Do you help with cash flow during refurb closures or seasonal dips?
Yes — we help you find finance providers to bridge cash flow gaps caused by refurb closures and seasonal downturns
Best Business Loans connects established UK companies with lenders and brokers who offer working capital solutions designed for temporary closures, fit-outs, and seasonal dips. We don’t lend directly or provide financial advice, but our AI-driven platform matches your business profile with suitable finance providers. You can compare options, understand potential costs, and choose a route that fits your cash flow.
Funding is always subject to the provider’s eligibility checks, affordability assessments, and credit status. Terms, fees, and rates vary between lenders, and we’ll make sure information presented is fair, clear, and not misleading.
When cash flow support makes the difference
Temporary closures for refurbishment, shopfitting, or equipment upgrades can pause revenue while costs keep running. Seasonal slowdowns — common in hospitality, retail, leisure, agriculture, and construction — create predictable cash gaps that need planning. Short-term finance can help maintain payroll, settle supplier invoices, complete refurbs on schedule, and protect working capital until trading rebounds.
Our role is to help you identify realistic options for your situation and connect you with active providers in your sector. It’s fast to start and free to submit your Quick Quote.
Who we commonly help
We support established limited companies and LLPs across industries including hospitality, retail, logistics, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and professional services. Businesses with strong seasonality or planned refurb programmes often benefit most from flexible facilities. If you’re a start-up, sole trader, or seeking property finance, our service is not currently suitable.
Important compliance note
Any finance introduced via our network is provided by third-party lenders or brokers who set their own criteria and terms. We aim to follow FCA and ASA standards for promotions so that all content is fair, clear, and not misleading. Always review full terms and seek independent advice if you’re unsure.
What finance options can help during refurb closures and seasonal dips?
Different funding types suit different cash flow patterns, trading models, and asset positions. Below is an overview to help you shortlist options before you submit your Quick Quote.
Cash flow loans (unsecured working capital)
Short-term business loans can provide a defined lump sum to cover refurb downtime, stock purchases, or marketing ahead of peak season. Terms are typically months to a few years, with fixed repayments. Some lenders may require a personal guarantee and look for evidence of trading history and affordability.
Best for businesses with predictable post-refurb cash flow or seasonal rebound, and who want certainty over repayments. Not suitable for start-ups and may be harder to secure with very thin margins or volatile income.
Revolving credit facilities and overdraft-style lines
Flexible credit lines let you draw, repay, and redraw funds as needed, paying interest on what you use. This works well for businesses with rolling seasonal patterns or staged refurb schedules. Limits and pricing are tailored to your profile and sector risk.
Useful for smoothing peaks and troughs without committing to a large lump sum when you only need occasional top-ups. Lenders will assess affordability and may adjust limits over time.
Merchant cash advance (card revenue based)
If you take significant card payments, a merchant cash advance allows payback as a small percentage of future card takings. Repayments flex with sales, which can suit recovering trade after a refurb or a slower season. Total costs vary and providers assess card volume and history.
Popular in hospitality, leisure, salons, and retail where card income is consistent. Make sure you understand the factor rate and how repayments interact with off-peak periods.
Invoice finance and selective invoice finance
For B2B firms that invoice on terms, invoice finance unlocks a percentage of the value of unpaid invoices. This can stabilise cash flow during lower order volumes or while a site is closed for refit. Options include full ledger facilities, invoice discounting, or selective (spot) finance.
Good fit for manufacturing, logistics, professional services, and wholesalers with credit terms. Lenders consider debtor quality and concentration, disputes, and sector resilience.
Asset refinance and equipment finance
If you own equipment, vehicles, or machinery, asset refinance can release equity to support working capital. New fit-out or kit can also be financed over time via hire purchase or leasing rather than paid up-front. This keeps cash in the business while you improve premises or capacity.
Asset-backed options may offer competitive pricing compared to unsecured loans. Security is taken over the asset and non-payment risks repossession.
VAT and Corporation Tax funding
Tax funding can spread a sizeable VAT or Corporation Tax bill over a short term, preserving day-to-day cash during refurb closures or seasonally quiet months. Providers will assess your trading history and compliance track record.
Useful for businesses that face lumpy tax outflows at the same time as a planned closure or low-season trading.
Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)
For eligible UK SMEs, participating lenders may offer loans supported by the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme. It can be used for cash flow, investment, and growth, subject to lender assessment and scheme rules. The borrower remains fully liable for the debt.
Eligibility, pricing, and terms are set by each lender, and availability can change. Our platform helps you find providers actively lending under the scheme in your sector.
Choosing what suits your cash flow pattern
Think about how quickly revenue will return after the refurb and how seasonal your trade is. Fixed-term loans can suit predictable recoveries, while revolving credit or revenue-based options can flex with sales. Our Quick Quote helps you compare these approaches with relevant providers.
How our AI-led matching and introduction process works
We make the first step fast and straightforward, while leaving you fully in control of your decision.
Step 1: Complete a Quick Quote
Tell us about your business, your refurb or seasonal needs, and the funding amount required. It takes a couple of minutes and does not affect your credit score with us. We use the details to understand your goals and constraints.
Step 2: Smart analysis of your profile
Our system considers your industry, trading stage, purpose of funds, and preferences for flexibility or fixed terms. We then surface suitable lenders or brokers from our UK network who are active in your sector. You’ll only be introduced to providers likely to be relevant.
Step 3: Introductions to potential providers
We connect you with selected lenders or brokers who may be able to help. They will explain their products, document requirements, and expected timelines. You can explore multiple avenues without approaching dozens of companies yourself.
Step 4: You review and decide
Compare options, weigh total cost, term lengths, fees, and repayment patterns against your cash flow. Proceed only if you’re comfortable. There’s no obligation to take an offer, and you can seek independent advice at any time.
What to prepare to speed things up
- Recent bank statements and filed accounts.
- Management accounts and aged debtor/creditor summaries (if applicable).
- Card sales statements for merchant cash advance.
- Details of refurb plans, budgets, and timeline.
- Asset schedules if considering asset finance or refinance.
Having these ready can shorten assessment times once you engage with a provider.
Costs, eligibility and compliance — what you should know
Finance suitability depends on your trading history, sector, affordability, and overall risk profile. Pricing, terms and availability will vary between providers and over time. We aim to present information that is balanced, accurate at publication, and free of unrealistic claims.
Key eligibility considerations
- Trading history: Many providers prefer at least 12 months’ trading; some require more.
- Turnover and margins: Lenders assess affordability and repayment capacity.
- Credit profile: Company and director credit will usually be checked.
- Security: Personal guarantees and/or asset security may be requested.
- Sector risk: Seasonality, refurb plans, and sector outlook may influence offers.
We currently focus on established UK limited companies and LLPs. We don’t support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, commercial mortgages, or property development finance.
Understanding costs and terms
- Interest and fees vary by product, risk, and provider.
- Early repayment rules differ; check for fees and interest calculations.
- For merchant cash advances, understand factor rates and how remittances reduce net takings.
- Invoice finance involves service fees and discount rates; confirm how disputes and concentration are handled.
- Asset finance uses the asset as security; understand ownership and end-of-term options.
Always read full terms and ask providers to explain total cost of finance, including all fees. If unsure, seek independent professional advice.
Fair, clear and not misleading
We follow UK advertising standards and the spirit of FCA rules for financial promotions. We never guarantee acceptance, instant funding, or the lowest rate. Any funding decision is made by the provider after their own checks.
Sectors, use cases and examples
Cash flow support around refurbs and seasonality is common across many industries. Here are typical scenarios we see and how finance can help.
Hospitality and restaurants
Busy venues refurb during off-peak months, but costs for rent, utilities, and staff can’t always pause. A revolving credit facility or merchant cash advance can bridge the gap until bookings recover. For a deeper dive into sector-specific pathways, explore our guide to restaurant and hospitality finance options.
Retail and eCommerce
Store refits or range changes may coincide with seasonal lulls. Short-term working capital can fund marketing campaigns ahead of peak, or allow bulk stock purchasing at better prices. Where card sales are strong, revenue-based options can align repayments to sales.
Manufacturing and wholesale
Seasonal orders and extended refurb shutdowns can strain cash tied up in receivables. Invoice discounting or selective invoice finance can stabilise working capital without taking on a full-term loan. Asset refinance can release equity from owned machinery to fund upgrades.
Construction and trades
Weather and project cycles cause cash flow fluctuations, especially when tools, vehicles, or site equipment need replacing. Asset finance can spread the cost of new equipment, while a revolving facility supports short-term working capital. Invoice finance may help where you bill on milestones.
Healthcare, care, and professional services
Refurbishing clinics, care homes, or offices brings compliance and scheduling considerations. Fixed-term cash flow loans or tax funding can manage lumpy outflows while maintaining service quality. Providers will weigh contract stability, regulator ratings, and occupancy or client churn.
Plan ahead and model scenarios
Before committing, forecast your cash flow for closure, reopening, and peak season. Test repayment scenarios with conservative revenue estimates. Providers appreciate credible plans and it can improve confidence in your application.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly could I access funds for a refurb or seasonal dip?
Timeframes vary by product, provider, and how complete your documents are. Some working capital solutions can complete in days, but complex cases may take longer. Use our Quick Quote to start the introduction process without obligation.
Will I need to provide security or a personal guarantee?
Unsecured loans may require personal guarantees, while asset finance is typically secured on the asset. Invoice finance is secured against receivables and may also include guarantees. Each provider sets its own requirements based on risk.
Can I apply if I already have existing finance?
Potentially yes, subject to affordability, current covenants, and lender comfort. Some businesses refinance or consolidate to improve control over repayments. A provider will explain whether top-ups or restructures are realistic.
Do you work with seasonal businesses specifically?
Yes, many of the providers we introduce understand seasonality in hospitality, retail, leisure, and agricultural supply chains. Flexible facilities often suit short trading windows. We’ll look to match you with lenders familiar with your cycle.
Are you a lender, and do you give financial advice?
No, we are an independent introducer using AI to match businesses with suitable providers. We do not offer loans directly or provide regulated advice. Please consider independent professional advice if you’re unsure about any product.
What does your service cost?
It’s free to submit a Quick Quote and be introduced to potential providers. Lenders or brokers may charge fees or commissions that they will disclose. Always review costs and terms before proceeding.
Start your finance journey
If you’re planning a refurb closure or expecting a seasonal dip, early preparation helps. Submit a Quick Quote today to get matched with relevant providers. There’s no obligation and your details are handled securely and confidentially.
- Get Your Free Quick Quote
- Email: hello@bestbusinessloans.ai
Key takeaways
- We help UK businesses find cash flow funding for refurb closures and seasonal dips by introducing you to suitable lenders and brokers.
- Options include cash flow loans, revolving credit, merchant cash advances, invoice finance, asset refinance, and tax funding.
- Eligibility, costs, and timing vary by provider; decisions are subject to status and affordability.
- Prepare bank statements, accounts, and refurb plans to speed up assessments.
- It’s free to submit a Quick Quote and there’s no obligation to proceed.
Important information and disclaimers
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer helping established UK businesses find suitable commercial funding providers. We are not a lender and do not provide financial advice. Any funding is subject to provider terms, eligibility, and credit checks; fees and charges may apply.
All content is intended to be fair, clear and not misleading, and should be used for general information only. Always read full product terms and consider professional advice if you’re unsure. Updated October 2025.