Why fit-out finance matters for UK businesses

Refurbishing or fitting out premises can be expensive and often timed around a lease start, seasonal opening or reopening after refurbishment. Typical fit-out costs cover partitions, flooring, lighting, furniture, specialist equipment, signage and compliance (fire, accessibility). For hospitality and retail, delays or cash shortages can cost customers and revenue.

Here’s the challenge: tying up capital in a refit can starve day-to-day cash flow. Fit-out finance helps you spread the cost, meet supplier or contractor terms, and start trading (or re-open) on schedule.

Free Eligibility Check — take two minutes to see who can help your project.

What Fast Business Loans does

Fast Business Loans is a specialist introducer that connects UK limited companies and growing businesses to lenders and brokers offering commercial fit-out finance. We do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Instead, we collect your brief details and match you with finance partners who are most likely to understand your sector and project.

Benefits of using our service:

• Save time — we shortlist suitable lenders/brokers for you.
• Increase likelihood of useful quotes — matched partners know your industry.
• No obligation — enquiries are free and carry no commitment.
• Fast responses — many partners contact you within hours.

Get Matched with a Fit-Out Specialist

Fit-out finance options we can introduce you to

Unsecured business loans

Short-to-medium term loans, typically from £10,000 upwards. No asset is required as security, but rates and terms vary by lender and business profile. Good for straightforward refits where you prefer not to charge property or equipment.

Secured loans & commercial mortgages

If you own property (or can use other commercial assets), secured lending can offer larger sums and longer terms — useful for major refurbishments where costs run into tens or hundreds of thousands.

Asset & equipment finance

Finance that spreads cost of furniture, kitchen equipment, tills, POS, HVAC, lighting, or specialist machinery. Often structured as hire purchase or lease with options at the end of term.

Revolving credit / overdraft alternatives

Flexible facilities to manage working capital during a project. Can be useful where staged payments and retentions mean cashflow needs vary over weeks or months.

Invoice finance (for contractors)

If you’re a fit-out contractor or supplier, invoice finance unlocks cash tied up in unpaid invoices — useful to fund labour and materials while waiting on client payments.

We’ll match you to lenders and brokers that specialise in the right product for your project — whether that’s a single loan or a blended solution. Request Fit-Out Finance Options Now

Industries & common fit-out projects we support

We help businesses across sectors that frequently need fit-out finance:

• Retail: shop refits, fixtures, displays and signage.
• Hospitality: restaurant and bar kitchens, dining areas, bars, and back-of-house equipment.
• Hotels & guest accommodation: bedrooms, reception areas and food & beverage outlets.
• Offices: partitioning, desks, meeting rooms, and AV installations.
• Personal services: salons, clinics and leisure facilities upgrades.

Talk to Sector-Savvy Lenders

How our fit-out finance matching process works

1. Complete a short enquiry: basic business details, loan amount, project type and contact info.
2. We shortlist partners: our system and advisers match you to brokers and lenders who handle your sector and loan size.
3. Partners contact you: expect calls or emails to discuss quotes and documents.
4. Compare and decide: review terms and proceed with the lender or broker you prefer.

Typical timelines: initial contact often within hours; formal offers usually within days to a few weeks depending on documentation and underwriting. Note: lenders/brokers may carry out credit or affordability checks once you choose to proceed.

Start Your Fit-Out Finance Enquiry

What we need to match you

To get accurate matches we usually need:

• Business name and registration status (limited company or registered business).
• Estimated fit-out budget (from around £10,000 upwards).
• Trading history and annual turnover (approximate figures).
• Brief project description and expected start date.
• Whether you can offer security or deposits (if available).

Your details are handled securely and only shared with selected partners that match your brief. Submitting an enquiry is free and carries no obligation. Share Your Project Details Securely

Fit-out finance calculator snapshot (estimates)

Want to estimate monthly costs? Here’s a simple approach — illustrative only:

• Loan amount: £30,000 over 5 years (60 months). Example monthly repayment depends on rate — ask lenders for personalised quotes.
• Consider deposit scenarios: a 10% deposit reduces the financed amount and monthly cost.
• Include VAT, contingency and contractor retentions in your project budget.

Disclaimer: figures are illustrative. For a personalised estimate, Get a Personalised Fit-Out Finance Quote.

Success story

Independent restaurant in Manchester

Challenge: A new restaurant needed kitchen equipment, seating and lighting to open in eight weeks but had limited cashflow. Outcome: through our enquiry they were introduced to a specialist hospitality broker who arranged a mix of equipment finance and an unsecured term loan. The venue opened on time and monthly cashflow matched projected revenue. “Fast Business Loans connected us quickly — we had options within 48 hours,” says the owner.

See Your Options – No Credit Impact

Expert tips to strengthen your fit-out finance enquiry

Want to improve the quality of quotes you receive? Here are practical actions:

1. Gather supplier/contractor quotes and itemised costs — lenders like to see clear budgets.
2. Prepare a short project timeline and expected trading start date.
3. Provide recent management accounts or turnover figures.
4. Explain any previous refusals honestly — alternative lenders in our panel may consider your case.
5. Check whether landlord contributions or rent-free periods could change funding needs.

Want to boost approval odds? Provide accurate figures and be ready to discuss business cashflow projections. Submit Your Fit-Out Finance Enquiry

FAQs about fit-out finance introductions

Are fit-out loans different from refurbishment finance?

Fit-out finance typically covers interior works such as partitions, furniture, lighting and equipment. Refurbishment can be broader and include structural changes. Many lenders offer both depending on scope.

How fast can funding be released?

Initial responses often come within hours. Actual funding depends on underwriting and documentation — some simpler loans can complete within days, larger or secured facilities may take weeks.

Do I need trading history?

Many lenders prefer an established business, but our panel includes specialists who can consider newer companies that present clear plans and realistic projections.

Can startups apply?

Yes — some partners consider start-ups with strong business plans, franchise backing or demonstrable backing from landlords or suppliers. Expect closer scrutiny on projections and collateral.

What documents will lenders request?

Typical documents: accounts or management accounts, ID for directors, supplier/contractor quotes, business plan or cashflow forecasts, and proof of business address.

Will it affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks only if you proceed with an application.

Are there unsecured options for fit-outs?

Yes — unsecured business loans are available from around £10,000, subject to eligibility. Terms and rates depend on the lender and business profile.

Can I finance furniture, lighting, HVAC and kitchen equipment?

Yes — asset finance and equipment finance are common for these items. Many lenders will finance a broad range of fixtures and fitted equipment.

Ask Us About Your Fit-Out Project

Ready to move ahead with your fit-out?

If you have a project timeline or a contractor ready, getting finance quotes early helps you avoid delays. Complete our quick enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers most likely to help.

Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

Footer & important information

Fast Business Loans connects businesses with lenders and brokers — we are an introducer and do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Enquiries (from around £10,000 upwards) are free and carry no obligation. Final decisions, terms and eligibility are made by the lenders or brokers you are introduced to. Consider affordability before borrowing.

For more detail on fit-out lending products and to read wider guidance, see our fit-out finance hub: fit-out finance.

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