Quick answer

Yes — in most cases printing businesses can use invoice finance to free working capital while taking asset finance to buy presses or other equipment. Success depends on lender policies, security arrangements and clear coordination between providers. Want a tailored quick quote? Get Quote Now.

Important: UK Business Loans does not lend money. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers and help match you with suitable providers. Our service is free and submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score.

Why this matters for printing businesses

Printing and packaging firms often face high capital expenditure (presses, finishing kit), long payment terms from some customers, and tight margins. Combining two finance types can let you:

• Release cash tied up in unpaid invoices to cover payroll, materials and short-term working capital;
• Bring in new or better equipment through asset finance without draining cash reserves;
• Respond to large orders quickly and scale production without sacrificing liquidity.

For more sector-specific loan options see our page on printing business loans.

How invoice finance and asset finance work — quick primers

What is invoice finance?

Invoice finance (factoring or discounting) advances a percentage of your unpaid invoice value so you get cash sooner. Typical advance rates are 70–90% depending on debtor quality. Fees can include an advance fee, discounting fee and service/collection charges. Some providers operate confidentially (discounting) while others notify customers (factoring).

See also: invoice finance for SMEs.

What is asset finance?

Asset finance (hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease) spreads the cost of equipment over time. Hire purchase commonly requires a deposit and fixed repayments; finance leases let you use equipment without owning it; many lenders will finance new or used presses. Security is usually a charge over the asset and, in some deals, a company or director guarantee.

See also: asset finance explained.

Can you use both together?

Yes — combining them is common. Typical approaches include:

• Parallel facilities: invoice finance for day-to-day liquidity, plus asset finance to buy a press. Each provider takes security over different things (receivables vs plant) where possible.
• Sequential use: use invoice finance to bridge cash flow while asset finance is arranged and delivered.
• Refinance and deposit top-up: refinance older equipment to raise a deposit, then use asset finance for the new machine and invoice finance to support working capital during ramp-up.

Be careful of cross-collateralisation — when lenders take security over the same assets or require priority on cash. Early disclosure and broker-led coordination usually resolve this.

Free Eligibility Check — get tailored matches for both invoice and asset finance and see which structure suits your business.

Typical structures & examples for printing businesses

Example A — Digital print shop (£250k turnover)

Problem: 30–60 day debtor terms left the business short for payroll during seasonal peak.

Solution: Invoice discounting with a 85% advance + hire purchase for a new digital press (30% deposit financed by the owner and 70% by the lender). Benefit: immediate cashflow and increased capacity to take larger jobs.

Example B — Packaging printer (£1.2m turnover)

Problem: Need to upgrade press to meet a major contract but want to preserve cash.

Solution: Refinance an older press to release equity toward deposit, take a finance lease on the new press, and use invoice factoring during the first 3 months of the contract to smooth initial receivables. Benefit: minimal cash outlay and managed repayment profile.

When to use what (quick table)

Lender & broker considerations — what to expect

Lenders will assess turnover, debtor profile (concentration risk), margin stability, asset condition, and security. Common constraints when combining facilities include:

• Priority of security: which provider takes a PPSR/PPSA charge first;
• Cash collection control: some invoice funders control customer receipts, which can complicate asset repayment collection;
• Cross-default and inter-lender consent: lenders may require agreements to avoid unintended defaults.

Brokers experienced with multi-facility deals can negotiate seniority and find lenders used to supporting printing businesses. They also help ensure documentation aligns so facilities can run together.

Costs, tax and accounting — what to factor in

Typical costs:

• Invoice finance: advance fees, discounting/interest, and servicing/collection fees;
• Asset finance: interest, arrangement fees, possible balloon payments and documentation fees.

Accounting/tax pointers (general guidance only): asset finance usually affects balance sheet treatment (capitalised & depreciated vs operating lease). Invoice finance releases cash but does not change revenue recognition — speak to your accountant for the exact impact on your accounts.

Practical step-by-step: how to set this up for a printer

1. Gather 12–24 months of management accounts, debtor ageing and supplier terms.
2. Specify the equipment you need (new vs used, cost, lead time).
3. Get indicative quotes for invoice finance and asset finance — Get Quote Now to be matched quickly.
4. Ask providers about security, PPSR priority and control of receipts; involve a broker to coordinate inter-lender agreements if needed.
5. Agree a structure, complete paperwork and plan cashflow model to stress-test repayments.

UK Business Loans can match you to lenders and brokers who know the printing sector and organise facilities from around £10,000 and up.

Risks & pitfalls — what to watch for

Key risks include over‑leveraging, debtor concentration (one large customer), falling asset values, and loss of control over customer payments if using factoring. Mitigations:

• Stress-test cashflows and scenario-plan for slower collections;
• Choose lenders experienced in printing and multi-facility deals;
• Use brokers to negotiate workable inter-lender terms and avoid unexpected cross-defaults.

Frequently asked questions

Can one lender provide both invoice and asset finance?

Sometimes — larger commercial banks or specialist funders offer bundled facilities which can simplify security and cash management.

Will invoice finance affect asset finance approval?

It can. If an invoice funder takes control of receipts or wide security, asset funders may require clarity on payment flows. Early disclosure helps avoid surprises.

Do customers have to know about factoring?

Depends. Factoring usually involves customer notification; confidential discounting keeps the funder invisible to customers but may have different terms.

How fast can I get funds?

Invoice finance can release funds within days. Asset finance often takes days to weeks depending on supplier documentation and valuations.

Are there alternatives?

Overdrafts, unsecured loans, vendor finance, or supplier credit are alternatives — each has pros and cons versus using invoice/asset finance together.

Final summary & next steps

Short answer: usually yes — printers can combine invoice finance and asset finance to smooth cash flow and buy presses. The right structure depends on security, lender appetite and your debtor profile. To explore options and get matched to experienced providers, Get Quote Now for a free eligibility check.

UK Business Loans does not lend or provide regulated financial advice. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers and help match you to suitable partners. Our service is free; submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score.

About the author / trust

Content lead — UK Business Loans. We connect UK printers and other SMEs with lenders and brokers who can help secure working capital and equipment finance. Our content is informed by market practitioners and real lending partners.

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