Quick answer

Yes — many UK companies can secure a fixed‑rate business refinance to make repayments predictable and improve cash flow forecasting. Availability and price depend on your business profile, the type of debt you’re refinancing and the term you want. A fixed rate can simplify budgeting, reduce interest volatility and make financial modelling easier, but it can also include arrangement fees, early repayment charges and sometimes higher headline rates than variable options. Complete a Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now to see which lenders or brokers can offer fixed‑rate options tailored to your needs.

Important: UK Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Completing our enquiry is free and will not affect your credit score; lenders or brokers may carry out checks if you proceed.

Why a fixed‑rate refinance matters for cash flow forecasting

Cash flow forecasting works best when costs are predictable. Variable rates or ballooning interest costs create uncertainty — forecasting must include stress scenarios, buffers and frequent revisions.

Fixing the interest rate on restructured debt converts an uncertain future cost into a stable monthly repayment. That helps in several ways:

• Budget accuracy: fixed repayments reduce variance between forecast and actual outflows.
• Scenario planning: you can model growth or downturns without ongoing interest volatility assumptions.
• Board and lender reporting: consistent debt service numbers simplify covenants and management reporting.

Example: a manufacturer moving from a variable‑rate term loan to a five‑year fixed refinance reduced its monthly interest fluctuation, enabling tighter working capital management and more confident hiring decisions.

What is a fixed‑rate business refinance?

Refinancing means replacing existing debt with a new facility. A fixed‑rate refinance replaces one or more current facilities with a new loan where the interest rate is fixed for an agreed term.

Before / After (simple):

• Before: multiple debts, variable rates, unpredictable monthly interest.
• After: consolidated or restructured loan, fixed interest, predictable monthly repayment schedule.

Fixed‑rate refinances can be secured or unsecured depending on size, lender and security offered.

Typical refinance products that commonly offer fixed rates

Not every finance product can be fixed in the same way. Common products where fixed rates are often available include:

• Term business loans — often available with fixed rates over 1–10 years.
• Commercial mortgage refinance — typically fixed-rate options for 2–10+ years.
• Asset refinance (refinancing asset finance arrangements) — sometimes fixed for the remaining contract term.
• Debt consolidation/refinance packages — lenders sometimes offer fixed rates for consolidated balances.

Products like invoice discounting or some merchant cash advances commonly use variable or percentage‑based fees, so fixed‑rate options are less usual there.

Who can secure a fixed‑rate refinance? Eligibility & what lenders look for

Lenders assess commercial risk and price offers accordingly. Typical criteria include:

• Trading history — most prefer at least 2 years of trading, established companies score higher.
• Annual turnover — larger turnovers increase lender options for fixed terms.
• Profitability and cash generation — lenders want to see sustainable EBITDA and debt service cover.
• Security — property or business assets improve access and rates.
• Credit profile — business and director credit histories matter.

Sector matters: capital‑intensive businesses (manufacturing, logistics) and owner‑occupied commercial property often find fixed options easier to secure. Use this quick checklist to self‑assess:

1. Do you trade profitably or show improving margins?
2. Can you provide 2+ years of accounts and recent management accounts?
3. Is there any suitable security (property, high‑value assets)?
4. Are director-credit records reasonably clean?

If you answer yes to most of the above, you’re far more likely to be offered fixed‑rate refinance terms. Start with a Free Eligibility Check to see your options.

How lenders price fixed‑rate refinance & the trade‑offs

Fixed rates remove future interest uncertainty, but lenders price that certainty into the rate. Key pricing factors:

• Term length — longer fixes usually carry higher rates for risk compensation.
• Security level — more security typically lowers the rate.
• Fees — arrangement, legal and valuation fees add upfront cost.
• Early repayment charges (ERCs) — common on fixed deals and can be large if you want to repay early.

Trade‑off summary:

• Benefit: stable monthly payments, improved forecasting.
• Cost: potentially higher interest rate and fees, reduced flexibility (ERCs).

Always compare representative APRs, not headline rates alone, and model total cost over the likely hold period.

Step‑by‑step: how to secure a fixed‑rate refinance

1. Prepare your documents: 2 years’ accounts, year‑to‑date management accounts, bank statements, business plan or cash flow forecast and schedules of existing debt.
2. Decide objectives: lower monthly payments, consolidate facilities, extend term, or reduce rate volatility?
3. Compare options: fixed term, blended or part‑fixed (hybrid). Use brokers to find marketplace options quickly.
4. Request indicative offers: get indicative pricing from multiple lenders/brokers to benchmark costs and ERCs.
5. Negotiate terms and fees: ask about arrangement fees, valuation costs and ERC calculations.
6. Complete full application and due diligence: expect lender credit checks and legal process if approved.
7. Complete drawdown and update cash flow forecasts with the new fixed repayment schedule.

Timing: a straightforward refinance can take 2–8 weeks from application to completion. Complex cases (security, commercial mortgages) can take longer.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to lenders/brokers who specialise in fixed‑rate refinance solutions for your sector.

Pros and cons for cash flow forecasting & business strategy

Pros:

• Certainty: fixed repayments simplify monthly forecasting and covenant planning.
• Risk reduction: shields you from future rate spikes.
• Improved stakeholder confidence: banks, investors and boards prefer predictable debt service.

Cons:

• Potentially higher cost: fixed rate may be above current variable rates.
• Reduced flexibility: ERCs and refinance penalties can apply.
• Upfront fees: arrangement and legal costs increase initial outlay.

When fixed‑rate refinance isn’t the best option

Fixed rates aren’t always ideal. Consider variable or flexible options if:

• Your need is short term (you plan to refinance again within a year).
• You expect rates to fall and want to capture future savings.
• You need an overdraft or highly flexible facility for seasonal working capital.

Hybrid approaches (part fixed, part variable) can combine predictability and flexibility.

How UK Business Loans helps

UK Business Loans does not lend. We match businesses seeking £10,000+ with lenders and brokers who can provide refinance solutions, including fixed‑rate options. Our quick enquiry collects a few details so we can match you to partners experienced in your sector and finance type.

Why use us:

• Speed: we connect you to multiple potential lenders/brokers without repeating forms.
• Market access: we surface options you may not find on your own.
• No obligation: enquiries are free and won’t affect your credit score; partners may perform checks only if you apply.

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now to compare fixed‑rate refinance options and find the best match for your cash flow needs.

For a deeper read on refinance options, see a detailed guide to refinance loans at our refinance resources.

Contextual link: Learn more about available refinance loans.

FAQ

Will refinancing affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your credit. Lenders/brokers may run credit checks if you proceed to formal application.

How quickly can I get a fixed‑rate quote?

After you submit an enquiry, matched partners often respond within hours during business days; complex cases may take longer.

Are fees included in fixed‑rate quotes?

Not always. Ask for all fees (arrangement, valuation, legal) and an APR or total cost figure to compare offers properly.

Can my business refinance with impaired credit?

Possibly. Some specialist lenders and brokers work with impaired profiles, but rates and terms will reflect additional risk.

Can I fix the rate for part of my debt?

Yes — partial fixed structures or blended facilities are common to balance certainty and flexibility.

Do you provide the finance directly?

No. We introduce you to lenders/brokers who will supply quotes and manage applications.

Summary & next steps

Securing a fixed‑rate business refinance is a practical way to improve cash flow forecasting for many UK companies. Fixed repayments reduce variability and support stronger budgeting and stakeholder reporting. However, fixed rates come with trade‑offs — fees, potential higher rates and reduced flexibility — so comparing offers and modelling total cost is essential.

To explore tailored fixed‑rate refinance options, complete a short, free enquiry and we’ll match you to the most suitable lenders or brokers. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Important: UK Business Loans introduces you to finance providers. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Completing our enquiry is free and will not affect your credit score; lenders/brokers may make checks if you apply.