Printing business loans — Funding MIS, RIPs and CTP systems

Summary: Yes — UK business loans and related finance products can often be used to fund MIS/workflow software, RIPs and CTP systems for print businesses, but the route depends on whether the cost is for physical equipment (CTP platesetters, servers), purchased software (one‑off licences) or subscription SaaS. Asset finance, hire purchase or leasing typically suits hardware and bundled software; unsecured or secured business loans, vendor finance, subscription finance or working capital lines can cover standalone software, implementation and subscriptions. For a free, no‑obligation eligibility check that helps match your printing business to the right lenders and brokers, Get a Free Quote / Free Eligibility Check.

Get a Free Quote

Note: the enquiry form is only to collect information so UK Business Loans can match you to suitable lenders or brokers — it is not a loan application.

---

---

Quick answer

Yes — in many cases you can use UK business finance to cover MIS/workflow systems, RIP software and CTP equipment. Which product is most suitable depends on:

• whether the item is physical capital (CTP machines, servers) or intangible (SaaS licences);
• whether software is bundled with hardware or sold separately; and
• how you prefer to treat the cost for tax and accounting purposes.

Read on for the typical lender approach, funding routes, estimated price ranges and practical steps to speed a decision. If you want to compare options quickly, start a Free Eligibility Check now: Get a Free Quote.

What printers usually need to fund

Print businesses commonly seek finance for a mixture of hardware and software that together drive production efficiency:

• MIS / workflow software — job management, estimating, scheduling, stock control and MIS integrations. Ranges widely: off‑the‑shelf packages can cost £5k–£75k; large enterprise implementations can reach £50k–£250k+ including consultancy and integration.
• RIP software — raster image processing seats per workstation. Typical cost per seat £1k–£15k depending on vendor and features.
• CTP systems & platesetters — physical platesetters, plate processors, servers and peripherals: £20k–£500k+ depending on new/refurbished and capacity.
• Supporting hardware — dedicated servers, storage, networking and backup hardware often bought alongside software.

Prices vary by vendor and project scope — lenders generally want vendor quotes and a clear project brief to assess finance options.

For other printing sector finance topics see our industry page on printing business loans.

How lenders treat software vs hardware

Lenders commonly separate finance into physical assets (tangible) and intangible items (software licences, subscriptions). How each is treated:

• Physical equipment (CTP platesetters, servers, plate processors) — usually funded via asset finance, hire purchase or leasing because the equipment can act as security.
• Software bundled with hardware — lenders often include the cost of bundled software in the equipment finance package, especially if it is essential for the machine to operate.
• Standalone purchased software (perpetual licence) — some lenders will fund as part of an equipment deal if capitalised; others prefer business loans if software is considered intangible.
• SaaS / subscription licences — typically treated as operating costs. Funding routes include short-term business loans, subscription finance, working capital facilities or vendor subscription financing rather than traditional asset finance.

Specialist lenders and brokers experienced in the print sector can be more flexible; vendor finance is also common (vendor offers staged payments or rental-style plans).

Funding options explained

Asset & equipment finance

Best suited for: CTP machines, plate processors, dedicated servers and presses.

• How it works: lender purchases equipment; you repay over an agreed term (or lender lends against the asset).
• Typical terms: 2–7 years, deposit 0–20% depending on deal and asset age.
• Pros: preserves working capital, predictable payments, potential tax benefits (capital allowances).
• Cons: software-only costs may be excluded unless bundled.

Hire purchase (HP)

Best when you want to own the asset at the end of the term. Usually involves a deposit plus fixed monthly repayments; ownership transfers after the final payment.

Leasing (operating lease)

Good for rapidly changing tech. Leasing spreads costs, can keep assets off the balance sheet (depending on lease structure) and often treats VAT differently (VAT on rentals rather than up-front VAT).

Business loans — unsecured & secured

Best for: standalone software licences, SaaS implementation costs, short-term projects or when intangibles dominate. Loans from £10,000 upwards are commonly arranged; terms and sizes vary by lender and risk profile.

Vendor / manufacturer finance

Many MIS/RIP/CTP vendors offer financing, staged payments or subscription models. These can be quick to arrange and easier to approve because the vendor often has a preferred finance partner.

Subscription / SaaS financing & working capital

To cover ongoing licence fees or implementation costs, options include:

• Short-term business loans or overdrafts
• Revolving credit lines
• Subscription finance products that convert recurring fees into manageable payments

Invoice finance, overdrafts & grants

Invoice finance or an overdraft can smooth cashflow during a rollout. Occasionally regional grants or digitalisation funds target manufacturing/print upgrades — check local growth hubs.

Want to compare options? Free Eligibility Check — a short enquiry helps us match you to lenders/brokers who specialise in the print sector.

Practical checklist before you apply

Preparing these items makes it quicker for brokers or lenders to provide an indicative offer:

• Vendor quotes or pro forma invoices for hardware and software (clearly itemised)
• Brief project scope: number of RIP seats, MIS modules, hardware specs
• Company details: registered name, trading history, turnover band (last 12 months)
• Recent management accounts or last 2 years’ accounts if available
• Bank statements (usually last 3 months)
• Details of existing borrowing and any security offered

Provide clear separation of capital costs (hardware, purchased software) versus operating costs (SaaS subscriptions) so lenders can propose the most suitable product.

Tax & accounting considerations

Tax treatment influences funding choice:

• Capital allowances: qualifying plant & machinery (usually CTP hardware) may attract capital allowances.
• Software: on‑premise purchased software may be capitalised and claimed over time; SaaS is commonly treated as an operating expense and deductible in the year charged.
• VAT: buy‑out purchases usually incur up-front VAT; rental/lease payments often spread VAT across payments.

Always confirm treatment with your accountant — we introduce lenders and brokers, not tax advisors.

Typical examples & short case studies

• Example 1: Commercial printer buys a refurbished CTP with bundled MIS for £60,000. Funded via asset finance over 4 years; monthly repayments include the software licence bundled by the vendor.
• Example 2: Mid‑size printer moves to SaaS MIS and buys extra RIP seats with an initial implementation cost of £18,000. They used a short-term business loan for implementation and working capital, then moved subscriptions onto a revolving credit facility.

Both approaches delivered upgraded capability with costs spread to suit cashflow and tax priorities.

How UK Business Loans helps

We’re introducers who match printing businesses to lenders and brokers that specialise in equipment and software finance. Our process is simple:

1. Complete a short enquiry (under 2 minutes) — it’s not an application, just project and business details.
2. We match you to specialist lenders/brokers experienced in the print sector.
3. You’ll receive no‑obligation contact from partners who can provide quotes and next steps.

Start with a Free Eligibility Check: Get a Free Quote. We typically match enquiries quickly so you can get responses within hours.

Minimum finance value: we arrange lending and finance from around £10,000 upwards.

FAQs

Can I include software licence costs in an equipment finance deal?

Often yes if the software is sold and essential with the hardware — lenders commonly accept bundled costs. Standalone software may need a different product.

Will lenders fund SaaS/MIS subscriptions?

Some lenders offer working capital, subscription finance or short-term loans to cover SaaS. Vendor subscription or staged payments are also common.

Do lenders require a deposit or security for CTP systems?

Deposits vary (0–20%). Equipment finance uses the asset as security; larger deals or businesses with limited trading history may need additional security or higher initial deposits.

How long until I get an offer?

Initial broker responses are often within hours; full offers typically follow in 24–72 hours after required documents are supplied.

Will enquiring affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry via our service does not affect your credit score. Lenders may run credit checks later if you apply.

Can I apply with adverse credit?

Some specialist lenders consider applications with past adverse credit. Tell us the full facts on the enquiry so we can match you appropriately.

Have more questions or ready to compare rates? Start Your Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check.

---

Final call-to-action & important information

Get a Free Quote — Free Eligibility Check

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender and does not provide regulated financial advice. When you complete our enquiry we will share your details with selected lenders and brokers who may contact you. Submitting an enquiry is free and without obligation. For privacy details see our Privacy Policy.

---

1. Can I use a UK business loan to fund MIS, RIP or CTP systems for my print business?
Yes — you can often fund MIS, RIP and CTP systems, but the right product depends on whether costs are for physical equipment (asset finance/hire purchase/leasing) or intangible software (business loans, subscription finance or vendor finance).

2. Can software licence costs be included in an equipment finance deal?
Often yes if the software is sold and bundled with the hardware, but standalone perpetual licences or SaaS are frequently funded via business loans or working capital products instead.

3. Will lenders fund SaaS/MIS subscription fees and ongoing licence costs?
Some lenders and specialist subscription finance providers will fund SaaS and ongoing MIS subscriptions via short-term loans, subscription finance or revolving credit facilities, and vendors often offer staged payment plans.

4. What finance types are best for CTP platesetters, servers and other print hardware?
Asset finance, hire purchase or leasing are typically best for CTP platesetters, servers and plate processors because the equipment can act as security and terms usually run 2–7 years.

5. What documents do I need to apply for printing equipment or software finance?
Lenders and brokers usually need itemised vendor quotes/pro forma invoices, a project brief, company details, recent management accounts (or last 2 years’ accounts), bank statements and details of existing borrowing.

6. How long does it take to get an indicative offer for printing business finance?
You can expect initial broker responses often within hours and full indicative offers typically within 24–72 hours after you supply the required documents.

7. Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — making an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score; lenders may run credit checks later if you formally apply.

8. Can I get finance for print tech if I have adverse credit or limited trading history?
Yes — some specialist lenders and brokers consider applications with adverse credit or short trading histories, so be transparent on your enquiry to help us match you appropriately.

9. How are tax and VAT treated when financing MIS, RIP and CTP systems?
Tax treatment varies: qualifying CTP hardware may attract capital allowances, purchased on‑premise software can be capitalised, SaaS is usually an operating expense deductible in-year, and VAT treatment differs between outright purchases and rental/lease payments — consult your accountant.

10. Is the UK Business Loans enquiry a loan application and do you lend directly?
No — UK Business Loans is an introducer (not a lender), the short enquiry is not a loan application but is used to match your printing business to suitable lenders and brokers for a free eligibility check.