Do Printing Business Loans or Asset Finance Require Personal Guarantees?

Summary (quick answer): Sometimes. Whether a printing business must sign a personal guarantee (PG) depends on the lender, the type and value of the finance, the company’s trading history and financial strength, the deposit or equity put down and the security available. Small, low‑LTV equipment leases or vendor finance deals can sometimes be provided without a PG; larger purchases, unsecured loans and facilities with limited collateral are more likely to trigger a request for a personal guarantee. If you’re unsure, get a Free Eligibility Check to see which lenders will consider your circumstances and what they’re likely to ask for.

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Table of Contents

• Quick answer (TL;DR)
• What is a personal guarantee?
• Why lenders ask for personal guarantees
• Do printing business loans require a PG?
• Ways to avoid, limit or manage personal guarantees
• How UK Business Loans helps
• Quick reference table
• Frequently asked questions
• Final CTA & disclaimer

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Quick answer (TL;DR)

Short version: personal guarantees are sometimes required for printing business loans and asset finance. Smaller, well‑secured equipment finance deals (low loan-to-value on newer presses) are the most likely to be PG‑free or accept limited guarantees. Unsecured loans, high-value presses with higher LTVs, invoice facilities and debentures commonly carry personal guarantees unless you can provide strong company security or a significant deposit. Use a broker or specialist introducer to identify lenders that will consider limited or no‑PG options for printing businesses.

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What is a personal guarantee?

A personal guarantee (PG) is a legal promise by one or more directors or shareholders to be personally liable for a company debt if the company cannot repay. Key points:

• Director vs personal: a PG is usually signed by company directors or owners (not the company itself).
• Unlimited vs capped: some guarantees are unlimited (you are liable for the full debt), others are capped at a fixed amount or for a fixed period.
• Joint & several: joint & several guarantees mean each guarantor can be pursued for the entire debt, not just their share.
• Secured vs unsecured PG: lenders may take a charge over personal assets (e.g., property) or keep the PG as an unsecured promise that still allows them to pursue you personally.

Important: this guidance is informational only. UK Business Loans introduces businesses to lenders and brokers — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice.

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Why lenders ask for personal guarantees

Lenders ask for PGs to reduce credit risk and improve recoverability if a borrower defaults. For printing businesses the typical reasons include:

• Company size and trading history: younger or smaller print shops with limited trading figures are riskier.
• Director credit history: adverse credit or little business credit history increases the chance of a PG request.
• Equipment risk: presses and cutters can be specialist, have volatile second‑hand values and may depreciate quickly.
• Seasonality & cashflow: variable order books, large material purchases and seasonality affect lenders’ comfort.
• Security shortfalls: where equipment plus company assets do not fully cover the loan, lenders seek extra comfort via PGs.

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Do printing business loans require a PG?

The requirement varies by loan type and by lender. Below we break it down by common finance types used in the printing sector.

Asset finance (hire purchase, chattel mortgage, leases)

Probability of PG: moderate — depends on lender, loan size and LTV.

Details:

• For lower‑value purchases (smaller digital printers, finishing kit), many asset finance lenders will accept company-only security or take a hire‑purchase agreement without a PG if the business has healthy accounts and the deposit reduces LTV to a comfortable level.
• For high‑value items (offset presses, large used presses) lenders often ask for director guarantees, especially if the equipment is second‑hand with unpredictable resale values.
• Finance lease providers sometimes avoid PGs because title stays with the lessor, but they may still ask for guarantees where the lessee’s company credit is weak.

Unsecured business loans

Probability of PG: high for larger amounts.

Details: unsecured facilities have no asset backing, so lenders commonly rely on PGs to secure repayment. Smaller unsecured loans under a lender’s threshold may avoid PGs, but those are usually lower value than typical equipment purchases.

Invoice finance and asset‑backed facilities

Probability of PG: often yes.

Details: invoice financiers typically require a debenture over company assets and frequently ask directors to provide personal guarantees or cross‑guarantees across group companies to protect recovery in the event of non‑payment.

Commercial mortgages & larger facilities

Probability of PG: lower if property security covers the loan.

Details: where a commercial mortgage is fully secured on property with good LTV, lenders may not require director personal guarantees. However, smaller businesses or those with weak trading accounts might still be asked to provide guarantees.

Practical printing examples

• Small digital printer replacement (£12k–£25k): likely possible without a PG if deposit is paid and accounts show steady cashflow.
• Purchase of a used 2‑colour offset press (£60k–£150k): higher chance of a PG due to resale risk and transport/refurb costs.
• Start‑up print studio seeking asset finance for £30k: lenders typically ask for director guarantees until trading history is built.
• Established multi‑site printer buying new production line (£300k+): lenders will look at overall company security; PGs may be avoidable if strong accounts and property or other collateral are available.

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Ways to avoid, limit or manage personal guarantees

If you’re a printing business concerned about personal exposure, here are practical steps and negotiation levers:

• Increase deposit / reduce LTV: larger deposits reduce lender risk and the need for a PG.
• Use company (corporate) security: offer company assets first (stock, plant) to satisfy lenders rather than personal assets.
• Seek capped or limited guarantees: negotiate a capped PG (e.g., a fixed monetary limit or time limit) instead of unlimited liability.
• Choose the right finance type: some lessors accept lease‑only structures without PGs — compare HP vs lease vs vendor finance.
• Use specialist brokers: brokers can find lenders with softer PG policies for printers and negotiate terms such as partial guarantees or parent company backing.
• Vendor or manufacturer finance: OEM or dealer finance packages sometimes carry better terms and fewer personal guarantees to close equipment sales.
• Improve company and director financials: stronger accounts, clearer management information and an established trading track record reduce PG pressure.

Trade‑offs: removing a PG may mean higher rates, larger deposits or shorter terms. Always weigh the cost of the finance against the personal risk.

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How UK Business Loans helps

We’re an introducer that connects printing businesses with brokers and lenders who specialise in equipment and commercial finance. We don’t lend, and the enquiry is not an application — it’s a simple way for us to match your business to partners who may offer terms that reduce personal exposure.

• Complete a short enquiry and we’ll check eligibility and match you to suitable lenders/brokers.
• We can prioritise lenders known to offer capped PGs, lease‑only deals or strong vendor finance for printing equipment.
• Our service is free and no obligation — you decide whether to proceed after you receive quotes.

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now

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Quick reference: loan types and PG likelihood

Loan Type	Typical Security	PG Likely?	Notes
Asset finance (HP)	Equipment	Possible	Lower for new kit with low LTV; more likely for used/high‑value presses
Finance lease	Lessor retains title	Less likely, but possible	Some lessors avoid PGs; depends on company strength
Unsecured loan	None	High	Lenders often require PGs for larger unsecured amounts
Invoice finance	Debenture / invoice book	Often	Cross‑guarantees and director PGs are common
Commercial mortgage	Property	Lower	If property covers the facility, PGs may be unnecessary

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Frequently asked questions

Will I always have to sign personally for a printer or press?

No. It depends on loan size, lender, the value and condition of the equipment and your company’s accounts. Smaller, low‑LTV asset finance deals on new equipment are the most likely to be PG‑free; larger or higher‑risk deals may require a PG.

Can I get asset finance with bad credit without a PG?

Bad credit makes PGs more likely. Some specialist lenders will consider higher risk cases without PGs but usually at higher cost or with stricter security. A broker can find lenders with different appetites and advise on trade‑offs.

What’s the difference between a guarantee and personal liability?

A guarantee is a contractual promise to repay if the company cannot. Personal liability means the guarantor becomes personally responsible for the debt — creditors can pursue personal assets. Guarantees can be limited/capped or unlimited; read terms carefully and seek legal advice if unsure.

Can a PG be limited or capped?

Yes. Many lenders will accept capped guarantees (a fixed monetary cap) or guarantees limited to a time period (e.g., 24 months). Negotiation and broker experience are often the route to secure such limits.

Does providing a PG mean I’ll lose my house?

Only if the guarantee is secured against your home (e.g., a charge on property) and you default. Unsecured guarantees still expose you personally, but secured guarantees put specific assets at risk. Always check whether a PG is secured and get independent legal advice before signing.

Will checking my eligibility affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans is a soft, no‑obligation check and will not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may perform formal credit checks later if you proceed with an application.

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Final CTA & important information

If you operate a printing business and need finance for presses, folders, finishing or consumables, the quickest way to see whether a personal guarantee will be required in your case is to get personalised quotes. Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders or brokers who understand printing and can negotiate the best available PG terms for your situation.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses to lenders and brokers. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is not an application — it helps us match you to partners who will then provide quotes. By completing the enquiry you consent to us sharing your details with selected lenders and brokers to obtain quotes; these third parties may contact you by phone or email.

For sector guidance on typical funding for printers, see our industry page on printing business loans.

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By UK Business Loans — Lead Content. Last updated: 31 October 2025.

1. Do printing business loans usually require a personal guarantee (PG)?
Answer: Sometimes — whether a PG is required depends on lender appetite, loan type, loan-to-value (LTV), the equipment’s value/condition and your company’s trading history and director credit.

2. Can I get equipment finance for printers without signing a personal guarantee?
Answer: Yes — smaller, low-LTV asset finance deals, lease-only structures or vendor/OEM finance can sometimes be arranged without a PG if the business shows strong accounts or a larger deposit.

3. How can I avoid or limit a personal guarantee on printing asset finance?
Answer: You can reduce or avoid a PG by increasing the deposit, offering company (corporate) security, negotiating a capped/time-limited guarantee, or using a specialist broker to find softer lenders.

4. Are there specific loan types for printing companies that are less likely to need a PG?
Answer: Finance leases and well-secured commercial mortgages backed by property are generally less likely to require PGs compared with unsecured loans and invoice finance.

5. Will applying through UK Business Loans to check eligibility affect my credit score?
Answer: No — submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans is a soft, no‑obligation eligibility check and will not impact your credit score, though lenders may perform formal checks later.

6. Can start-up or bad-credit printing businesses get asset finance without a PG?
Answer: It’s harder — start-ups and businesses with adverse credit are more likely to face PG requests, though specialist lenders may offer solutions at higher cost or with stricter security.

7. How much deposit do I need on a printer or press to reduce the chance of a personal guarantee?
Answer: There’s no fixed rule, but larger deposits that lower LTV (commonly 10–30% or more depending on the lender and equipment) improve your chances of avoiding a PG.

8. Do lenders treat new presses and used presses differently when deciding on PGs?
Answer: Yes — lenders are more comfortable PG-free or limited-PG on new kit with predictable resale values and lower LTVs, while high-value used presses often trigger PG requests due to resale risk.

9. What documentation will lenders or brokers want when seeking printing business loans or equipment finance?
Answer: Expect recent company accounts, management accounts, bank statements, director ID and credit information, details of the equipment, and sometimes proof of deposit or collateral.

10. Is submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans an application and do you lend directly?
Answer: No — UK Business Loans is an introducer that does not lend or provide regulated financial advice; your enquiry simply helps us match you to suitable brokers and lenders who may contact you with quotes.