09/12/2025

In Conversation With Richard Baker, Sales Director at Jay City Finance

1. How does Jay City Finance tailor its leasing or refurbishment financing solutions to the unique demands of hotel refurbs, for example, balancing cash flow preservation against the need to upgrade rooms or facilities?

Jay City Finance understands that hotel refurbishments often require significant investment without disrupting day to day operations or cash flow. Our approach is to structure flexible leasing and hire purchase solutions that spread costs over an agreed term, allowing hoteliers to upgrade rooms and facilities without large upfront payments. We work closely with vendors and hotel owners to align repayment schedules with seasonal revenue patterns, ensuring that financing supports, not strains, cash flow. This tailored approach helps hotels maintain liquidity while enhancing guest experience through timely upgrades.

2. What tends to be the biggest financing challenge for hoteliers looking to refurbish or refit, and how does Jay City Finance help them overcome it?

The most common challenge is balancing the scale of refurbishment with available capital and credit appetite, especially when projects involve multiple suppliers or phased works. Jay City Finance addresses this by leveraging our strong panel of funders and specialist knowledge in hospitality assets. We simplify complex projects by consolidating costs into a single, manageable finance agreement, reducing administrative burden and ensuring competitive rates. Our vendor-led model also means we can move quickly at the point of sale, helping hoteliers secure funding without delaying their refurbishment timelines.

3. Could you walk us through a typical case study where financing from Jay City Finance directly contributed to improved occupancy rates or guest satisfaction post-refurbishment?

A recent example involved a boutique hotel seeking to upgrade its guest rooms and communal areas to meet rising customer expectations. The hotel faced cash flow constraints but needed to complete works before the peak season. Jay City Finance structured a tailored lease agreement that allowed the hotel to spread costs over 36 months, preserving working capital. Post refurbishment, the property reported a 15% increase in occupancy and higher guest satisfaction scores, citing upgraded facilities as a key driver. This case highlights how strategic financing can deliver tangible ROI for hospitality businesses.

4. With rising interest rates and economic uncertainty, what advice does Jay City Finance offer hotel owners considering refurbishment now, and how flexible are your solutions for projects of different sizes and risk profiles?

Our advice is to plan early and lock in competitive finance terms before further rate fluctuations. We encourage hotel owners to explore structured leasing options that provide predictable monthly payments, helping mitigate the impact of rising costs. Jay City Finance offers scalable solutions, from small upgrades to full property refurbishments, supported by a diverse lender panel. For projects with higher risk profiles, such as new ventures or phased developments, we work with specialist funders to create bespoke agreements that balance risk and affordability. Flexibility is at the heart of our offering, ensuring we can adapt to each client’s unique circumstances.