How soon can a UK restaurant secure funding to replace urgent kitchen equipment?

Summary: If a restaurant needs urgent kitchen equipment, funding can sometimes be arranged within hours but more commonly within 24–72 hours or a few business days depending on the finance route. Fast options (merchant cash advances, some invoice finance and merchant/merchant-card advances) can advance funds same day to 48 hours; asset/equipment finance and short-term loans typically take 24–72 hours to a week; bank lending and leasing usually take weeks. Read on for timelines by product, documents to prepare, practical steps to speed approval and how UK Business Loans can match you to specialist lenders and brokers for a free eligibility check and quick quote.

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TL;DR — Quick timeline

Typical speeds you can expect for urgent kitchen equipment funding:

• Same day – 48 hours: Merchant cash advance (MCA), some merchant/merchant-card advances and fast invoice finance.
• 24–72 hours: Asset/equipment finance (decision), invoice finance for approved invoices.
• 3–10 business days: Short‑term unsecured business loans via specialist lenders or brokers; many brokered deals are wrapped up in days.
• 1–4+ weeks: Bank loans, larger facilities, some leasing deals (plus delivery lead time for equipment).

Note: UK Business Loans is an introducer that matches businesses with lenders and brokers. Timelines are typical estimates — final decisions, terms and checks are made by the lender or broker.

Why speed matters for restaurants

Every hour your kitchen is down costs revenue, staff wages and bookings — and risks damaging reputation and online reviews. A broken oven, fryer or refrigeration unit during service can quickly turn a manageable problem into a business emergency.

Fast funding helps you replace equipment quickly and get back to trade. But speed often costs more; the right choice balances immediate needs with longer-term cashflow and cost. Read the product breakdown below to pick the best route for your situation.

Fastest funding routes (detailed)

1. Merchant cash advance / cash advance on card takings

Typical time to funds: Same day to 48 hours after approval.

Amounts: Often from around £2,000 up to £200,000 (varies by provider).

Documents required: Recent card terminal reports or payment processor statements, business bank details, ID for directors.

Pros: Very fast; repayments flex with card takings.

Cons: Typically higher cost than other products; daily/weekly repayments can strain cashflow.

Best for: Busy restaurants with substantial card turnover that need immediate replacement to stay trading.

2. Equipment finance / asset finance (including hire purchase)

Typical time to funds: 24–72 hours to decision if documents are ready; funds generally released to supplier on delivery or within a few days.

Amounts: £10,000 upward (our introducer panel commonly arranges deals from around £10k+).

Documents required: Supplier quote/order, recent bank statements (3–6 months), VAT registration, company accounts or management accounts, ID.

Pros: Preserves cash; structured repayments; often the lender pays supplier directly (fastest for delivery).

Cons: Slightly more paperwork; security may be taken over the asset.

Best for: Restaurants replacing ovens, refrigeration, or full cooking lines where supplier payment and delivery coordination helps speed uptake.

3. Invoice finance

Typical time to funds: Same day to 72 hours once invoices are approved.

Best for: Caterers, contract caterers or restaurants that invoice corporate clients or events and need to unlock large unpaid invoices.

Docs: Invoices, proof of delivery/works, bank statements.

4. Short‑term business loans / bridging loans (unsecured / secured)

Typical time to funds: 24 hours to 1–2 weeks (some specialist lenders can be faster via brokers).

Amounts: From around £5,000 to £100k+ depending on lender.

Pros: Flexible use of funds; can be used to pay supplier or interim cashflow.

Cons: Cost varies; affordability checks apply.

5. Leasing (operating or finance lease)

Typical time: 1–3+ weeks (credit checks and supplier coordination can add time).

Pros: Low upfront cost, predictable monthly payments.

Cons: May take longer before equipment arrives; end-of-term obligations vary.

6. Bank loans and overdrafts

Typical time: 2–6+ weeks; overdraft top-ups sometimes quicker (24–72 hours) if you have an established relationship manager.

Best for: Established restaurants seeking lower rates or larger facilities where speed is less critical than price.

7. Peer‑to‑peer and marketplace lenders

Typical time: 2–10 business days depending on platform and underwriting.

Factors that change the timeline

• Prepared documents: Having supplier quotes (with model/serial numbers), 3–6 months bank statements and accounts speeds decisions.
• Loan size: Smaller sums are usually quicker to approve.
• Credit profile: Director and business credit histories influence underwriting time.
• Type of asset: Standard ovens/refrigeration are quicker than bespoke cooking lines.
• Delivery lead times: Even if funding is immediate, supplier stock/lead times may add days or weeks.
• Time of day/week: Applications late on Friday may wait until Monday for checks.

Checklist to have ready: supplier quote, equipment spec, recent bank statements, VAT reg docs, ID for directors, brief cashflow note showing how you’ll service repayments.

How to shave days off your application

1. Decide exactly what you need and obtain at least one supplier quote with model numbers and lead time.
2. Gather bank statements (3–6 months), recent management accounts, VAT registration and director ID.
3. Prepare a simple 3‑month cashflow showing repayment ability.
4. Tell lenders you need supplier payment direct to the supplier to speed delivery.
5. Contact a specialist broker or matching service — they often route your case to lenders who process quickly.

Do this now: completing a short enquiry can put your case in front of lenders who specialise in hospitality funding. Start your free eligibility check.

Cost vs speed: what to weigh

Fast funding usually costs more. Below is a simple comparison to help you weigh options:

Product	Typical time to funds	Typical cost (relative)
Merchant cash advance	Same day to 48 hrs	High
Equipment / asset finance	24–72 hrs (decision) → supplier payment on delivery	Medium
Invoice finance	Same day to 72 hrs	Medium–High
Short‑term loan (specialist)	2–10 days	Medium
Bank loan / lease	1–6+ weeks	Low–Medium

Costs vary by lender, business profile and term — always review full terms and T&Cs provided by the lender.

Real examples

Case 1 — Busy bistro, broken fryer at lunchtime

Problem: Fryer fails mid-service. Solution used: Merchant cash advance based on card takings. Result: Funds advanced same day; supplier paid; fryer delivered next business day. Repayments: taken as a share of card turnover for several weeks.

Case 2 — 30‑cover gastro restaurant needs an oven line

Problem: Need specialist oven and extraction. Solution used: Asset finance arranged via broker. Result: Decision in 48 hours; lender paid supplier on approval; delivery in 7 days. Benefit: Spread cost over term, minimal cash outlay.

Case 3 — Contract caterer with unpaid large invoice

Problem: Cash tied in a large corporate invoice delays equipment replacement. Solution used: Invoice finance to release 70–90% of invoice value. Result: Advance within 48 hours; equipment ordered and delivered while awaiting final settlement.

For restaurants seeking sector-specific options, see our restaurants business loans page for more tailored industry information: restaurants business loans.

What UK Business Loans does

UK Business Loans does not lend. We act as an introducer, connecting restaurant owners with specialist lenders and brokers who arrange funding from around £10,000 and upwards. Our simple process:

1. Complete a short enquiry (2 minutes).
2. We match your request to lenders/brokers who specialise in hospitality and equipment finance.
3. Selected partners contact you with free, no‑obligation quotes and eligibility checks.

Submitting an enquiry is not an application and does not normally affect your credit file. Lenders may carry out credit searches later if you proceed with a full application. Get a free eligibility check to see who can help quickly.

Short legal: UK Business Loans connects businesses with third‑party lenders and brokers. We do not provide credit and we are not a lender. Product availability, rates and terms are set by the lender/broker.

Frequently asked questions

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Making an initial enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may perform credit checks later if you decide to proceed with one of their offers.

Can I get funding with imperfect credit?

Possibly. Some specialist lenders and brokers work with businesses with adverse credit, but terms and rates may differ. Use our free eligibility check to find suitable partners.

How much will it cost?

Costs vary widely by product, lender and business profile. Faster options usually cost more. Lenders/brokers will provide full terms and examples when they contact you.

What documents do I need right now?

Quick list: supplier quote, 3–6 months business bank statements, VAT registration (if applicable), recent management accounts or company accounts, ID for company directors.

Can lenders pay my supplier directly?

Yes — with asset finance and many equipment finance deals the lender can pay the supplier directly, which often speeds delivery.

How quickly will I hear back after submitting the form?

Many lenders or brokers contact leads within hours during business hours; others may take a day or two depending on workload and the complexity of the case.

Will you give me financial advice?

No. UK Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers. Any regulated advice will come directly from an authorised broker or adviser you choose to work with.

Final steps — replace equipment and get trading again

If equipment failure is costing trading hours, start the process now. Have supplier quotes and recent bank statements to hand and Get Quote Now — Free eligibility check. Our matching service helps you reach the lenders/brokers most likely to provide a quick, relevant solution for restaurants.

1. How soon can I get funds to replace urgent kitchen equipment?
– Depending on the route, funds can arrive same day–48 hours with merchant cash advances or invoice finance, 24–72 hours for equipment finance decisions, 3–10 business days for short‑term loans, and several weeks for bank loans or leases.

2. What are the fastest finance options for urgent kitchen equipment?
– The fastest options for urgent kitchen equipment are merchant cash advances, some merchant-card advances and fast invoice finance, with equipment/asset finance and specialist short‑term loans close behind.

3. Will submitting an enquiry on UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
– No — completing a free eligibility check with UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score, though lenders may perform credit checks later if you proceed.

4. Can I get equipment finance or a business loan with imperfect credit?
– Possibly — specialist lenders and brokers on our panel often work with businesses with adverse credit, but rates and terms may differ.

5. What documents should I have ready to speed up a restaurant equipment loan?
– Have a supplier quote with model numbers and lead time, 3–6 months business bank statements, VAT registration, recent management or company accounts and director ID ready.

6. Can lenders pay my supplier directly for the new equipment?
– Yes — many equipment/asset finance deals and brokered arrangements allow lenders to pay the supplier directly to speed delivery.

7. How much can I borrow to replace kitchen equipment?
– Typical amounts range from around £2,000–£200,000 for merchant cash advances, £10,000+ for asset/equipment finance and £5,000–£100,000+ for short‑term loans depending on the lender.

8. Is fast funding more expensive than a bank loan?
– Generally yes — faster funding routes like MCAs and invoice finance tend to cost more than longer‑term bank loans or leases, so weigh speed against ongoing cost.

9. What practical steps can I take to shorten approval time for urgent funding?
– Get an exact supplier quote, gather bank statements and accounts, prepare a short cashflow to show affordability, request supplier direct payment and contact a specialist broker or matching service.

10. What does UK Business Loans do and is the service free?
– UK Business Loans is a free introducer that matches UK businesses with specialist lenders and brokers for a no‑obligation eligibility check — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice.