Fit-Out Finance for UK Businesses
Summary
If you’re planning a shop, office, restaurant or hospitality refurbishment, fit-out finance can help you pay for fixtures, fittings, compliance works and equipment without draining working capital. Fast Business Loans does not lend — we match UK limited companies with the right lenders and brokers who can offer fit-out funding from around £10,000 up to multi-million pound projects. Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you with providers who understand your sector so you can compare quotes quickly and with no obligation. Get Started – Free Fit-Out Eligibility Check
Table of contents
– Quick summary and how this page helps you
– What is fit-out finance? (#what-is-fit-out-finance)
– How our fit-out finance matching service works (#how-it-works)
– Why businesses choose fit-out funding via Fast Business Loans (#why-choose-us)
– Fit-out finance options we can help you explore (#options)
– Industry use cases: fit-out finance in action (#use-cases)
– How fit-out finance is assessed by lenders (#assessment)
– Responsible finance & compliance (#responsible)
– Fit-out finance FAQs (#faqs)
– Next steps: secure the fit-out finance your business needs (#next-steps)
Quick summary and how this page helps you
Need to refurbish or refit premises but don’t want to use cash reserves? Fit-out finance is a practical way to fund interior works, M&E upgrades, furniture, signage and specialist installations. Fast Business Loans connects UK businesses (limited companies and established SMEs) with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit-outs so you can obtain tailored quotes quickly. Completing our short enquiry is not an application and won’t affect your credit score — it simply helps us match you to the most relevant providers. Get a No-Obligation Fit-Out Quote
What is fit-out finance?
Fit-out finance covers funding for the works and equipment needed to make commercial premises ready for business. Typical costs that can be included:
– Fixtures and fittings (shelving, display units, counters)
– Flooring, lighting, ceilings and joinery
– Mechanical & electrical works (HVAC, wiring, plumbing)
– Kitchen and catering equipment for restaurants
– Specialist installations (sound, AV, point-of-sale systems)
– Professional fees (design, project management, compliance)
Who uses it? Retailers, cafés, restaurants, bars, hotels, leisure venues, clinics and offices commonly use fit-out finance to speed projects and preserve cash flow.
Funding ranges and terms: Through our panel you can explore funding from around £10,000 up to several million pounds, with short- to medium-term options or longer-term asset-backed loans depending on project size and security. Check Fit-Out Eligibility in Minutes
How our fit-out finance matching service works
Fast Business Loans is a professional introducer — we do not lend. Our four-step matching process is designed to be quick and confidential:
1. Short enquiry: Tell us a few details about your business, the property and the amount you need. It takes under 2 minutes.
2. We match: We share your enquiry with a small group of lenders and brokers who best fit your industry and project.
3. Rapid response: Matched partners typically call or email with questions and a quote. This is not an offer until you sign lender paperwork.
4. Compare and decide: Review the options, ask for clarifications, and choose the solution that suits your cashflow and timeline.
Enquiry = information only: Submitting an enquiry is not an application and does not trigger a hard credit search. Start Your Fit-Out Finance Enquiry
Why businesses choose fit-out funding via Fast Business Loans
Flexible, sector-aware matches: Our partners specialise in commercial fit-outs and know the typical cost lines and timelines for retail, hospitality and office projects.
Flexibility
– Short-term bridging, medium-term loans or asset-backed financing.
– Options for unsecured loans (subject to eligibility) or secured borrowing for larger projects.
Specialist lenders and brokers
– Access to providers who regularly fund hospitality, retail and multi-site projects.
– They understand phased roll-outs and managing funding across several locations.
Protect cash flow
– Finance removes the need to use working capital so you can keep operations running while you refurbish.
Transparent and free
– Our matching service is free and without obligation. You choose whether to proceed with any lender’s offer.
Support for phased or multi-location projects
– Lenders experienced in staged drawdowns and milestone payments are on our panel.
Proof point
“A regional café group seeking a multi-site refit was matched with a broker who secured a competitive package within a week.” (anonymised example)
Get a No-Obligation Fit-Out Quote
Fit-out finance options we can help you explore
Different projects need different products. Below is an overview of common options — many businesses blend these to match cashflow and tax needs.
Comparison of typical options
– Unsecured business loan
– Best for: Smaller refits where directors prefer no asset security.
– Typical amounts: £10k–£250k
– Terms: 1–5 years
– Secured fit-out loan / commercial mortgage top-up
– Best for: Larger refurbishments where property or business assets can be used as security.
– Typical amounts: £100k–£5m+
– Terms: 3–20 years
– Asset finance / hire purchase
– Best for: Large equipment purchases (kitchens, refrigeration, gym equipment).
– Typical amounts: £10k+
– Terms: Aligned to useful life of asset
– Leasing
– Best for: Technology, furniture, POS systems where you want regular payments and potential upgrades.
– Revolving credit / business overdrafts
– Best for: Flexible working capital during a staged fit-out.
– Merchant cash advance
– Best for: Card-led retailers / hospitality with strong card turnover but limited time for traditional lending.
– VAT & tax funding
– Best for: Covering VAT bills arising from large refurbishment projects.
See Which Fit-Out Finance Options You Qualify For
Industry use cases: fit-out finance in action
Retail & showroom
A retailer refurbishes for experiential retail displays and new POS. Fit-out finance can cover joinery, lighting and technology to improve conversion rates without halting stock purchases.
Restaurants, cafés & bars
Kitchen equipment, extraction, flooring, and front-of-house design can be expensive. Asset finance for equipment plus a loan for structural works is a common blend.
Hotels & hospitality
Refurbishment of guest rooms and public spaces often needs staged funding to avoid seasonal disruption. Lenders can provide phased drawdowns tied to completion milestones.
Offices & co-working
Modernisation, M&E upgrades and tech infrastructure are fundable via a mix of unsecured loans and leasing for desks and equipment.
Healthcare & wellness clinics
Compliance work, specialist fittings and medical equipment require lenders who understand regulated premises — we match you to those specialists.
Leisure & gyms
High-value equipment, lockers and flooring can be funded through hire purchase or asset finance aligned to equipment lifespans.
Talk to Fit-Out Finance Specialists
How fit-out finance is assessed
Lenders review a mix of business and project factors:
– Trading history and business structure (limited companies with demonstrable turnover are stronger).
– Turnover, profitability and management experience.
– Project plan, supplier quotes and cashflow forecasts.
– Requested amount, term and proposed security.
– For larger loans, property or other business assets may be required as collateral.
Tips to strengthen your enquiry
– Provide detailed supplier quotes and a clear project timeline.
– Show how the work will increase revenue or reduce costs (e.g., improved energy efficiency).
– Consider phased drawdowns to match build milestones.
Prepare Your Fit-Out Finance Application – Get Expert Help
Responsible finance & compliance
Fast Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers; we do not provide lending or regulated advice. We aim to be clear, fair and not misleading:
– Enquiry does not equal application and does not affect your credit score.
– Eligibility, terms and fees are set by lenders and brokers — review offers carefully.
– We only share your details with selected partners who may contact you to discuss options.
– Consider professional advice from an accountant or financial adviser if you’re unsure about tax, security or contract terms.
Submit Your Details Securely
Fit-out finance FAQs
What projects qualify for fit-out finance?
Fit-out finance can support retail refits, restaurant kitchens, office refurbishments, compliance upgrades and associated equipment costs. Lenders decide eligibility based on your business and the specifics of the project.
Can start-ups or recently incorporated companies get fit-out funding?
Some specialist lenders and brokers consider newer companies, especially when directors can demonstrate sector experience, have solid forecasts and contribute personal or business investment. Our matching helps pair such enquiries with partners who review early-stage cases.
How quickly can funds be released?
Small unsecured loans or asset finance can be arranged in days to a few weeks. Larger secured packages typically take longer due to valuations and legal checks. Providing clear quotes and documentation speeds the process.
Do lenders ask for security or personal guarantees?
It depends on the lender, loan size and risk profile. Smaller unsecured loans may not require security, but larger facilities commonly require business assets or property, and some lenders ask for personal guarantees.
Can I finance equipment and building works together?
Yes — many lenders and brokers offer blended solutions (e.g., asset finance for equipment plus a loan for building works) so you can fund the whole project with coordinated terms.
Will enquiring affect my credit score?
No. Submitting our short enquiry is an information-sharing step only and will not trigger a hard credit search. Lenders may run credit checks later if you choose to proceed with a specific offer.
Ready to Discuss Your Fit-Out Project? Get Started Now
Next steps: secure the fit-out finance your business needs
1. Complete the short enquiry so we can match you with suitable lenders and brokers (takes under 2 minutes). Get Started – Free Fit-Out Eligibility Check
2. Review the quotes and speak directly with matched partners.
3. Accept an offer, complete lender checks, and arrange drawdown to begin work.
If you’re ready to move quickly on a refurbishment, start your enquiry and we’ll connect you to experienced lenders who can provide tailored options. Get a No-Obligation Fit-Out Quote
Trust & small print
Fast Business Loans connects UK businesses to lenders and brokers; we are not a lender and do not provide regulated financial advice. Enquiry does not commit you to any product. Eligibility, terms and interest rates are set by the lenders and brokers you are matched with. Data you provide will be shared only with selected partners to obtain quotes. Privacy policy, terms and complaints procedure links are available on our site.
Related resource
For a deeper guide to fit-out funding for shops, restaurants and offices, see our detailed fit-out finance guide on the Fast Business Loans site: fit-out finance
JSON-LD structured data (place on page)
Contact
To get matched with lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial refurbishments, complete our short enquiry and we’ll make introductions so you can receive competitive quotes. Get Quote Now
(End of page content)- What is fit-out finance?
Fit-out finance funds the fixtures, fittings, M&E works, equipment and professional fees needed to make commercial premises ready for trading without draining your cash reserves.
– How does Fast Business Loans help with fit-out funding?
We don’t lend; we match UK limited companies and SMEs with specialist lenders and brokers who provide tailored fit-out finance quotes, with no obligation to proceed.
– How much can I borrow for a fit-out and over what term?
You can typically access from around £10,000 up to several million pounds, with short- to long-term options depending on product type and security.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — our quick enquiry is information-only and won’t trigger a hard credit search; checks may occur later if you choose to proceed with a specific lender.
– Is your service free and am I obliged to take a loan?
Yes, our matching service is free for businesses and there’s no obligation to accept any offer you receive.
– What projects and costs qualify for fit-out finance?
Retail, hospitality, office, healthcare and leisure refurbishments are commonly funded, covering items like flooring, lighting, joinery, HVAC/M&E, kitchens, POS/AV, signage and eligible professional fees.
– Can start-ups or newly incorporated businesses get fit-out finance?
Some specialist lenders will consider early-stage companies where directors show sector experience, robust forecasts and a reasonable contribution.
– Do I need security or a personal guarantee?
Smaller facilities may be unsecured, but larger packages often require asset or property security and some lenders may request personal guarantees.
– How quickly can funds be released for my refurbishment?
Unsecured loans or asset finance can complete in days to a few weeks, while larger secured facilities usually take longer due to valuations and legal checks.
– Can I fund equipment and building works together or across multiple sites?
Yes — many providers offer blended solutions (e.g., asset finance plus a project loan) with phased drawdowns for multi-site or milestone-based fit-outs.
