Do you support sustainability upgrades like heat recovery or energy-efficient cooking equipment?
Yes — we help UK businesses find finance providers for energy-efficiency upgrades
Yes. Best Business Loans supports businesses that want to fund sustainability upgrades such as heat recovery systems, high-efficiency cooking equipment, smart refrigeration, and demand-controlled ventilation. We don’t lend money ourselves; we use AI matching to connect you with lenders and brokers who actively finance green improvements for established UK businesses.
Whether you’re upgrading a commercial kitchen, modernising a production line, or cutting utility costs across multiple sites, we can help you explore options like asset finance, sustainability loans, and the Growth Guarantee Scheme. Our goal is to save you time, present relevant finance routes, and help you make an informed choice that fits your cash flow.
There’s no cost to submit a Quick Quote and no obligation to proceed. Any funding offers will be subject to provider assessment, affordability checks, and eligibility criteria.
Which sustainability upgrades are typically eligible for funding?
Most lenders in our network will consider tangible equipment and systems that reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, or improve operational efficiency. Common examples include heat recovery units on ovens, chillers, or compressors; high-efficiency combi ovens and induction hobs; and modern dishwashers with heat recovery and low water use.
Other frequent upgrades include demand-controlled kitchen ventilation (DCV), variable speed drives (VSDs), high-efficiency refrigeration and freezer cabinets, and building management systems (BMS) with smart sensors. In manufacturing and processing, heat pumps, steam system optimisation, air handling improvements, and waste-heat-to-hot-water systems are also common.
Where applicable, solar PV, LED lighting, insulation, and HVAC upgrades may be considered, especially if there’s a clear business case and asset traceability. Approval always depends on sector risk, asset type, supplier credibility, and the projected savings.
Why lenders are comfortable with “green” equipment
Energy-efficient assets tend to offer measurable savings and robust lifespans. When an upgrade can reduce electricity or gas consumption and improve reliability, the operating savings can help offset the repayments.
Finance providers also value well-known brands, manufacturer warranties, and professional installation. Clear documentation and supplier quotes help a proposal stack up.
Assets with strong secondary markets, common spare parts, and recognised performance standards typically attract more favourable terms.
What proof of sustainability benefits do I need?
You don’t need a full technical study, but lenders may look for sensible evidence. This can include manufacturer data sheets, projected kWh savings, or a proposal from your installer showing expected reductions versus your current setup.
If you have recent utility data or a baseline energy report, that can strengthen the case. Simple payback or ROI estimates are helpful but not mandatory.
For multi-site rollouts, a pilot location or phased plan can make approval easier.
Tip: Build a simple business case
List the equipment, total cost, expected lifespan, and predicted energy savings per year. Add maintenance savings, warranty coverage, and any risk reduction (for example, fewer breakdowns).
Lenders like concise, realistic summaries. Avoid over-optimistic claims and use figures your team can support.
Your installer or supplier can often provide credible savings ranges to include in your application.
How can Best Business Loans help structure the right finance?
We match your enquiry to suitable lenders or brokers across asset finance, sustainability-focused loans, and other commercial funding options. You’ll then compare offers directly, with no obligation to proceed.
Different finance products suit different assets and business profiles. Our AI matching considers sector, time trading, turnover, credit profile, equipment type, and project scale to narrow the field.
You remain in control of who you engage with, and there’s no fee to submit your details to our platform.
Popular funding routes for sustainability upgrades
- Hire Purchase (HP): Spread the cost over a fixed term and typically own the asset at the end. Useful for long-life equipment with strong residual value.
- Finance Lease: Pay to use the asset over an agreed period with lower upfront cost. End-of-term options vary by provider.
- Operating Lease: Fund equipment for its useful life without taking ownership risk. Common for high-spec or rapidly advancing technology.
- Unsecured Term Loan: Suitable for mixed projects or installation-heavy upgrades. Decisions are based on credit strength and affordability.
- Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS): Government-backed guarantor support for eligible businesses via accredited lenders. Availability and criteria apply.
The most appropriate product depends on asset type, deposit, security, and your accounting preferences. Lenders may also combine products for complex projects.
Repayment terms and structuring
Typical terms range from 24 to 84 months, although shorter or longer can be considered based on asset life and risk. Deposits may or may not be required.
Some providers offer seasonal or stepped payments to align with cash flow, especially in hospitality and food production. Balloon or residual options may be available under leases.
Rates vary by sector, asset, credit, and security. Your matched provider will outline costs, fees, and any early settlement terms clearly.
Installation, software, and services
Many lenders can include delivery, installation, commissioning, software, and extended warranties in the total finance amount. This helps you avoid unexpected upfront costs.
For projects with building works or electrical upgrades, itemised quotes are essential. Keep supplier invoices and breakdowns clear.
If professional energy audits or monitoring tools are part of the package, flag them in your application.
Eligibility, process, and compliance you can rely on
We primarily support established UK limited companies and LLPs across sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail. We do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, or commercial mortgages.
Eligibility is assessed by the provider and typically considers time trading, turnover, profitability, existing commitments, and director credit history. Security requirements vary by product and lender.
Submitting a Quick Quote takes minutes and does not affect your credit score with us. Providers will explain if and when credit checks are required.
How our matching process works
- Complete a Quick Quote with your business details, the equipment you want to fund, and estimated budget.
- Our AI analyses your profile and matches you with relevant lenders or brokers actively funding similar projects.
- You review introductions, compare indicative terms, and decide who to speak to.
- If you proceed, the provider completes underwriting and issues an offer subject to checks.
It’s fast, secure, and free to submit an enquiry. There’s no obligation to accept any offer.
We’re an independent introducer — not a lender — and we aim to ensure any introductions are fair, clear, and not misleading.
Clear, fair, and responsible communication
We follow the spirit of FCA and ASA rules for financial promotions, even though we don’t provide credit ourselves. Our content is designed to be balanced and easy to understand.
We won’t guarantee approval, the lowest rate, or a specific outcome. Finance is always subject to provider assessment, status, and terms.
Please seek independent financial or tax advice if you need guidance on accounting treatment, allowances, or affordability.
Tax and accounting considerations
Full expensing and Annual Investment Allowance may apply to qualifying plant and machinery. The details depend on your business structure and assets.
Speak to your accountant to confirm eligibility and the most efficient approach for your circumstances. Tax rules can change.
Where possible, keep asset records, invoices, and commissioning documents to support claims and audits.
Sectors we support — with a focus on foodservice and production
Energy-efficient cooking and heat recovery are particularly impactful in restaurants, hotels, contract catering, bakeries, and food manufacturing. Common upgrades include induction hobs, high-efficiency combi ovens, DCV systems, and heat recovery from ovens or refrigeration plant.
These improvements can cut energy consumption, improve temperature control, and reduce downtime. Enhanced kitchen ventilation also improves working conditions and may extend equipment life.
If you operate in hospitality or food production, explore our sector insights via our guide to food industry loans to see the funding types typically used in your space.
Other common use cases
- Manufacturing: Heat recovery from compressors or ovens, variable speed drives, process optimisation, and smart controls.
- Healthcare and care: High-efficiency laundry, sterilisation, and HVAC upgrades with better monitoring.
- Retail: Efficient refrigeration, doors on chiller cabinets, and BMS integration to reduce wastage.
- Logistics: Warehouse lighting, HVLS fans, EV chargers, and solar PV where the business case is robust.
We also see results from power factor correction, sub-metering, and analytics that highlight waste and behavioural savings. Lenders appreciate projects with measurable outcomes.
Building a credible proposal for lenders
Work with reputable suppliers and gather itemised quotes, spec sheets, and warranty details. Include a simple savings summary if possible.
Where you have existing performance data, add it as supporting evidence. Clear, concise documentation reduces queries and can speed decisions.
If the project is staged, outline milestones, delivery dates, and when each invoice will be due.
Where to find additional guidance
The UK Government and non-profit organisations publish helpful guidance on energy efficiency in commercial settings. The Carbon Trust and GOV.UK energy pages are good starting points.
Some regions offer grants or advice programmes for SMEs. Availability changes, so check your local authority and devolved administration portals.
Lenders may also ask if you follow a net-zero plan or ISO standard; it’s not mandatory, but it helps demonstrate intent.
Ready to explore your options?
If you’re planning heat recovery, efficient cooking equipment, or broader energy upgrades, we can connect you with providers who understand your sector. You’ll compare potential routes and stay in control throughout.
It’s free to submit an enquiry and there’s no obligation to proceed. You decide if any offer feels right for your business.
Start now to see what’s possible with a quick, no-obligation eligibility check.
Frequently asked questions
Do you fund domestic projects? No. We help established UK trading businesses only.
Can software, installation, and controls be included? Often yes, when they are integral to the asset and listed on supplier quotes.
How fast is a decision? Some providers can indicate eligibility within 24–72 hours once information is complete.
Is approval guaranteed? No. Any funding is subject to provider assessment, status, and terms.
Will a quote affect my credit score? Not with us. Providers will tell you if a credit search is required and obtain consent.
About Best Business Loans
BestBusinessLoans.ai is an independent introducer that helps established UK companies find suitable finance providers faster. We combine AI-driven matching with a trusted network of lenders and brokers.
We’re transparent about what we do: we don’t lend or offer advice, and we don’t promise the cheapest rate. Our focus is on relevance, clarity, and your control over the process.
Your information is handled securely and only shared with relevant providers connected to your enquiry.
Key takeaways
- Yes — we support sustainability upgrades by matching you to lenders and brokers who fund energy-efficient assets.
- Typical projects include heat recovery, induction and high-efficiency cooking, DCV, refrigeration, and smart controls.
- Funding routes include HP, finance lease, operating lease, unsecured term loans, and the Growth Guarantee Scheme.
- Approval depends on your business profile, asset type, and the project’s credibility; no guarantees are made.
- It’s free to submit a Quick Quote, and there’s no obligation to proceed.
Start Your Quick Quote — No Obligation
Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Finance is subject to status, affordability, and provider criteria. Eligibility, terms, and availability may change without notice. Updated October 2025.