Introduction — what this page covers

This page answers the common question: “Does UK Business Loans offer finance for printing presses and packaging equipment?” In short, we connect businesses to lenders and brokers that arrange asset finance for machinery used in printing, converting and packaging operations. We help companies seeking funding from around £10,000 upwards to purchase, upgrade, lease or refinance presses, folder-gluers, cartoners, filling lines and associated automation.

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and does not affect your credit score; it simply helps us match your business to the most suitable finance partners. Free Eligibility Check

Why asset finance is common in printing & packaging

Printing and packaging are capital‑intensive sectors. Presses, finishing equipment and packaging lines often cost tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds. Businesses face fast technological change (digital presses, variable data systems), tight margins and seasonal demand — all reasons asset finance is a popular funding route.

Asset finance helps spread the cost, preserve working capital and, depending on the product, deliver tax or cashflow advantages compared with an outright purchase. It also makes it possible to upgrade to newer technology without a single large cash outlay.

Types of asset finance for presses & packaging equipment

Hire Purchase

Hire purchase (HP) spreads the cost into fixed monthly payments. You usually own the equipment after the final payment. Pros: predictable payments, eventual ownership. Cons: typically on‑balance sheet and may require a deposit or personal guarantees for SMEs.

Finance Lease (capital / operating)

Leases allow use of equipment for a set term while ownership remains with the funder. Finance leases can sometimes be structured with a final balloon payment or purchase option. Useful when technology may become outdated and you want off‑balance alternatives.

Operating Lease / Contract Hire

Shorter-term lease solutions that often include maintenance and upgrade options. Ideal for businesses that want budget certainty and regular refresh cycles for fast-changing digital equipment.

Sale & Leaseback

If you already own presses or packaging lines, sale & leaseback converts existing assets into cash while allowing you to continue using the machines — useful to fund expansion or working capital without taking on new debt.

Asset refinance / Equipment refinance

Refinance existing equipment finance to improve monthly cashflow or consolidate debts.

Vendor / OEM finance

Manufacturers often offer finance packages (sometimes subsidised) that can be competitive for new equipment purchases. We can match you to lenders that work with OEMs.

Typical terms you’ll see: deposit 0–30% (varies), terms usually 24–84 months, and funding sizes from approximately £10,000 up to several million depending on the lender and asset value.

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For more general information about financing equipment, see our guide to asset finance.

What printing & packaging equipment qualifies?

Most lenders will consider both new and good-quality used equipment. Qualifying items typically have a clear resale market or demonstrable service history. Examples include presses (new or well-maintained used), finishing and automation lines, and critical ancillaries such as chillers, feeders and print control systems.

Acceptance factors lenders commonly consider: age of the equipment (many have maximum ages for used kit), maintenance history, OEM support/spare parts availability, and residual resale value.

Eligibility — who can apply and what lenders look for

UK Business Loans helps connect registered businesses such as limited companies and LLPs to finance partners for machinery purchases and refinances. We typically arrange introductions where funding amounts start from around £10,000.

Common lender checks and acceptance factors:

• Trading history and management experience in printing/packaging sectors
• Annual turnover and profitability (or credible projections for larger purchases)
• Copies of supplier quotes or invoices for the equipment
• Bank statements and company accounts (3–12 months depending on size)
• VAT status and proof of order pipeline for contract packers or printers
• Credit records for the business and, in many cases, company directors

Some specialist lenders will consider younger businesses or those with imperfect credit profiles — that’s why we match you to the best panel for your circumstances. Submitting an enquiry via our site does not affect your credit score; any formal credit checks would be conducted by the lender if you apply.

Costs, fees & tax considerations

Costs vary by product and lender. Key cost drivers include the interest rate or lease rental, any deposit, administration fees and maintenance or service packages. Always ask for a representative example for hire purchase (APR) or a full rental schedule for lease deals.

Tax treatment for asset finance depends on structure: hire purchase may allow capital allowances and Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) claims; lease rentals are often treated as allowable business expenses against taxable profits. VAT treatment also differs between HP and leasing — speak to your accountant for bespoke guidance.

Example (illustrative only): Funding a £200,000 press on HP over 60 months with a 10% deposit will produce different monthly costs and VAT timing than leasing — lenders will supply full figures tailored to your business.

How UK Business Loans helps — our process & lender selection

We simplify the search for the right finance partner so you can focus on production. Our typical process:

1. Complete a short enquiry form (takes 2 minutes) — this is not an application.
2. We review the details and match you to specialist lenders and brokers experienced with printing and packaging equipment.
3. A partner contacts you (often within hours) to request any supporting documents and prepare quotes.
4. Compare offers and proceed directly with the lender you choose.

We are paid a fee by our partners when introductions lead to funding; our matching service is free to businesses. Completing our enquiry helps us identify the best provider for your needs — whether hire purchase, lease or sale & leaseback.

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Short case studies

Case study A — Digital press for an expanding printer

A regional print SME wanted a used digital press to boost short-run colour work. We introduced them to a broker who arranged a hire purchase deal over 48 months with a modest deposit. Result: faster turnaround, increased margins on short runs and clear ownership at the end of the term.

Case study B — Sale & leaseback for packaging line

A contract packer needed working capital for a new facility. A sale & leaseback on an existing packaging line released cash while allowing continued production. The business used the funds for fit-out and secured new contracts.

Practical checklist — documents & information lenders commonly ask for

• Company registration number and director details
• Recent company accounts and management accounts
• 3–6 months bank statements
• Supplier quote or proforma invoice for the equipment
• Details of the equipment (make, model, age, condition)
• Purchase order or customer contracts supporting projected income
• Maintenance/service history for used equipment

Frequently asked questions

Does UK Business Loans lend directly?

No. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who can provide asset finance for printing presses and packaging equipment. We help you find suitable options quickly.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing our short enquiry form is an information-only step and does not affect your credit file. Lenders may run checks only if you apply to them.

Can I get finance for used printing presses?

Yes. Many lenders fund good-quality used presses, subject to age, condition and resale value. We match you with specialist funders where used-equipment finance is available.

How quickly will I get quotes?

Often initial contact from a broker or lender takes place within hours, with formal quotes typically delivered within 24–72 hours depending on complexity and whether valuations or inspections are needed.

What deposit is usually required?

Deposits vary by lender and asset — from 0% up to 30% depending on credit, asset age and type. Exact figures come from the lender once they assess your enquiry.

What if my business has credit issues?

Different lenders have different risk appetites. Because we work with a broad panel, we can often find lenders or brokers who will consider businesses with adverse credit. Provide honest information on the enquiry form so we can match appropriately.

Next steps — get matched and compare quotes

If you’re ready to explore finance for a printing press or packaging line, complete our short enquiry — it takes around two minutes and is not an application. We’ll match your business to lenders/brokers who can provide tailored quotes. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Important notice: UK Business Loans is an introducer and not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice. Completing an enquiry does not guarantee funding and is not a loan application. We only pass your enquiry to relevant partners to help you get quotes.