Short answer

Why printers are funding green upgrades now

Printing businesses face rising energy costs, tighter customer sustainability requirements and the need for faster turnaround. Upgrading can reduce operating costs, improve throughput and help win contracts from sustainability-aware clients. For example, LED‑UV curing often eliminates lengthy drying times and reduces solvent ventilation, while efficient compressors and VSDs cut electricity consumption for air systems — a major cost centre in many workshops.

What eco upgrades printing firms typically consider

LED‑UV presses

What: LED‑UV curing uses lower-power LEDs to cure inks instantly, reducing energy per sheet and cutting ventilation/solvent needs. Typical cost: from ~£30,000 for small upgrades to £150,000+ for higher‑end presses. Finance fit: asset finance (hire purchase) or leasing over 3–7 years. Benefit: immediate workflow speed improvements and lower variable costs.

Efficient compressors & HVAC

What: Modern screw compressors with variable speed drives (VSD) and smarter controls drastically reduce kWh per m³ of compressed air. Typical cost: £5,000–£60,000 depending on scale. Finance fit: equipment finance or green equipment loans; some installers offer maintenance-inclusive finance or retrofit contracts.

Solar PV & battery storage

What: Rooftop commercial PV offsets grid electricity; batteries smooth peaks and increase self-consumption. Typical cost: small commercial systems broadly £20,000–£150,000+. Finance fit: commercial loans, asset finance, solar leases, or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) where a third party installs and you buy power. Payback depends on energy usage profile and electricity tariffs.

EV chargers & fleet electrification

What: Workplace chargers for staff or customer vehicles and depot chargers for electric vans. Typical cost: single charge point installations start from a few hundred pounds for the unit (installation and electrical upgrades increase cost substantially). Finance fit: asset finance for chargers and vehicles; small grants (where available) may reduce capex. Combine vehicle finance for EV vans with charger funding for a single project proposal.

Finance options explained — pros & cons for printers

• Asset finance (Hire Purchase / Lease)
  • Best for: LED‑UV presses, compressors, EV chargers and vehicles.
  • Pros: preserve working capital, match term to expected life, quick decisions with specialist equipment lenders.
  • Cons: asset usually secures the deal; leasing can be more expensive long-term than HP.
• Green / sustainability loans
  • Best for: projects with measurable energy savings (solar + battery, efficient compressors).
  • Pros: some lenders offer favourable terms or assistance with reporting.
  • Cons: may require evidence of projected savings or an energy survey.
• Commercial business loan / secured loan
  • Best for: larger projects or combined works (roof, electrical upgrade and PV).
  • Pros: can fund multiple elements in one package; flexible term lengths.
  • Cons: may require personal or business security; underwriting takes longer.
• Operating lease
  • Best for: equipment you may want to upgrade regularly (certain presses).
  • Pros: flexibility at term end; off‑balance-sheet treatment for some businesses.
  • Cons: higher ongoing cost vs ownership routes.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) & Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs)
  • Best for: solar + battery when you prefer zero upfront capex.
  • Pros: minimal upfront cost, predictable energy pricing.
  • Cons: long-term contract, customer must accept third‑party installer and contract terms.
• Invoice finance or short-term cashflow loans
  • Best for: bridge funding when supplier invoices are due before savings or grants arrive.

Typical terms & rates (guidance only): equipment 2–7 years; solar 5–15 years. Rates depend on business size, credit profile, asset type and lender — get matched quotes to compare offers. Free Eligibility Check

Grants, tax reliefs & incentives — how they combine with finance

Government schemes and incentives change frequently. Common supports to check:

• Workplace Charging Scheme — may subsidise some EV chargers (check gov.uk for current rules): https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles
• Smart Export Guarantee for small-scale electricity exports (Ofgem / gov.uk).
• Energy Saving Trust and local energy hubs for guidance and installers: https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
• Tax: Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) or capital allowances can reduce taxable profit when buying qualifying equipment — speak to your accountant.

Combine grants with finance: many printers use grants or VAT/tax relief to reduce upfront capital, then finance the balance to preserve cash flow.

Eligibility, documents & what lenders look for

Typical lender checklist:

• Business age and turnover (many lenders prefer established companies).
• Management accounts, VAT returns and 3–6 months’ business bank statements.
• Supplier quotes or pro forma invoices and technical specs for the equipment/project.
• Evidence of expected energy savings or an installer’s report for green loans.
• Information on existing security or outstanding finance.

Decision speed: initial matching and indicative quotes can be very quick (hours), while lender underwriting typically takes several days to a few weeks depending on complexity.

How to choose finance for your upgrade — a simple decision rubric

Use this quick guide:

• Small equipment under £20k — consider asset finance or leasing.
• Single major machine (LED‑UV press) £30k–£150k — asset finance (HP) to align payments with useful life.
• Solar & batteries > £50k — consider commercial loan, green loan, or PPA depending on appetite for ownership.
• Limited capital + strong energy savings — PPA or vendor finance may be better to preserve cash.

Two short examples

Example 1 — LED‑UV press (£80k): HP over 5 years → monthly payment estimated to sit below projected energy and throughput savings; preserves working capital and spreads cost across the press life.

Example 2 — Solar PV + battery (£70k): Green loan over 10 years or supplier PPA. If your daytime electricity use is high, the payback can be 5–8 years depending on tariffs and export rules; match finance term to expected system life.

If you’re unsure which route suits your balance sheet and growth plans, request a tailored match: Free Eligibility Check.

How UK Business Loans helps printers fund eco upgrades

We connect printing businesses with lenders and brokers experienced in sustainability and equipment finance. Tell us about your project and we’ll match you to partners who can provide tailored quotes — fast and free. Learn more about options for the sector on our printing business loans page.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

We are an introducer and not a lender. Submitting an enquiry is free and will not affect your credit file. Offers are subject to lender checks.

FAQ

Can I finance just part of an upgrade (for example, the press but not the solar)?

Yes. Lenders will often finance specific assets. You can also combine finance types — e.g., HP for a press and a separate loan or PPA for solar.

Will an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting your details to UK Business Loans for matching is a soft process and won’t affect your credit score. Lenders may run formal checks later if you proceed.

Are there special “green” loans with lower rates?

Some lenders offer sustainability or green-labelled products that may include preferential terms or extra reporting support. Eligibility often requires evidence of projected energy savings.

How long does a typical application take?

Initial matching and indicative quotes can come within hours. Formal underwriting usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on complexity and security requirements.

What minimum project size do lenders accept?

Many specialist lenders and brokers focus on projects from around £10,000 upwards. For smaller spend, equipment leasing or supplier finance may be more appropriate.

Can I combine grants with finance?

Yes. Grants or tax reliefs can reduce required finance. Make sure you and the lender understand the timing and conditions of any grant before finalising contracts.

Resources

• Gov.uk — low emission vehicles & workplace charging guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles
• Energy Saving Trust — business energy efficiency: https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
• British Business Bank — SME finance guides: https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/