Quick answer

Yes. Most asset finance providers who specialise in commercial equipment will allow you to include server racks, proofing stations, colour management servers, workstation PCs and related network hardware as part of the same finance facility that funds presses, digital printers and finishing kit.

However, IT assets typically have a shorter useful life than heavy print machinery and may require different contract terms or separate residuals — so brokers often structure blended deals (split-term, varying residuals or sub-agreements) to protect both the lender and your business. We can match you with lenders and brokers who understand printing sector needs — Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Important: UK Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is a free, no-obligation eligibility check and helps us match you to suitable providers.

How combined asset finance works for printing + IT

What lenders mean by “combined asset finance”

Combined asset finance packages let you include multiple types of equipment under one facility so you can purchase or lease an entire printline and its supporting IT at once. That can be documented as a single agreement with line-items for each asset or as a blended facility with sub-terms for different asset groups.

Typical finance models used

• Hire Purchase (HP) — fixed-term payments, ownership transfers once final payment is made.
• Finance Lease — you rent equipment for a fixed term; options at end typically include purchase at a residual price.
• Operating Lease / Rental — off-balance-sheet rental with upgrade flexibility (favoured where frequent IT refresh is expected).
• Asset-based facilities — a single facility with multiple assets registered as security.
• Commercial loans — term loans or overdraft-style finance where the asset is not the primary security.

Which model is best depends on tax, accounting preference, asset lifecycle and upgrade strategy. If you want tailored options, Get Quote Now and we’ll match you to specialists.

Which IT items lenders will typically finance with printers

• Print servers and RIP servers (workflow and colour-management servers)
• Workstation PCs used in pre-press, design and colour correction
• Proofing systems and colour-proof devices
• Network switches, routers and SAN/NAS storage specifically used for production
• UPS, power conditioning and rack infrastructure
• Perpetual software licences (often considered capital items) — see note on software below

Note: Consumables (paper, inks) and many SaaS subscriptions are not treated as financeable assets in the same way; however lenders often offer complementary working capital or invoice finance solutions for ongoing operational costs. For a tailored match, start a Free Eligibility Check.

Benefits of financing IT and printing equipment together

• Simplified purchasing: one supplier relationship, single funding application.
• Cashflow protection: preserve working capital by spreading cost over time.
• Negotiation leverage: bundling can improve supplier discounts and finance rates.
• Coordinated upgrades: finance terms can be aligned to business upgrade cycles.
• Operational speed: single funding deal means faster project deployment.

Save time — one application can cover both your printline and its critical IT. Ready to explore? Get Quote Now.

Key commercial and technical considerations

Asset life mismatch and structuring

Heavy presses and finishers commonly have 7–10+ year lifespans; servers and PCs become obsolete in 3–5 years. Lenders recognise this and will either:

• Offer a blended facility with split-term schedules (shorter terms for IT line-items).
• Set a higher residual for longer-life plant and lower residuals for IT.
• Structure two linked agreements under one deal to match useful lives.

Security & data considerations

Servers and proofing systems often contain customer or IP data. Lenders may require evidence of:

• Physical security of equipment and premises
• Back-up strategies and disaster recovery
• Appropriate insurance covering data loss and equipment damage

Disclose data risks early — brokers can help present mitigation plans to underwriters.

Depreciation, maintenance & service contracts

Lenders favour assets with active maintenance or support contracts. Including multi-year service level agreements (SLAs) can improve acceptance and sometimes reduce pricing.

Software licences & SaaS

Perpetual software licences that transfer with hardware can typically be capitalised and financed. Subscription-based SaaS is generally treated as an operating expense and not financed as equipment, though working-capital or invoice-finance solutions may cover the cost. Speak to a matched broker to find the correct structure for your licences.

VAT, disposal and end-of-term options

Common end-of-term choices include purchase, return, refinance or replace. VAT treatment depends on the finance type and your business VAT status — consult your accountant for tax advice. This information is general in nature and does not constitute tax advice.

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now to discuss structuring options that match asset lives and tax preferences.

What lenders/brokers will ask for (documentation & eligibility)

Having these ready speeds the process:

• Supplier quotes or proforma invoices for each asset
• Asset specifications, model/serial numbers and expected delivery dates
• Business details: company registration, address, and director IDs
• Recent management accounts (typically 12–24 months) and business bank statements
• Details of existing finance and any security already registered
• Service/maintenance contracts and software licence agreements

Indicative decisions can come within hours; full documentation and final funding typically take 7–21 days depending on complexity. Start with a short enquiry and we’ll match you to specialists who understand printing and production IT: Get Quote Now.

Example financing scenarios

Scenario A — Small digital print shop

A shop buys a new digital press plus 4 pre-press workstations and a proofing system. Structure: combined hire purchase over 5 years so the business owns assets at term end. Result: predictable monthly repayments and immediate deployment.

Scenario B — Mid-size production house

Upgrading large-format presses and central RIP servers. Structure: operating lease for IT (shorter refresh), finance lease for presses to match useful life and allow for end-of-term purchase.

Scenario C — Packaging print business

Major press purchase with a deposit; server cluster and colour management financed via a separate short-term facility to align refresh cycles and cashflow.

Want a plan that fits your setup? Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Costs, terms and how to compare offers

Interest and total cost vary by:

• Credit profile and business history
• Asset age and type (new vs used)
• Term length and deposit amount
• Residual or balloon payments
• Maintenance and insurance inclusion

Comparison checklist:

1. Total cost (interest + fees) over the term
2. Monthly payment and cashflow impact
3. End-of-term options and residuals
4. Maintenance included or extra
5. Security required and any charges registered
6. Early termination penalties

If you’d like help comparing offers from lenders who understand print and production IT, Get Quote Now — we’ll match you to brokers who will present comparable proposals.

How UK Business Loans helps printing businesses

We introduce printing businesses to specialist lenders and brokers who can finance integrated print + IT projects from roughly £10,000 and upwards.

1. Complete a short enquiry (2 minutes).
2. We match you with lenders and brokers experienced in the printing sector.
3. Receive tailored, no-obligation offers and select the one that suits you.

Our service is free to use and purely introductory — submit a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll do the matching for you.

Further reading and a broader guide to financing print businesses is available on our industry page for printing business loans.

Quick checklist — are you ready to finance IT + printers?

• Supplier quotes or proformas for all equipment (print and IT)
• Estimated total cost and preferred term
• Details of any maintenance or software support contracts
• Company accounts and latest bank statements
• Plan for data security, backups and physical protection for servers
• Decision on whether you want to own assets at term end

When ready, start a quick enquiry: Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

FAQs

Can I include software licences or subscriptions?

Perpetual licences are often financeable as capital items; subscription (SaaS) is usually treated as an operating cost and funded via cashflow or working capital solutions. Ask matched brokers about hybrid structures.

Will financing affect my balance sheet or taxes?

Accounting treatment depends on the finance type (HP vs operating lease). This is general information — speak to your accountant for tailored tax/accounting advice.

Do I need a deposit?

Not always. Some lenders offer 0% deposit options; others prefer a deposit or supplier contribution. Deposits reduce monthly payments and may improve pricing.

Can businesses with imperfect credit still apply?

Yes — because we match to a panel of lenders and brokers with different appetites, you may still find a suitable solution. Submit a short enquiry and we’ll match you appropriately.

How long before I receive a quote?

Indicative responses often arrive within hours; full offers require documentation and can take 7–21 days.

Will lenders register a charge on my assets?

Lenders typically take security over financed assets and may register a fixed or floating charge. Your broker will explain any security requirements before you agree.

Ready to talk to specialists? Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Final reassurance & next steps

Most printing businesses can finance IT infrastructure together with presses and finishing equipment — the key is structuring the deal to match different asset lives, software licensing and data protection needs. Fill in a short enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who understand the printing sector and can present suitable options.

Start your free, no-obligation enquiry now: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

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