Who Can Benefit from Fit Out Finance?

Fit out finance is available for a wide range of UK convenience store operators, including independent retailers and symbol group members. Symbol groups provide benefits such as combined buying power, marketing support, and common branding while allowing retailers to maintain independence. Examples include:

• Spar: One of the largest symbol groups, originally from the Netherlands.
• Londis: Now owned by the Booker Group (part of Tesco).
• Nisa: Formerly part of the Co-operative Group, now a symbol group for independent retailers.
• Premier: Over 2,400 independently owned shops, owned by the Booker Group.
• Best-one: Part of the Bestway Wholesale group.
• Costcutter: Shops in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Today’s: Stores in England, Wales, and Ireland, with Day-Today branding in Scotland.
• Budgens: Operated by the Booker Group.
• Parfetts: Includes “Go Local” and “The Local” fascias.

Both single-site convenience stores and chain operators can benefit from fit out finance to access professional-quality equipment and store layouts without depleting cash reserves.

What Can Be Financed?

Fit out finance for convenience stores and supermarkets can cover all aspects of store setup and refurbishment, including:

Retail and Customer-Facing Areas

• Shelving and Display: Shop shelving units, display freezers, glass door chillers, fresh meat counters, slatwall systems with hooks, and merchandising fixtures.
• Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Tills, barcode scanners, scales, card payment systems, bill payment terminals, and mobile top-up devices.
• Customer Carts and Trolleys: Shopping trolleys, hand trucks, and baskets for customer convenience.
• Ice Machines: For keeping produce and beverages fresh and attractive.

Refrigeration

• Display Fridges and Freezers: Integral and remote units for chilled and frozen goods, including glass-door and serve-counter models.
• Cold Rooms: Walk-in storage for large quantities of chilled or frozen stock.
• Air Conditioning: For customer comfort and to help preserve temperature-sensitive products.

Back-of-House and Catering Equipment

• Cooking Equipment: Commercial ovens, hobs, ventilation systems, and any in-store bakery or deli equipment.
• Preparation Equipment: Food processors, blenders, slicers, and other catering tools.
• Warewashing: Commercial-grade dishwashers, sinks, and sanitation equipment.
• Commercial Refrigeration: Additional fridges and freezers for back-of-house storage.

Safety, Security, and Maintenance

• Safety Equipment: General safety compliance equipment and machinery safety compliance under regulations like the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.
• Security: CCTV systems, safes, and secure storage cupboards.
• Waste Management: Recycling bins, litter bins, and wheelie bins.
• Cleaning and Janitorial: Vacuum cleaners, mops, and cleaning supplies.
• Material Handling: Hand trucks, roll pallets, platform steps for stock movement, and staff access tools.

Benefits of Fit Out Finance for Convenience Stores

• Preserve Cash Flow: Spread the cost of expensive fixtures, refrigeration, and equipment over a period of 2–5 years.
• Complete Projects Faster: Allows stores to open or refurbish without waiting to accumulate capital.
• Tax Advantages: Many repayments are fully tax-deductible, including both interest and capital.
• Flexibility: Options like leasing allow stores to upgrade equipment or expand operations at the end of the term.
• Access to Quality Equipment: Ensure customers have a premium shopping experience with modern, functional retail and back-of-house tools.

Types of Fit Out Finance for Convenience Stores

Unsecured Business Loans

Unsecured loans allow independent retailers or symbol group members to finance their store fit outs based on the business’s ability to repay. No collateral is required, making them suitable for retailers wanting to maintain flexibility.

Leasing

Leasing is ideal for equipment and fixtures such as refrigeration units, POS systems, or shelving. Businesses can upgrade, return, or purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term, ensuring that technology and equipment remain current.

Asset Finance

Asset finance can include both tangible fixtures and “soft assets” such as IT systems and store technology. Payments are spread over time, keeping cash flow intact while still equipping the store fully.

Lender Panels

Brokers like Gable Business Finance have access to multiple lenders, helping convenience stores and symbol group members match their requirements with finance solutions that offer the best terms.

Example Case Studies

Independent Convenience Store

An independent store in Manchester wanted to refurbish and expand its footprint to add a deli counter and upgrade refrigeration.
Using a £75,000 fit out finance package, the store purchased display fridges, shelving, POS systems, and back-of-house prep equipment. Flexible repayments over three years allowed the owner to preserve working capital while increasing revenue by attracting new customers.

Symbol Group Supermarket Head Office

A Premier store wanted to upgrade its store layout, install new refrigeration and cold rooms, and modernise checkout systems.
Through a £200,000 office fit out finance loan, the business was able to complete the project in under six months. The investment improved customer experience, reduced spoilage, and increased operational efficiency.

Why Fit Out Finance Makes Sense for Convenience Stores

Convenience stores face tight margins and competitive pressures. Fit out finance provides a solution to access the equipment and refurbishment needed to remain competitive. Independent operators can maintain control of their business while symbol group members benefit from financing aligned with their branding, marketing, and operational standards. Flexible repayment terms also help businesses manage seasonal fluctuations in revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can independent stores apply for fit out finance?

A: Yes. Both independent retailers and symbol group members can access fit out finance to upgrade or refurbish stores.

Q: What types of equipment and costs can be financed?

A: Everything from shelving, POS systems, and refrigeration to back-of-house catering equipment, security systems, and material handling tools can be financed.

Q: Are repayments tax-deductible?

A: In most cases, repayments including interest and capital are fully tax-deductible, helping reduce overall tax liability.

Q: What finance options are available?

A: Options include unsecured business loans, leasing, and asset finance. Brokers can help find lenders with terms suited to the store’s size and requirements.

Q: Can finance be used for multiple stores in a chain?

A: Yes. Finance can be structured to cover single or multiple stores, including symbol group locations, ensuring consistent branding and operational standards.

Q: How is approval determined?

A: Lenders assess financial strength, projected cash flow, and repayment ability. Personal guarantees may be required, along with documentation of intended use.

Q: Can I upgrade equipment at the end of a lease?

A: Yes. Leasing options allow for upgrades, returns, or purchases at the end of the term to keep equipment and technology current.