Quick answer: Can you finance warehouse & trade counter fit-outs?

Short verdict: Yes. Most fit-out items — including LED high-bay lighting, pallet racking, mezzanine structures and security systems (CCTV, access control, alarms, perimeter fencing) — can be financed. The ideal product depends on asset type, whether the premises are leasehold or freehold, your company’s credit and trading history and project value. Free Eligibility Check

What “fit-out” includes for warehouses & trade counters

“Fit-out” means the work and equipment needed to make a commercial space operational. For warehouses and trade counters this commonly includes:

• Lighting: LED high-bay fixtures, emergency lighting, control systems and energy-efficiency retrofits.
• Racking & storage: pallet racking, selective and double-deep racking, mezzanine floors, industrial shelving and specialist storage systems.
• Security: CCTV, intruder alarms, access control systems, security lighting, fencing and monitored services.
• Associated costs: design, structural works (e.g. mezzanine installation), installation labour, certification (racking load tests, electrical sign‑offs) and commissioning.

Project sizes vary: small packages may be from around £10k (note: UK Business Loans arranges lending from roughly £10,000 and upwards), medium fit-outs commonly sit between £50k–£250k and major refits can exceed £250k. Estimates vary by supplier, specifications and site conditions.

For more on how a typical commercial fit-out is funded and structured, see our dedicated guide to fit-out finance.

Can you finance lighting, racking and security? — products & practical detail

In practice, lenders and brokers consider the asset type and project purpose when recommending products. Common routes include:

Asset finance / Equipment finance

Best for tangible, movable equipment such as pallet racking (where individual components can be identified), specialist shelving and some security hardware. Options include finance leases and hire purchase. Repayments are usually fixed and the asset can be owned at the end of the term under hire purchase.

Hire purchase

Good where you want ownership at the end of the term. Often used where suppliers provide a single invoice covering equipment and installation.

Commercial loans (term loans / secured & unsecured)

Used for whole-project funding (equipment + installation + works). Secured loans may offer lower monthly costs but require security (business assets or property). Unsecured loans are possible for smaller sums or stronger credit profiles.

Invoice finance & short-term working capital

If the project is staged and suppliers require progress payments, invoice finance or an overdraft-style facility can bridge cashflow while the installation is completed.

Green / sustainability finance

LED lighting upgrades and energy-saving controls may qualify for green finance, sustainability-linked loans or preferential asset finance. Lenders sometimes ask for projected energy savings or supplier/installer warranties.

Development or commercial property finance

For major structural works (mezzanine floors, large property modifications) that form part of a broader property transaction, development or mortgage-related lending may be considered.

Key constraints to watch

• Leasehold premises: landlord consent is often mandatory for racking, mezzanines or external security works.
• Certifications & compliance: racking requires load tests, electrical works need qualified installation and sign-offs.
• Asset categorisation: permanently fixed items may be treated differently to movable plant and equipment for lenders.

If you want to explore which option suits your project, Get Started — Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to specialist brokers and lenders quickly.

What lenders look at — eligibility & documentation

Lenders typically assess:

• Business structure and age (limited companies and SMEs with trading history perform best).
• Turnover and recent accounts — to demonstrate ability to repay.
• Credit profile of the business and directors.
• Sector and risk (storage of hazardous goods, high fire risk environments attract scrutiny).
• Details of the premises — freehold or leasehold, remaining lease term and any landlord restrictions.
• Supplier quotes and itemised invoices (equipment vs installation costs).
• Certificates and permits (racking load certification, electrical installation certificates, fire-safety approvals).

Typical documents requested when you seek quotes:

• Recent company accounts and management accounts.
• Business bank statements (3–6 months).
• Quotes/invoices from installers and suppliers.
• Proof of identity for directors and company registration documents.
• Copy of the lease if premises are leasehold and any landlord consent letters.

Submitting a short enquiry through our form does not affect your credit score — lenders may run credit checks later if you progress with a quote.

Preparing your project: step-by-step checklist

1. Get itemised, comparable quotes for equipment and installation — include warranties, lead times and certification costs.
2. Confirm property status (freehold/leasehold) and request landlord consent early if required.
3. Collect compliance documents such as racking design plans, load test requirements, electrical certification and fire-safety reports.
4. Decide ownership preference (do you want to own equipment at the end of the term or prefer to lease?) — this affects product choice.
5. Prepare recent accounts and bank statements — keep them ready for faster lender responses.
6. Consider combining grants or incentives (e.g. energy-saving grants for LED retrofits) with finance to lower net project cost.

Checklist (quick copy): itemised supplier quotes; lease/landlord consent; compliance certificates; recent accounts; desired finance amount and preferred ownership model.

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Pros & cons of common finance options

• Asset finance / Hire purchase — Pros: preserves cashflow, fixed repayments, can retain ownership (HP). Cons: may require deposit, secured on the asset.
• Commercial term loan — Pros: flexible for whole-project costs. Cons: may require security, longer underwriting.
• Invoice finance — Pros: fast access to working capital for staged payments. Cons: ongoing fees linked to turnover.
• Green/sustainability finance — Pros: possible lower costs or incentives for energy-efficient projects. Cons: requires evidence of savings and documentation.

Costs, terms and eligibility vary significantly by lender and your business profile — which is why matching to the right specialist lender matters.

How UK Business Loans helps

We are an introducer — not a lender. UK Business Loans matches your enquiry to a panel of lenders and brokers who specialise in commercial fit-out, warehouse and trade counter finance. Our process is simple:

1. Complete a short enquiry (takes around 2 minutes).
2. We match your details to appropriate lenders/brokers in our network.
3. Selected partners contact you with eligibility guidance and quotes.

Our service is free and without obligation. The enquiry form collects information lenders need to prepare accurate quotes — it is not an application. If you’re ready, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Frequently asked questions

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may run credit checks later in the application process if you choose to proceed with a quote.

Can leasehold businesses get fit-out finance?

Often yes, but most lenders ask for landlord consent and may require details of the lease length. Provide a copy of your lease when you enquire to speed the process.

Can I finance installation as well as equipment?

Yes. Many lenders will finance installation and commissioning costs if they are included on the supplier’s itemised quote.

Are LED upgrades eligible for green finance?

Yes — LED and energy-efficiency projects frequently qualify for green/sustainability finance products and sometimes government or local incentives. Lenders typically ask for energy savings estimates and installer warranties.

What are typical loan sizes & timescales?

UK Business Loans arranges finance from around £10,000 upwards. Timescales vary: some lenders can provide same-day short-term bridging solutions; fully underwritten loans typically take 2–6 weeks depending on complexity and security required.

What documents will brokers want?

Quotes, recent accounts, bank statements, proof of identity, company registration, and lease/property details. Having these ready speeds up quotations and funding.

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Ready to get a quote?

If you’re planning a lighting retrofit, new racking or improving site security, we can quickly match you with lenders and brokers who understand warehouse and trade counter fit-outs. Complete our short enquiry and receive no-obligation quotes tailored to your business needs.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check