Short answer: Yes — with caveats

Financing software-only upgrades (MIS, colour management, RIPs, workflow, web-to-print) is possible, but lenders view software differently from physical kit. Intangibles carry higher perceived risk, so lenders will focus on contract security (length of SaaS agreement), supplier credibility, demonstrable business benefit and the borrower’s financial position. If your software comes with a multi-year licence or is bundled with hardware and services, it’s easier to arrange funding. For an immediate check, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Why print businesses invest in software upgrades

Printers upgrade MIS, colour management and workflow for clear commercial reasons:

• To reduce production waste and colour rework (lower costs).
• To increase throughput through automation (faster turnarounds).
• To enable new services (web-to-print, variable data, integrated estimating).
• To improve margin management and job scheduling accuracy.

Typical software-only project sizes vary widely — from small subscription changes (£2k–£10k pa) up to major site-wide MIS or workflow projects (£10k–£200k). If you’re ready to explore finance for your project, start with a Free Eligibility Check.

How lenders view software-only purchases

Understanding lender perspective helps you pick the right route:

• Intangibility is the core issue: pure software has no physical resale value which increases lender risk appetite.
• Contract-backed revenue helps: multi-year SaaS/licence agreements that produce predictable payments are more fundable.
• Vendor/reseller backing improves outcomes: finance arranged through the software vendor often attracts specialist funders.
• Bundled deals are easier: software packaged with hardware (servers, RIP boxes, new presses) can be funded as asset finance.
• Unsecured loans are an alternative: term loans or unsecured business loans are commonly used for software-only upgrades if security can’t be provided.

Lenders will assess: contract length, supplier credibility, invoice/quote details, business turnover, recent bank statements and any security you can offer (company charge, personal guarantee). If you want sector-specific help, our printing market partners specialise in printing business loans and related solutions — find out more about financing for the printing sector on our printing business loans page.

Finance options for software-only upgrades — practical guide

Vendor / Manufacturer finance

Many software vendors offer finance packages via panel lenders. These are often tailored and include implementation and training.

• Pros: tailored, often competitive, simple procurement.
• Cons: may limit future supplier choice; offers tied to vendor relationships.
• Typical deals: 12–60 months; project sizes from £10k upwards.

Specialist software / SaaS funding

Some lenders specialise in funding licences and implementation — particularly where there are multi-year contracts and predictable revenue streams.

• Pros: built for intangibles, can fund licences and onboarding costs.
• Cons: lenders expect contract evidence and often require longer-term commitments.

Unsecured business loans / term loans

Flexible route for many software-only projects.

• Pros: speed, flexibility, can cover one-off licences or migrations.
• Cons: rates may be higher; lenders look at credit profile and trading history.

Asset finance (when combined with hardware)

If software is sold alongside hardware (servers, RIP boxes, presses), asset finance or hire purchase becomes straightforward.

• Pros: lower rates possible; predictable payments; preserve working capital.
• Cons: not suitable for pure software unless tied to tangible equipment.

Invoice finance / short-term bridging

Used where you must pay the supplier upfront but want to bridge the gap to cash-in.

• Use cases: pay supplier invoices now and spread supplier risk; short-term liquidity.

Commercial cards & small-scale credit

For small upgrades or subscription management, business cards or short-term merchant finance can be pragmatic.

What lenders typically ask for: supplier invoice/quote, licence or contract terms (SaaS length), implementation schedule, 3–12 months bank statements, recent accounts, copy of supplier terms, and director details if guarantees are considered.

Ready to compare options? Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Eligibility checklist — what to prepare

Having the right documents speeds up matching and decisions. Typical items lenders request:

• Company details: registration number, trading address and VAT registration (if applicable).
• Financials: recent bank statements (3–12 months), latest management accounts or filed accounts.
• Supplier paperwork: detailed quote or invoice, licence agreement, SaaS contract showing term and renewal terms.
• Implementation plan: delivery timelines, training costs and milestones (helps show commercial benefit).
• Security info: whether you can offer a corporate guarantee, debenture or personal guarantee (may affect rates).
• Project budget: total cost and preferred term (12–60 months typically for software).

When you’re ready, complete a quick enquiry to see which partners may be able to help — Free Eligibility Check.

Costs, typical terms and tax considerations

Costs vary by product and risk:

• Rates: unsecured options typically carry higher interest than asset-backed finance.
• Fees: arrangement fees and possible early repayment charges can apply — always check the full cost of credit.
• Terms: software finance terms often range from 12 to 60 months; SaaS-backed deals may align to contract length.
• Minimum project size: our panel typically works with projects from about £10,000 upward for specialist arrangements.

Tax treatment of software (capital vs revenue) depends on HMRC rules and whether the software is capitalised — speak with your accountant. UK Business Loans does not provide tax advice. All finance is subject to lender terms, status and credit checks.

How UK Business Loans helps

We make the finance search simpler and faster for printing businesses:

1. Complete a short enquiry (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match your brief with lenders and brokers experienced in printing and software finance.
3. Partners contact you with options and follow-up questions.
4. Compare offers and pick the solution that fits — no obligation to proceed.

Benefits: sector knowledge, quicker matches, confidential and free to use. We commonly help companies that need funding from around £10k upwards. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check and our partners will assess fit quickly.

For broader industry support see our printing business loans page to learn more about funding options for printers: printing business loans.

Example scenarios (short case studies)

Case A — Small label printer: MIS licence via vendor finance

Project: £25,000 MIS licence + implementation. Route: vendor finance arranged by reseller. Term: 36 months. Outcome: spread payments, included training and faster production scheduling.

Case B — Mid-size commercial house: colour management + RIP server

Project: £85,000 (hardware + software). Route: asset finance for hardware with software included in package. Term: 48 months. Outcome: lower monthly cost, single agreement, lender comfortable with tangible security.

Case C — Design studio migrating to SaaS web-to-print

Project: £15,000 (migration, data transfer, training). Route: unsecured term loan. Term: 24 months. Outcome: fast decision and migration without tying to a vendor finance package.

FAQs

Can I get finance for software-only purchases?

Yes — but options depend on contract type, supplier and your business. Vendor finance, specialist software lenders and unsecured loans are common routes.

Will lenders fund monthly SaaS subscriptions?

Sometimes. Lenders look for multi-year contracts or predictable recurring revenue. They are likelier to fund fixed-term contracts than rolling monthly subscriptions without an agreed term.

Can software be included with hardware on the same agreement?

Yes — bundling with tangible hardware makes the package more attractive to asset finance providers.

Do I usually need to provide a personal guarantee?

It depends. Smaller or newer companies may be asked for personal guarantees; established companies with strong accounts may avoid them. Each lender has different criteria.

How long does a typical decision take?

Introductions from UK Business Loans are usually within hours; lenders’ credit decisions vary from same-day for small unsecured loans to several days for larger or secured arrangements.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry via our form does not affect your credit file. Lenders may perform checks only if you progress to a formal application.

What documents do I need?

See the Eligibility checklist above — supplier quote, contract/licence terms, bank statements, recent accounts and project budget are the essentials.

How does UK Business Loans make money?

We receive a referral fee from partners when an enquiry is progressed and results in a completed finance arrangement. There is no cost to you for the introduction and initial eligibility check.

If you still have questions, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check and one of our specialists will be in touch to advise which lenders may be suitable.

Get started — Free Eligibility Check

Ready to explore financing for a software-only upgrade? Click below to complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who understand printing technology projects.

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We’re an introducer — free, no-obligation. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Finance is subject to status and lender terms.