Introduction — quick answer & why it matters

Yes — you can obtain fit‑out finance for a shop, office, restaurant or clinic through the UK Business Loans matching service. We do not lend directly; we introduce businesses to lenders and brokers that specialise in commercial fit‑outs and equipment funding. Typical loan sizes we arrange start at around £10,000 and go much higher for larger projects.

Why this matters: a properly funded fit‑out helps you open sooner, maintain cashflow, meet landlord requirements and invest in equipment that earns revenue. To get started, complete our short enquiry — it’s a free eligibility check and won’t affect your credit score. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

What is fit‑out finance?

Fit‑out finance covers the cash you need to install, refurbish or equip a commercial premises. Fit‑outs can be:

• Tenant fit‑outs: internal works that a tenant completes to make a space operational (shop shelving, café counters, partitions).
• Owner-occupier fit‑outs: refurbishment work when you own the property.

Examples by sector:

• Shop: display systems, tills, lighting, flooring, signage.
• Restaurant: commercial kitchen, extraction, refrigeration, seating.
• Office: partitions, IT systems, cabling, desks and ergonomic furniture.
• Clinic: patient rooms, diagnostic devices, specialist clinical equipment.

Businesses need fit‑out finance to preserve working capital, stage works, or spread the cost of expensive equipment while benefiting from immediate use.

Types of fit‑out finance we can match you with

Unsecured & secured business loans

Used for general fit‑out costs and working capital. Typical sizes: £10k–£250k+. Terms: 1–7 years. Pros: quick decisions for unsecured; no asset tie-up if unsecured. Cons: higher rates for unsecured; secured loans may require property or guarantees. Common for shops and offices.

Asset finance / equipment finance

Designed for specialist equipment (commercial ovens, medical scanners). Typical sizes: £10k–£500k. Terms: 1–7 years. Pros: spreads cost against the asset; may include maintenance. Cons: the asset is security for the lender. Favoured by restaurants and clinics.

Hire purchase / lease purchase

Buy equipment over time: you get ownership at the end of the term. Typical for high-value kitchen or clinical kit. Useful when you prefer predictable monthly payments.

Merchant cash advance / revenue‑based finance

Repayments tied to card/debit sales — useful for seasonal retailers or hospitality with fluctuating takings. Fast access but can be more expensive overall.

Invoice finance / bridging finance

Invoice finance unlocks cash tied up in customer invoices; bridging finance fills short-term gaps (e.g., landlord release delays). Terms are short; costs vary.

Commercial mortgages / development finance

For large projects or landlord-funded refurbishments. Typical for major renovations or conversions; longer terms but more complex underwriting.

Compare at a glance:

Get a fast quote — Free Eligibility Check

Can UK Business Loans actually help me? How the matching works

UK Business Loans acts as a broker introducer — we don’t provide funds. Our service helps you save time and improve your chances by matching your enquiry to lenders and brokers that specialise in fit‑outs.

1. Complete a short enquiry form (under 2 minutes).
2. We assess your needs and match you to suitable brokers/lenders.
3. A matched partner will contact you with quotes and next steps.
4. Compare offers, choose the best fit and proceed with the lender/broker.

Submitting an enquiry is free, confidential and does not affect your credit score. Start your enquiry and receive tailored options for your project.

Eligibility: who can get fit‑out finance

Typical lender criteria include:

• Company type: incorporated businesses (limited companies and LLPs often preferred).
• Trading history: many lenders prefer at least 6–12 months trading, but some start‑up facilities exist.
• Turnover and profitability: varies by lender and product.
• Credit history: better profiles attract lower rates; poor credit options are available but costlier.
• Collateral: required for some secured products.

Documents lenders commonly request:

• Recent business bank statements (3–6 months)
• Management accounts or last two years’ accounts
• Quotes and invoices for the fit‑out work
• Lease agreement or evidence of property interest / landlord consent
• Business plan or cashflow projections for larger applications

Typical costs, rates, security and timescales

Rates and fees vary significantly by product and risk profile. Expect:

• Unsecured loans: higher rates — representative APRs commonly range widely depending on lender and credit risk.
• Secured loans & asset finance: lower rates where security or assets reduce lender risk.
• Merchant cash advances: typically a more expensive option reflecting speed and flexibility.

Fees to expect: arrangement fees, valuation fees, broker fees (if applicable), and potential early repayment charges. Security may include business assets, a personal guarantee, or property charge.

Typical timescales:

• Soft pre‑qualification: hours to 1–2 days.
• Formal approval and paperwork: 3–21 days depending on complexity and documentation.
• Large development or mortgage-style facilities: longer (several weeks).

How to improve your chance of approval & get better terms

Practical tips:

• Provide clear, up-to-date quotes for works and equipment.
• Obtain landlord consent early if required by your lease.
• Prepare 3–6 months of bank statements and up-to-date accounts.
• Consider reducing the amount requested or using part-equity to lower perceived risk.
• Shop around via our matching service — lenders’ appetites vary by sector.

Case examples — quick use-cases

Shop refit — example

A boutique retailer needed £30,000 to replace displays and install a new POS system. Matched to a lender offering a blended solution: asset finance for POS and an unsecured loan for minor fit‑out costs. Approval in 5 working days.

Restaurant kitchen install — example

A small restaurant required £85,000 for kitchen equipment and extraction. Solution combined asset finance and a short-bridge facility to cover staged contractors’ payments. Equipment hire purchase spread cost and preserved cashflow.

Clinic equipment upgrade — example

A clinic needed £50,000 for diagnostic kit. Matched to a specialist medical asset lender. Structured repayments aligned to equipment lifespan and hygiene compliance checks.

Get Quote Now — Tailored options for your sector

Frequently asked questions

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — making an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not impact your credit score. Lenders or brokers may run credit checks later if you formally apply.

Do you lend directly or provide regulated financial advice?

No. UK Business Loans is an introducer: we match you with lenders and brokers. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice.

How long before lenders contact me?

Often within hours during business hours. More complex cases may take a few days while partners review documentation.

Can start‑ups apply for fit‑out finance?

Some lenders specialise in early-stage businesses and may consider shorter trading histories. Options and rates vary — tell us your situation in the enquiry and we’ll match accordingly.

What if my landlord won’t allow tenant fit‑outs?

If landlord consent is required and withheld, lenders may be unwilling to fund certain works. Seek landlord permission or consider financing equipment that remains removable.

Do I need planning permission or building regulations approvals before applying?

Not always for initial enquiries, but many lenders will require evidence of necessary consents before releasing funds for structural works. Check with your contractor and local authority early.

Final call to action & next steps

If you’re planning a shop, office, restaurant or clinic fit‑out, the fastest way to get tailored finance options is to complete a short enquiry. We’ll match your request to lenders and brokers who understand your sector — you’ll receive quotes and can compare offers with no obligation.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check | Call us: 01234 567890

Trust & important disclosure

UK Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide regulated financial advice. We act as an introducer, connecting businesses with lenders and brokers who can provide the finance. Our service is free to use and making an enquiry will not affect your credit rating. Read our Terms and Privacy Policy for full details.

For broader information about business finance options see our page on business finance.