Fit‑Out Finance for UK Businesses — Fast Business Loans

Summary: Need funding to refurbish or fit out premises? Fit‑out finance covers costs for shop, office or hospitality interiors — from fixtures and fittings to staged installation. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend money; we match businesses needing £10,000+ with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit‑outs. Complete a short Free Eligibility Check to get tailored lender matches and fast quotes. Get your Free Eligibility Check.

What is fit-out finance?

Fit‑out finance is business funding specifically used to prepare or refurbish commercial premises. Typical uses include shopfitting, restaurant kitchens, bar installations, office partitions, flooring, lighting, signage and specialist mechanical or extraction works. Funding covers materials, contractors’ labour, fixtures and sometimes supplier invoices that must be paid before trading begins.

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we don’t provide the loans ourselves. Our role is to match your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit‑out funding so you get relevant quotes quickly. To start, try a Free Eligibility Check.

Fit‑out projects we help finance

We work with lenders and brokers who fund a wide range of projects. Typical sectors and use cases include:

• Retail & shop fit‑outs — new store rollouts, refits, shopfronts and display installations.
• Restaurants, cafés & bars — kitchens, extraction, bespoke counters, seating and decor.
• Offices & coworking — partitions, AV, cabling, furniture and accessibility works.
• Hospitality & hotels — guestroom refurbishments, reception areas and F&B outlets.
• Clinics & specialist premises — medical, dental, treatment rooms and waiting areas.
• Industrial & workshop fit‑outs — racking, flooring, ventilation and bespoke installations.

If you’d like a broad primer on fit‑out funding types and costs, see our guide to fit-out finance for more detail on typical projects and supplier considerations.

Your fit‑out finance options

There’s no single right product — the best option depends on project size, timescale and whether you can offer security. Common finance routes include:

• Unsecured business loans — quick to arrange for smaller fit‑outs where you prefer not to grant security.
• Secured loans / commercial mortgages — suitable for larger projects or where property security lowers rates.
• Asset & equipment finance — funds fixtures, kitchen equipment or specialist plant while spreading cost through repayments.
• Invoice or supplier finance — bridge the gap when suppliers require upfront payment; useful for staged installs.
• Revolving credit facilities / overdrafts — flexible for phased works where cashflow varies.
• Refinance & consolidation — restructure existing debt to free funds for a fit‑out.

Each option carries different costs, security needs and repayment profiles. Our matching service helps you compare realistic offers from lenders and brokers experienced in refurbishments. Ready to compare? Get a Free Eligibility Check.

How Fast Business Loans finds the right fit‑out funding

We make the process fast and low friction. Here’s how it works:

1. Complete a short enquiry — supply basic business details, the amount you need (we typically help with £10,000 and upwards) and a brief project outline.
2. We match you — your enquiry is routed to selected lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and project size.
3. Receive offers — matched partners contact you with personalised quotes or requests for further info.
4. Compare and decide — review rates, terms and timescales and proceed directly with the lender or broker you choose.

Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. Our service is free and without obligation — it simply connects you to lenders who can provide formal offers. To begin, Get Quote Now.

Fit‑out finance eligibility checklist

Preparing the right information speeds approval. Lenders typically look for:

• Business type and registration details (limited companies, PLCs, etc.).
• How long you’ve been trading and recent turnover figures.
• Project cost breakdowns — supplier quotes, contractor estimates and deposit requirements.
• Cashflow forecasts and projected sales for the fitted premises.
• Security options — property, equipment, or personal guarantees (if requested).
• Management information — accounts, VAT returns, bank statements and proof of identity for directors.

If your project is staged, provide a timeline and milestone payments — this helps lenders recommend the right product, such as staged drawdowns or invoice finance. Ready to see what you qualify for? Free Eligibility Check takes only minutes.

Smart tips to secure affordable fit‑out funding

Maximise your chances of a competitive quote with these practical steps:

1. Get multiple supplier quotes — lenders want to see competitive pricing and clear scopes of work.
2. Create a staged budget — define essentials vs nice‑to‑haves and align drawdown points to project milestones.
3. Prepare management accounts — up‑to‑date accounts and bank statements reduce delays and can lower perceived risk.
4. Understand security implications — unsecured deals are faster but often cost more; secured options may give better rates for larger projects.
5. Plan contingencies — include a small buffer for unexpected costs; lenders favour realistic planning.
6. Negotiate supplier payment terms — where possible, secure phased payments to match funding drawdowns.

Following these steps reduces surprises and helps brokers present stronger applications to lenders.

Fit‑out funding myths busted

• Myth: Only banks can fund fit‑outs. Truth: Specialist lenders, brokers and asset finance providers often offer faster, more flexible packages.
• Myth: Fit‑out finance always needs property security. Truth: Smaller loans or equipment finance can be unsecured, though rates vary.
• Myth: Applying will hurt my credit. Truth: Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score; lenders may carry out checks later if you proceed.

Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans

Fast Business Loans is focused on speed, sector fit and simplicity:

• Fast matches: Short form, rapid matching to lenders and brokers experienced in fit‑outs.
• Sector expertise: We match you with partners who understand retail, hospitality, office and specialist projects.
• No cost to you: Our service is free for business owners and carries no obligation to proceed.
• From £10,000 upwards: We specialise in business funding starting at £10,000 and scaling to larger facilities.

Customers value the time saved and the focused quotes that arrive ready to review. When you’re ready, Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Fit‑Out Finance FAQs

How much can I borrow for a fit‑out?

Loans typically start from around £10,000 and can extend to several million depending on the lender, your security and business profile. Use our Free Eligibility Check to see panel options for your project size.

How quickly can I get funds?

Smaller unsecured loans can be agreed within days; secured or complex facilities take longer. Your matched broker or lender will advise estimated timescales once they review documentation.

Do I need to offer property as security?

Not always. Many lenders offer unsecured or asset finance for equipment and fixtures. For larger amounts, lenders may request security or guarantees — your match will depend on what you’re prepared to offer.

Will using Fast Business Loans affect my credit rating?

No — submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not leave a footprint on your business credit file. Lenders may request credit checks later if you progress an application.

Can I get funding for staged projects?

Yes. Many lenders offer staged drawdowns, invoice finance or revolving facilities tailored to phased installations. Provide your project plan and supplier milestones in your enquiry.

Does Fast Business Loans provide financial advice?

No. We are an introducer that connects you with lenders and brokers. Any advice or formal offers come from those matched partners; you decide whether to accept.

Take the next step

Ready to move forward? Fill in a short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who can quote for your fit‑out. It takes under two minutes and does not affect your credit score. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Important: Fast Business Loans does not lend money. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who may contact you with offers. Any agreement, credit decision or contract is between you and the lender or broker you choose to proceed with. Always read terms carefully before entering into any finance agreement.

1) What is fit-out finance?
Answer: Fit-out finance is funding for commercial refurbishments—shops, restaurants, offices—covering fixtures, fittings, materials, labour and installation.

2) How much can I borrow for a fit-out in the UK?
Answer: Typically from about £10,000 up to several million, depending on your business profile, project scope and any security offered.

3) How quickly can I get fit-out funds?
Answer: Smaller unsecured facilities can be completed in days, while secured or more complex deals take longer once documents are reviewed.

4) Will submitting a Fast Business Loans enquiry affect my credit score?
Answer: No—our Free Eligibility Check doesn’t impact your credit score, though lenders may run checks later if you proceed.

5) What types of fit-out projects can be financed?
Answer: Retail shopfitting, restaurant kitchens and extraction, office partitions and AV, hotels, clinics and industrial/workshop fit-outs are commonly funded.

6) What finance options are available for a fit-out?
Answer: You can access unsecured and secured business loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice/supplier finance, revolving credit facilities and refinancing.

7) Do I need property security or a personal guarantee?
Answer: Not always—many smaller or equipment-led fit-outs can be unsecured, but larger amounts may require security or guarantees.

8) What information do lenders typically need for fit-out finance?
Answer: Expect to provide business details and trading history, supplier quotes and cost breakdowns, cashflow forecasts, security (if any), accounts, bank statements and director ID.

9) Can funding be staged to match project milestones?
Answer: Yes—many lenders offer staged drawdowns, invoice finance or revolving facilities aligned to supplier payment schedules.

10) How does Fast Business Loans help me get the best fit-out finance?
Answer: Submit a short enquiry (not a full application) and we match you with specialist UK lenders and brokers so you can compare tailored quotes quickly, free and with no obligation.