Fit-Out Finance for UK Businesses
Quick summary: Fast Business Loans does not lend money — we match UK businesses (limited companies and SMEs) seeking fit-out finance from £10,000 upwards with lenders and brokers that specialise in shop, hospitality and office refurbishments. Use our short, no‑obligation enquiry to receive tailored options and a free eligibility check. Responses are typically same day.
Last updated: October 2025
No obligation · No cost to enquire · We introduce you to lenders & brokers who can help
Start Your Free Eligibility Check
Transform Your Premises Without Delaying Your Plans
Refurbishing or fitting-out premises is exciting — and expensive. Tight timelines, landlord conditions, and the need to open on time can make finance a stressful part of the project. Fast Business Loans helps by quickly matching your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in fit‑out funding, so you can compare relevant quotes without filling dozens of forms.
We act as an introducer only — we do not lend and we do not provide regulated financial advice. Your enquiry is free and carries no obligation.
What is Fit‑Out Finance?
Fit‑out finance is designed to cover costs associated with preparing or refurbishing commercial premises. It typically includes hard and soft fit‑out costs such as partitioning, flooring, lighting, kitchen and bar equipment, seating, shop shelving, signage, HVAC, compliance works and furnishings.
Using specialist fit‑out funding preserves cash and working capital, allowing you to spread the cost while keeping operating cash available. Finance can be arranged as single loans, staged drawdowns or blended facilities combining asset finance with unsecured or secured lending.
Fit‑Out Projects We Support
Retail & E‑Commerce Showrooms
Typical works: shop fittings, POS systems, changing rooms, lighting and display fixtures. Lenders often consider stock and turnover — multi-site retailers can access tailored multi-site facilities.
Restaurants, Cafés & Bars
Typical works: kitchens, extraction, refrigeration, bespoke joinery and dining fit‑out. Hospitality projects may combine equipment finance with a working capital top‑up to cover pre‑opening costs and initial stock.
Hotels & Leisure Venues
Typical works: guestroom refurbishments, reception and bar upgrades, accessibility and compliance works. Lenders supporting hospitality understand seasonal income patterns and can structure flexible repayments.
Healthcare & Clinics
Typical works: clinical fit‑outs, waiting rooms, specialist equipment installations and accessibility compliance. Finance solutions can include asset-backed options for expensive medical equipment.
Offices & Co‑Working Spaces
Typical works: partitioning, M&E upgrades, furniture and AV. Office fit‑outs often suit asset finance or longer-term business loans to match the lifespan of the improvements.
Industrial & Logistics Upgrades
Typical works: racking, mezzanine floors, lighting and power upgrades — lenders experienced in light industrial sectors can factor in asset values and contract pipeline.
Funding Options Available
We connect you to a range of products. Below are common routes lenders and brokers offer — each has advantages depending on your project size, security available and cashflow profile.
| Product | Typical limits & terms | When it’s useful | Pros / Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured Business Loan | £10k–£250k, 1–5 years | Small and medium fit‑outs without security | Fast to arrange; higher rates than secured loans |
| Asset / Equipment Finance | Depends on asset value; terms to match asset life | Kitchen equipment, AV, furniture | Preserves cash; asset acts as security |
| Lease / Hire Purchase | Structured over 2–7 years | High-cost equipment or fixtures | Option to own at term end (HP); leases keep equipment off balance sheet depending on accounting |
| Secured Commercial Loan | £50k upwards, variable terms | Large refurbishments where property or assets provide security | Lower rates; requires security and valuation |
| Short‑Term / Bridging Finance | Weeks–months | Time-sensitive openings or staged works | Higher cost; useful for short gaps |
All figures are indicative. Lenders determine terms based on individual circumstances.
How Our Matching Service Works
- Complete a short enquiry — it takes under 2 minutes.
- We match your business with specialist lenders and brokers suited to your sector and project size.
- You’ll receive calls or emails to discuss your project and potential offers.
- Compare proposals and choose the best fit; proceed directly with the lender or broker if you wish.
There’s no obligation to proceed and enquiring won’t show on your credit file. Ready to start?
Get Started — Free Eligibility Check
Eligibility & Documentation
Eligibility snapshot
- Limited companies and incorporated SMEs (no sole traders or personal professional loans)
- Typical minimum facility: £10,000
- Basic trading history often required (many lenders start at 6–12 months trading; some specialist lenders accept shorter histories with stronger security or franchise support)
- Turnover and profitability influence limits
Documents lenders commonly request
- Latest management accounts and bank statements
- Project budget, supplier quotes and floor plans
- Proof of landlord consent (if tenant fit‑out)
- Business plan or cashflow forecast for larger projects
Cost, Rates & Repayment Factors
Rates and costs depend on:
- Credit profile and company performance
- Project size and the split between hard and soft costs
- Security offered (secured = usually lower rates)
- Term length and whether staged drawdowns are required
Typical terms range from 6 months to 7 years. Some asset finance solutions offer seasonal or stepped payments to suit cashflow. All lenders will run affordability checks and set personalised terms — Fast Business Loans provides introductions so you can compare these offers side‑by‑side.
Benefits of Using Fast Business Loans
- Save time — we present relevant lenders and broker options quickly.
- Better match — we make introductions based on sector and project needs.
- Support for complex and staged projects, including multi‑site rollouts.
- Completely free to use and no obligation to proceed.
- Secure handling of your business information and focused sharing only with relevant partners.
“Fast Business Loans connected us with the right broker within hours — allowed us to open on time.” — anonymised client quote
Case Snapshot
How a multi‑site café refitted two stores in 6 weeks: Challenge — rapid roll‑out with tight cashflow. Fast Business Loans introduced a broker who structured an asset finance package for kitchen equipment plus an unsecured facility for soft costs. Result — £150,000 facility, works completed on time and cashflow preserved for opening stock and staffing.
Compliance & Responsible Finance
Fast Business Loans is an introducer; we do not provide financial advice or loan underwriting. We present options from lenders and brokers who can provide full terms and carry out necessary checks. Always read lender information carefully, ask for a clear breakdown of costs and assess affordability for your business before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I finance both hard and soft fit‑out costs?
Yes. Many lenders will finance a combination of hard works (construction, fixtures) and soft costs (design, professional fees). Exact coverage depends on the lender and the facility structure — provide a clear project budget to get accurate quotes.
Do I need landlord approval before applying?
Landlord consent is often required for tenant fit‑outs and will be requested before funds are released. If you don’t yet have consent, tell us in the enquiry — some lenders can structure conditional offers while consent is finalised.
What if I’m a start‑up with limited trading history?
Start‑ups can still access finance, especially with strong business plans, personal guarantees or asset security. Some specialist lenders will support pre‑trading businesses where franchise, management experience or landlord support exists.
How quickly can funding be in place?
Speed varies: simple unsecured loans can complete in days; asset finance or secured facilities typically take 1–6 weeks depending on valuations and legal work. Bridging options exist for urgent timelines but tend to cost more.
Will enquiring affect my credit score?
No — submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit file. Lenders or brokers may carry out checks later in the process with your permission.
Can I combine fit‑out finance with other funding?
Yes — many businesses blend asset finance with unsecured loans, working capital facilities, or invoice finance. Our matching aims to surface blended solutions when appropriate.
Are there fees for using Fast Business Loans?
No. Our matching service is free for businesses. Any fees for arranging finance will be detailed by the lender or broker if and when you proceed.
Final CTA & Next Steps
- 1. Prepare a short project budget and supplier quotes.
- 2. Complete our 2‑minute enquiry.
- 3. Compare lender and broker proposals and choose the most suitable.
Get Your Fit‑Out Finance Options
Prefer a conversation? Call us Monday–Friday and we’ll arrange an introduction with the most appropriate partner.
For a deeper guide to fit-out funding and project budgeting see our detailed fit‑out finance resource on fit‑out finance.
Explore more on specialist fit‑out funding here: fit‑out finance.
Contact / Support
Phone: [insert phone number]
Email: hello@fastbusinessloans.net
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:30
Disclaimer: Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Any finance agreement is between you and the lender or broker. Eligibility, rates and amounts depend on individual circumstances. Always review lender terms and assess affordability before entering an agreement.
Author: Fast Business Loans — Commercial Finance Specialist team
– What is fit-out finance and what can it cover?
Fit-out finance is funding to refurbish commercial premises, covering hard and soft costs such as partitioning, flooring, lighting, HVAC, kitchen/bar equipment, furniture, signage and compliance works.
– Does Fast Business Loans lend directly or act as an introducer?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, matching UK limited companies and SMEs with specialist lenders and brokers for shop, hospitality and office refurbishments.
– How much can I borrow and what are typical terms for fit-out finance?
Funding typically starts from £10,000 with terms from around 6 months to 7 years, and higher limits depend on your performance, security and project scope.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—submitting an enquiry with Fast Business Loans won’t affect your credit score, and credit checks only occur if you choose to proceed with a lender or broker.
– How fast can I get funding in place?
Expect same-day responses, with straightforward unsecured loans completing in days and asset or secured facilities usually taking 1–6 weeks.
– Who is eligible for fit-out finance?
Most lenders consider UK limited companies and incorporated SMEs with 6–12 months’ trading, though start-ups may be eligible with strong plans, guarantees or security.
– What documents will I need to provide?
Lenders commonly ask for recent management accounts, bank statements, a project budget with supplier quotes and floor plans, landlord consent (if applicable), and for larger projects a business plan or cashflow forecast.
– Can I finance design fees and pre-opening costs as well as equipment?
Yes—many lenders will fund soft costs like design, professional fees and pre-opening stock alongside hard works and equipment.
– Can funding be structured with staged drawdowns or blended products?
Yes—funding can be structured with staged drawdowns and blended solutions combining asset finance with unsecured or secured loans to suit cashflow.
– Do I need landlord consent to secure funding?
Landlord consent is often required for tenant fit-outs and can be provided before drawdown, with some lenders issuing conditional offers while consent is finalised.
– Are there any fees to use Fast Business Loans and how do I start?
It’s free to submit an enquiry and there’s no obligation; start by completing the short online eligibility check and we’ll introduce you to suitable lenders or brokers.
