How Fast Business Loans Helps You Secure Fit-Out Funding

We make the search for specialist fit-out funding fast and straightforward by matching your business with lenders and brokers who understand commercial refits. Our process is simple:

1. Complete a short enquiry (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match your needs with our panel of specialist lenders and brokers.
3. A partner contacts you to request documents and deliver quotes.
4. Compare offers, choose the best fit and proceed directly with the lender/broker.

Our matching is free and non‑binding. We act as an introducer — we do not lend. Enquiries use a soft approach and will not affect your credit score.

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What Counts as a Fit-Out — and Why Financing Matters

“Fit-out” covers the work that turns an empty commercial shell into an operational business. Common categories:

• Shell & core: structural and basic services before tenant works.
• Category A: installations such as ceilings, mechanical and electrical systems.
• Category B / tenant fit-out: bespoke fittings, counters, kitchens, seating, décor.
• Refurbishments: upgrades to existing premises — floors, lighting, accessibility.

Typical costs vary by sector and complexity — a café or small retail unit can be tens of thousands; a restaurant kitchen or multi-site roll‑out can run into hundreds of thousands. Financing gives you flexibility: preserve cash, stage payments, fund compliance works and accelerate openings without depleting operating capital.

Fit-Out Finance Options We Can Introduce

Different projects need different funds. We match you to lenders who offer these common products:

Unsecured Business Loans

Quick to arrange for established businesses with a trading history. Typical use: small-to-medium fit-outs. Pros: no asset security; faster decisions. Cons: smaller amounts and higher rates compared with secured options.

Secured Business Loans

Larger sums over longer terms using property or business assets as security. Ideal for major refurbishments or multi-site projects. Pros: lower rates and bigger borrowing capacity. Cons: security required; longer underwriting.

Asset Finance & Hire Purchase

Specifically for furniture, kitchens, equipment and fixtures. Repayments align with the asset’s life. Pros: preserve cash, potential tax advantages. Cons: asset-based lending can restrict reuse or sale.

Invoice Finance

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices to fund fit-out stages. Pros: improves working capital without new long-term debt. Cons: fees and eligibility depend on client base stability.

Merchant Cash Advances

Advance against future card takings — useful for hospitality where sales ramp up post-fit-out. Pros: flexible, revenue-linked repayments. Cons: can be costly and reduce daily cash flow.

Bridging & Short-Term Loans

Bridge immediate supplier deposits or landlord works while longer-term finance is arranged. Pros: speed. Cons: higher short-term costs.

Government & Sector Schemes

Grants, rate relief or local authority funding may be available for specific works (e.g., accessibility, energy efficiency). We’ll help identify lenders who can combine grant funding with loan solutions.

Note: rates, terms and availability depend on lender assessment. We do not provide regulated financial advice; our role is to match you to appropriate partners.

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Sector-Specific Fit-Out Solutions

Retail & High Street Shops

Priority: footfall, merchandising, window displays. Lenders favour proven sales forecasts and strong business plans. Consider staged drawdowns tied to project milestones.

Restaurants, Cafés & Bars

Priority: commercial kitchens, ventilation and licensing compliance. Lenders look for menu plans, projected covers and lease/licence terms. Equipment finance often pairs well with a term loan.

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Offices & Co‑working

Priority: modernisation, IT infrastructure and flexible layouts. Lenders assess tenant mix, lease lengths and projected occupancy.

Healthcare, Wellness & Leisure

Priority: specialist equipment and regulatory compliance. Specialist lenders familiar with clinics, gyms and salons can offer tailored asset finance or longer-term secured loans.

Gather contractor quotes, a basic schedule of works and expected ROI — this accelerates lender decisions.

Eligibility Snapshot: What Lenders Usually Look For

• Trading history and turnover (longer trading often means better rates).
• Profitability or demonstrable cash flow.
• Director credit history and experience in the sector.
• Security availability (property, equipment) if needed.
• Costed project estimate, timelines and supplier quotes.

Start-ups can still access finance through specialist lenders, but may need stronger forecasts, personal guarantees or higher initial rates. See if you qualify in minutes.

How Much Can You Borrow for a Fit-Out?

Fit-out borrowing ranges widely: from around £10,000 for small projects to £500,000+ for larger refurbishments or multi-site roll-outs. Lenders calculate capacity from turnover, EBITDA, collateral and the risk profile of the industry. Prepare a realistic, itemised budget with a 10–15% contingency to present to potential lenders.

Managing Cash Flow During a Fit-Out

Keep your project on track with these practical steps:

• Negotiate staged payments with contractors tied to milestones.
• Ask suppliers for extended payment terms while you arrange finance.
• Combine short-term bridging with longer-term asset or term finance.
• Look for landlord contributions or fit-out incentives in lease negotiations.

Request Fit‑Out Finance Support

Why Use Fast Business Loans Instead of Going Direct?

We save you time and improve matches with lenders who understand your industry. Instead of filling multiple lengthy applications, complete one short enquiry and receive tailored contacts from brokers and lenders who are most likely to approve your project. Our service is free, quick and designed to increase your chance of a suitable offer.

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What Happens After You Submit Your Enquiry?

1. We review the details and match you with relevant partners.
2. A lender or broker will contact you to clarify your project and request supporting documents (quotes, lease, accounts).
3. Underwriting and offers — timelines vary, many lenders provide decisions within days once paperwork is complete.
4. You compare offers and proceed directly with the lender/broker you choose.

There is no obligation to accept any offer.

Cost Considerations & Responsible Borrowing

Compare the total cost of credit (interest, arrangement fees, early repayment charges). Lower monthly repayments may lengthen tenure and increase total cost. Always read terms and ensure repayments are affordable under realistic sales forecasts. Consider independent advice if you’re unsure.

Customer Success Snapshots

Two anonymised examples:

• Independent café — £85,000 term loan for a full kitchen and interior refurbishment; reopened in 5 weeks and increased covers by 40%.
• Multi-site gym owner — £420,000 package combining asset finance for equipment and a secured property loan to upgrade two branches.

These are illustrative only; outcomes depend on individual circumstances.

Start Your Fit-Out Funding Journey

Frequently Asked Questions About Fit‑Out Finance

How fast can I get funding?

Simple cases can see lender contact within hours and decisions in a few business days once documents are supplied. Complex or secured deals take longer.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Our initial matching process does not impact your credit file. Lenders may run checks later with your permission.

Do I need detailed contractor quotes?

Yes — lenders prefer itemised quotes and a project timeline. These speed up underwriting and demonstrate preparedness.

Can I mix finance types?

Yes. Many projects combine asset finance for equipment with a term loan for works and bridging for immediate deposits.

Are there options for energy-efficient or sustainable fit-outs?

Yes. Specialist lenders and sustainability funds can finance energy-efficient upgrades — ask to be matched with providers experienced in green projects.

What’s the minimum loan size?

Our partners typically handle facilities from around £10,000 upwards.

Ready to Transform Your Space?

If you need fit-out finance, tell us a few details and we’ll match you to the right lenders and brokers. It takes less than two minutes and there’s no obligation.

Get Your Free Fit‑Out Finance Quote

Disclaimer: Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. Our service is free. Finance is subject to status, terms and lender assessment. We do not provide financial advice — consider independent advice if unsure. Submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score.

For a more detailed overview of how fit-out funding can be structured for shops and hospitality projects, see our dedicated guide on fit-out finance.