What project costs can usually be covered?

Depending on the product, finance can cover fixtures and fittings, equipment, furniture, M&E, signage, IT, and certain soft costs like design, labour, and compliance. Asset finance focuses on tangible assets; unsecured options can support soft costs.

How fast can funding be arranged?

Simple unsecured facilities can complete in days once documents are provided and underwriting is passed. Asset finance and structured fit-out funding may take longer due to quotes, valuations, and staged drawdowns.

Will I need security or a personal guarantee?

Unsecured loans commonly require a director’s personal guarantee. Asset finance is usually secured on the asset itself. Larger or revolving facilities may involve debentures or other security depending on the lender’s risk assessment.

Do you arrange commercial mortgages or property development finance?

No. We focus on non-property commercial funding for trading businesses, not commercial mortgages or property development finance.

Is Best Business Loans regulated and do you give advice?

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer and does not provide financial advice. We connect you with lenders or regulated brokers, who will provide their own disclosures and terms where applicable.

Can I fund a refurbishment or commercial fit-out through your partners?

Q: Can I fund a refurbishment or commercial fit-out through your partners?

Yes. We introduce established UK businesses to lenders and regulated brokers that offer facilities suitable for refurbishments and fit-outs, including fit-out finance, asset finance, unsecured loans, revolving credit, and the Growth Guarantee Scheme (where eligible).

Updated: October 2025

The short answer and what counts as a fit-out

Yes — many refurbishment and commercial fit-out projects can be financed via our UK partner network of lenders and regulated brokers. We introduce trading businesses to suitable finance providers for non-property commercial funding. You can use the funds for layout changes, fixtures and fittings, M&E upgrades, furniture, and specialist equipment integral to your premises.

A “refurbishment” typically refers to improving or restoring your premises to a better standard. A “commercial fit-out” usually means converting an empty or shell space into a usable workspace, shop, restaurant, clinic, gym, or similar environment. Both can include building works, joinery, lighting, HVAC, flooring, signage, POS systems, and compliance works such as fire safety or accessibility.

Our partners can explore a range of finance types to match the nature of your spend, project schedule, and cash flow. The most suitable option depends on whether you’re funding tangible assets, soft costs (design, labour, project management), or a mix of both. It also depends on your business age, sector, profit/cash position, and the security you’re comfortable to provide.

Fit-out finance packages: Structured facilities for multi-supplier projects, including staged drawdowns.
Asset finance (hire purchase or finance lease): For fixtures, fittings, equipment, and certain plant.
Unsecured business loans: For labour, design, compliance, and other “soft” costs.
Revolving credit facilities: Flexible working capital to smooth bills and variations.
Merchant cash advance: For card-taking retailers and hospitality with seasonal revenues.
Invoice finance: Useful for B2B contractors and fit-out firms invoicing clients on terms.
Asset refinance: Release equity from existing equipment to fund new works.
Growth Guarantee Scheme-backed loans: For eligible UK SMEs via accredited providers.

How it works — from Quick Quote to funds in your account

Best Business Loans acts as an independent introducer, using AI to match your enquiry with suitable UK finance providers. We don’t lend money or give advice; we connect you to lenders or regulated brokers based on your profile and project. Submitting a Quick Quote is free, has no obligation, and won’t by itself affect your credit score.

Step 1: Complete the Quick Quote with your business details, project purpose, timelines, and the amount required. Step 2: Our system analyses your information and shortlists potential routes across our network. Step 3: You’re introduced to providers who may help, so you can compare terms, documents needed, and next steps.

Step 4: Your chosen provider completes underwriting, which can include affordability checks, accounts review, and director KYC. For straightforward unsecured or asset finance, decisions can be quick after document review. When approved, drawdown can be arranged either as a lump sum or in stages aligned to your contractor milestones.

Timescales vary by product type and complexity. Unsecured business loans may complete within days if information is ready. Asset finance and structured fit-out facilities may take longer due to supplier quotes, valuations, and staged drawdown plans.

There is no obligation to proceed until you’re comfortable with the provider’s terms. You remain in control of your decision at every stage. If you’d like guidance before submitting your quote, our UK support team can help point you in the right direction.

Costs, terms, security, and an example scenario

Terms depend on lender, product, and your business profile. Unsecured facilities for fit-outs often run 6–60 months, with fixed monthly repayments. Asset finance on equipment or fixtures can extend to 2–7 years, often with options to own the asset at term end for hire purchase.

Rates are risk-based and subject to change. As an indicative guide only, established, profitable firms may access more competitive pricing, while higher-risk cases may pay more. Fees can include arrangement, documentation, or early settlement charges, which the provider will disclose before you proceed.

Security varies by product. Unsecured loans may require a personal guarantee from directors. Asset finance usually secures the agreement on the financed asset. Revolving credit or larger facilities may be supported by debentures or other charges, depending on the risk and structure.

If you’re looking to fund refurbishment as part of growth or working capital needs, you can also explore small business loans for established SMEs. The right fit depends on how your project spend breaks down between equipment and soft costs, and how you want to manage repayments against cash flow.

Example project scenarios

Example 1: A restaurant refresh of £120,000 uses asset finance for £70,000 of kitchen equipment and a 36-month unsecured loan for £50,000 of labour and design. Drawdown is staged to match supplier deliveries, reducing cash strain.

Example 2: A clinic fit-out of £250,000 combines a structured fit-out facility with staged payments tied to contractor milestones. Diagnostic equipment is on hire purchase over 5 years, while furniture and IT are on a 3-year lease.

Example 3: A retailer spreads a £60,000 rebrand across multiple stores with a revolving facility. The business draws funds as invoices fall due, then repays over seasonal peaks to keep cash flow predictable.

Eligibility, documents, sectors we support, and alternative routes

Our network typically supports established UK limited companies and LLPs across sectors such as hospitality, retail, healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, logistics, leisure, education, and automotive. We currently do not support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property development, or commercial mortgages. Funding is for business use only.

Lenders will look for trading history, affordability, and evidence that your project is viable. They may review filed accounts, recent bank statements, management information, and VAT status. A clear project scope and supplier quotations help providers structure staged drawdowns where relevant.

Useful documents include your last two years’ accounts, recent bank statements, aged debtor/creditor lists (if applicable), VAT and PAYE status, and detailed quotes from contractors and suppliers. A project plan with timelines and cost breakdowns strengthens your case and can speed up decisions.

Refurbishment vs fit-out: which finance when?

For heavy equipment and long-life fixtures, asset finance or hire purchase often provides competitive, asset-backed terms. For design fees, labour, and compliance works, unsecured loans or a revolving facility can be more suitable.

Retailers and hospitality venues with strong card revenues may consider a merchant cash advance for flexibility. Contractors, shopfitters, and agencies delivering B2B works may use invoice finance to fund their own cash flow while waiting for client payments.

If you already own valuable equipment, asset refinance can unlock equity to fund new works. Some lenders also offer blended facilities that combine multiple product types under one umbrella for simplicity.

FAQs, compliance notes, and how to start

Can I include soft costs like design, labour, and approvals?

Yes, many unsecured or structured fit-out facilities allow soft costs, subject to lending criteria. Asset-based products generally focus on tangible assets, so blended solutions can be effective. Your provider will clarify eligible costs and how staged payments are released.

Do I need to pay suppliers upfront, or can finance be staged?

Staged drawdowns can align with milestones such as first fix, second fix, and completion. Some lenders will pay suppliers directly once documentation is approved. This can reduce deposits and improve project cash flow.

How quickly can I get funding for a fit-out?

Unsecured facilities may complete within days if information is ready and underwriting is straightforward. Asset finance and structured packages can take longer due to supplier quotes and asset verification. Early engagement and complete documents are the fastest route.

Will I need to give a personal guarantee?

Many unsecured and some secured facilities require a director’s personal guarantee. The provider will explain the guarantee, associated risks, and any alternatives. Always assess whether the commitment suits your risk appetite.

Do you arrange property development or commercial mortgages?

No, we focus on non-property commercial finance for trading businesses. We do not arrange commercial mortgages, property development finance, or bridging loans. Our partners fund fit-outs and refurbishments through business finance products instead.

Is this financial advice, and who regulates the finance?

We do not provide financial advice. We introduce you to lenders or regulated brokers who provide and explain their products.

Where applicable, those firms are authorised and regulated for the services they provide, and you will receive their disclosures and terms.

Ready to explore your options for a refurbishment or fit-out? Submit a Quick Quote to get matched with suitable providers. It’s fast, secure, and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer, not a lender or broker, and does not charge you a fee for submitting an enquiry. Funding is subject to status, credit checks, affordability, and provider terms. Rates and eligibility can change without notice.