Printing business loans — finance for wide‑format & flatbed printers

Summary: Yes — many of the lenders and brokers UK Business Loans works with routinely provide equipment finance for wide‑format and flatbed printers used by signage and display studios. Funding depends on machine age, make/model, business trading history and the product chosen (hire purchase, lease, equipment loan or refinance). If you’re looking to purchase or upgrade a printer from manufacturers such as HP, EFI, Roland, Mimaki or others, start with a free eligibility check to see which specialist lenders are likely to fund your purchase. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

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Quick answer

Yes — many specialist equipment finance brokers and lenders that UK Business Loans works with will finance wide‑format and flatbed printers for signage and display studios. Approval depends on the machine (new vs used), its resale value, your business trading record, turnover and the finance product you choose. To get a tailored set of options quickly, complete a short, no‑obligation enquiry: Free Eligibility Check.

Why signage & display studios use printer finance

Large format and flatbed printers are capital‑intensive but revenue‑generating assets. Investing in modern equipment can reduce production times, expand services (e.g. printing onto rigid substrates, vehicle wraps, POS displays) and increase margins. For many studios the choice is between tying up cash in an asset or using finance to preserve working capital while growing the business.

• Preserve cashflow — spread the cost while keeping liquidity for material and payroll.
• Access newer technology — finance lets you upgrade to higher‑speed or wider machines without a large one‑off payment.
• Tax-efficient options — some products treat repayments as operating costs (speak to your accountant).
• Manage obsolescence — leasing or short‑term finance can make future upgrades simpler.

What lenders commonly finance

Lenders treat printers as tangible assets that are relatively easy to value and re‑sell — which makes them popular for equipment finance. Below are the common categories and what underwriters consider.

Wide‑format printers

These are roll‑to‑roll printers used for banners, vinyl, soft signage, textile and wallpaper printing. Types include solvent, eco‑solvent, latex and aqueous. Newer solvent/UV‑capable models from recognised OEMs hold value well and attract competitive finance terms. Lenders will note print width (e.g. 1.6m, 3.2m), print heads, RIP workflow and annual usage estimates.

Flatbed printers

Flatbed and hybrid printers produce high‑quality rigid prints (Foamex, acrylic, aluminium, corrugated board). Their higher capital value and often bespoke configurations mean lenders ask more detailed supplier quotes, images and manufacturer details. Large format flatbeds (2.5m x 1.2m and above) are commonly funded but may require stronger credit profiles or larger deposits for used assets.

Ancillary equipment

Finance commonly covers laminators, cutters, heaters, conveyor systems, RIP servers, gating and installation. Bundling these with the main print unit often improves lender appetite because the package is easier to value and re‑sell together.

Typical finance options for printers

Different products suit different business strategies. Below are the most common.

Hire Purchase (HP) & Equipment Loans

• Structure: fixed payments; ownership transfers after final payment.
• Good for businesses that want to own the asset and claim capital allowances.
• Deposit: often 0–30% (used equipment typically attracts higher deposits).

Lease & Operating Lease

• Structure: rental agreement; no ownership at end unless you take a purchase option.
• Benefits: lower upfront cost, potential tax/treatment advantages depending on lease type.

Finance Lease & Contract Hire

Used where a business wants long‑term use without capital ownership. Can suit high‑value flatbeds if you prefer predictable costs.

Asset refinance & top‑up

If you already own the equipment, some lenders will refinance the asset to release cash for expansion or working capital — subject to valuation and outstanding warranties.

Commercial loans & specialist lenders

Where equipment finance is not suitable, secured commercial loans or invoice finance may bridge the funding need. Specialist lenders focus on printing/graphics sectors and often understand OEM lifecycles and residual values better.

What lenders look at (eligibility & underwriting)

Underwriting varies by lender, but common criteria include:

• Business trading history: many lenders favour companies trading 12+ months, although some specialist lenders will support newer businesses with stronger projections.
• Turnover & profitability: annual turnover thresholds and recent profit/loss position affect size and terms of offers.
• Credit profile: business and sometimes director credit histories; adverse records can increase costs or require guarantees.
• Equipment details: make, model, new/used status, supplier quote, serial numbers and photos.
• Sector risk: signage and display is well understood but lenders may ask about client concentration (e.g. reliance on one large contract) and projected utilisation.
• Security & guarantees: larger deals may require director guarantees or additional security.

Typical costs & sample terms

Costs vary widely by lender, borrower profile and machine. The ranges below illustrate typical outcomes — they are indicative, not guaranteed.

• Term lengths: usually 24–60 months; some lenders offer 12–72 months depending on asset life.
• Deposits: 0–30% (used equipment often requires higher deposit).
• Interest & fees: dependent on product and credit status; specialist equipment finance may offer competitive rates versus unsecured borrowing. Always compare APRs and total cost of credit.
• VAT: usually treated depending on lease type — VAT can be payable upfront or reclaimed through your VAT returns (check with your accountant).

Example scenario 1 — small studio buying a 1.8m roll‑to‑roll: finance packages often start from around £10,000 to £40,000; terms 36–60 months; typical deposit 10–20%.
Example scenario 2 — larger studio upgrading to a 3m flatbed: equipment cost could be £50k–£250k; lenders expect robust turnover, may request 10–25% deposit for used units and offer 36–60 month terms or bespoke structures.

How UK Business Loans helps

UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects signage and display studios to specialist lenders and brokers experienced in printing equipment finance. We don’t lend money ourselves — instead we match your request to partners most likely to offer competitive, relevant quotes.

• Free, no‑obligation eligibility check to identify suitable lenders.
• Access to lenders with experience in wide‑format and flatbed financing.
• Faster results — a short enquiry typically generates matched contacts quickly so lenders can follow up with tailored quotes.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

For broader context on equipment finance for print businesses, read more about our printing sector services on our printing business loans page: printing business loans.

Step‑by‑step: what to prepare for an enquiry

Being ready speeds approval. Lenders typically ask for:

• Supplier quotation or pro forma invoice (include make, model, serial number if available).
• Company information: registration number, trading address and contact details.
• Recent business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Latest management accounts and/or annual accounts.
• Details of any existing finance agreements and outstanding balances.
• Photos of the equipment if it’s used; maintenance records and service agreements if available.
• Director ID and proof of address (for KYC and potential guarantor checks).

Once submitted, many lenders contact you within hours during business days; full credit and affordability checks follow when you progress a specific offer.

FAQs

Do lenders finance used printers?

Yes — many partners will fund used wide‑format and flatbed printers. Age, condition, hours of use and service history affect deposit requirements and pricing.

Can I finance installation, training or warranties?

Often yes — packages that include installation and training are commonly financed if shown on the supplier quote. Maintenance contracts may be financed too, depending on lender policy.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Initial enquiries via UK Business Loans will not affect your credit score. Lenders will perform formal credit checks only when you progress an offer, and you will be notified beforehand.

Do lenders require a personal guarantee?

Sometimes — for smaller companies or higher‑risk deals directors may be asked to sign personal guarantees. This depends on lender risk appetite and the business’s financial profile.

How long does finance take?

Simple deals can be agreed in a few days; more complex or higher‑value transactions can take longer. Having quotes and documents ready speeds the process.

What minimum finance amount do you arrange?

UK Business Loans typically handles enquiries for equipment and business finance from around £10,000 upward.

Next steps & legal disclaimer

If you’re ready to explore options for funding a wide‑format or flatbed printer, complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you to specialist lenders and brokers: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Important: UK Business Loans acts as an introducer and does not provide loans or regulated financial advice. All finance is provided by third‑party lenders and brokers; offers are subject to credit and affordability checks and to each lender’s full terms and conditions.

1. Will submitting a free eligibility enquiry count as an application or affect my credit score? — No — the free eligibility enquiry is just an introduction, not an application, and it won’t affect your credit score; lenders only perform formal checks if you progress an offer.

2. Can I finance wide‑format and flatbed printers? — Yes — specialist equipment finance lenders and brokers we work with routinely finance new and used wide‑format and flatbed printers subject to machine and business assessment.

3. What types of finance are available for printers? — Common options include hire purchase and equipment loans for ownership, operating or finance leases for rental-style use, and asset refinance or top‑ups for existing kit.

4. Can I finance used printers, installation, training or warranties? — Yes — used equipment, installation, training and sometimes service or maintenance contracts are commonly financed, though age, condition and contract detail affect terms.

5. How much deposit and what term lengths should I expect? — Deposits typically range from 0–30% and terms usually run 24–60 months (some lenders offer 12–72 months) depending on asset age, value and borrower profile.

6. What do lenders look at when assessing printer finance eligibility? — Underwriters consider business trading history (often 12+ months), turnover and profitability, credit profiles, equipment make/model and condition, supplier quotes and sector risk.

7. Will lenders require a personal or director guarantee? — Sometimes — personal guarantees may be requested for smaller companies, higher‑risk deals or larger used‑equipment financings depending on lender appetite and credit risk.

8. How quickly can I get finance or quotes for a printer? — Many enquiries generate lender contact within hours to 48 hours during business days, with simple deals completed in days and more complex transactions taking longer.

9. What documents should I prepare for a printer finance enquiry? — Have the supplier quotation (make, model, serial if available), recent bank statements, management or annual accounts, details of existing finance and director ID for KYC.

10. Does UK Business Loans lend money or give regulated financial advice? — No — UK Business Loans only matches your enquiry to trusted, FCA‑regulated brokers and lenders and does not provide loans or regulated advice.