipment: shelving, tills, fitting rooms.

Hospitality & Leisure

Goal: kitchen upgrade or bar refit. Typical finance: equipment finance for ovens and refrigeration plus secured lending for major refits.

Professional offices

Goal: create modern collaborative space. Typical finance: unsecured or secured loans for partitions, AV and IT cabling.

Mini case study (illustrative)

Independent café in Manchester needed a kitchen refit and new coffee equipment. Project cost £55,000. Fast Business Loans matched them with a broker offering a blended solution: equipment finance for £30k and an unsecured loan for £25k. Funding arranged in 10 days; café reopened two weeks later with improved margin.

Case study for illustration only; results vary by circumstance.

Fit-out finance vs. alternatives

• Use capital reserves: avoids fees and interest but reduces cash buffers.
• Supplier credit: possible for equipment, often short-term.
• Landlord contributions: possible for tenant improvements—negotiate as part of lease talks.
• Traditional overdraft: flexible but may be unsuitable for large, one-off costs.

Review Your Options with an Expert – Free Eligibility Check

Steps to get started with Fast Business Loans

1. Click the enquiry link and complete a short form with business & project details (it’s not an application).
2. We match you to lenders/brokers who can help.
3. Providers contact you with options and next steps.
4. Compare and proceed directly with the lender/broker you choose.

Get Quote Now — it takes less than 2 minutes.

FAQs about fit-out finance

Important information & disclaimers

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender or financial adviser. Your agreement will be directly with any lender or broker we introduce. Enquiry is free and without obligation; any fees, interest rates and terms are set by the lender/broker. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and does not guarantee funding. Always consider independent professional advice to ensure suitability.

For a comprehensive overview of fit-out options and to be matched with lenders/brokers who can help your specific project, Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

fit-out finance

1) What is fit-out finance for UK businesses?
Fit-out finance funds interior works and equipment to prepare premises for trading, letting you spread costs via unsecured/secured loans, equipment finance, leases or revolving facilities.

2) How does Fast Business Loans help with fit-out finance?
We act as an introducer, matching your short, free enquiry (not an application) with UK lenders and brokers who specialise in fit-outs so you can compare tailored offers quickly and without obligation.

3) What costs can I cover with fit-out finance?
Eligible items typically include design/project management, partitions, flooring/finishes, M&E/lighting, fixtures, signage, POS, kitchen/AV equipment, accessibility works and sustainability upgrades.

4) How much can I borrow and over what term?
Our panel typically funds from £10,000 upward with terms from 1 to 10 years, depending on product type, security and lender assessment.

5) How quickly can I get approved and funded?
Indicative decisions often arrive within 24–72 hours of document submission, with funding in days to a few weeks subject to checks and any valuations.

6) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score or commit me to a loan?
No—our enquiry is free, no-obligation and does not affect your credit file; credit checks only occur if you proceed with a provider.

7) Who is eligible and what documents will I need?
Lenders usually require a UK-registered business with sufficient cashflow plus recent accounts/bank statements, contractor quotes, a project plan/forecast and landlord consent for tenant works.

8) Can start-ups or first-time sites get fit-out finance?
Yes—some lenders consider start-ups with strong business plans, forecasts and security or franchise backing, though pricing and terms reflect risk.

9) Do I need security, a personal guarantee or landlord consent?
Smaller fit-outs may use unsecured loans with a director guarantee, while larger projects often require property/asset security and written landlord consent for tenant improvements.

10) What rates, fees and VAT considerations should I expect?
Rates and fees vary by risk and product (unsecured generally higher), and you should budget for possible arrangement/valuation/broker fees and VAT on works, confirming VAT recovery with your accountant.