Summary / Quick answer

Yes — you can commonly finance a wide‑format expansion (a flatbed cutter and a roll‑to‑roll printer) via lease or other asset finance. Lenders will typically finance the package on a single agreement provided the supplier invoice covers both machines. Terms, deposit and monthly cost depend on the total value, the age of equipment, your company trading history and any service/support contracts you include. To get tailored options, complete a short enquiry to be matched with specialist lenders or brokers for a Free Eligibility Check (the enquiry is for matching only and is not an application).

Get Quote Now — 2‑minute form; no obligation and no immediate credit hit.

What is a “wide‑format expansion”?

Wide‑format printing covers large media such as banners, vehicle wraps, point‑of‑sale graphics and signage. A typical expansion for a print house or sign company might include:

• Roll‑to‑roll (also called roll‑fed) wide‑format inkjet printers — ideal for banners, vinyl, textiles.
• Flatbed cutters (digital cutters/flatbed finishing tables) — for rigid substrates, precise trimming and kiss‑cut vinyl.

Costs vary widely: a new high‑end roll‑to‑roll printer can range from tens to low hundreds of thousands of pounds; a quality flatbed cutter can be from £20k up to £150k+ depending on size and automation. Used equipment packages are cheaper but may influence lender appetite and terms.

Leasing vs Buying: which suits printing businesses?

Leasing is a very common route for printing equipment because it preserves working capital, spreads costs and can include service packages. Alternatives include hire purchase (HP), chattel mortgage and rental.

• Benefits of leasing
  • Lower upfront cash requirement — helps preserve working capital.
  • Predictable monthly costs — easier budgeting when service contracts are included.
  • Flexible end‑of‑term options (depending on lease type): return, renew or purchase.
• When buying may be better
  • If you plan long‑term ownership and want to maximise capital allowances personally.
  • If the kit is low cost (below typical lender minimums) or you have cash to spare.

Quick comparison (lease vs hire purchase):

• Cashflow: Lease better (lower upfront) — HP usually needs deposit.
• VAT treatment: Varies; often VAT on monthly payments for leases, VAT upfront on HP purchase.
• End outcome: Lease may return equipment — HP typically ends in ownership.

Lease structures you’ll encounter

Printing businesses are offered several structures. Which one suits you depends on whether you want ownership at the end, upgrade flexibility and tax/accounting treatment.

Operating lease (rental)

Shorter terms, often includes service and upgrades. At the end you usually return the equipment or enter a new agreement.

Finance lease / capital lease

Longer term; for accounting purposes it often looks like financing rather than rental. There may be a final residual payment to buy the asset.

Hire purchase (conditional sale)

Typically requires a deposit and fixed payments; ownership transfers after the final payment. Useful if you want to own the kit.

Balloon / residual / lease‑to‑own

Lower monthly payments with a larger final payment if you want to own at the end. Residual values must be realistic for wide‑format kit to avoid surprises.

What lenders check before approving a lease:

• Supplier invoice / equipment specification and age (new vs used).
• Service and warranty arrangements — lenders prefer covered assets.
• Business trading history, accounts and bank statements.
• Value: typical deals start from around £10,000 upwards.

Free Eligibility Check — get matched to lenders/brokers who specialise in printing equipment finance.

Cost drivers & what to expect in terms

Key factors that determine deposit and monthly payments:

• Purchase price: The higher the price, the higher the monthly cost (unless term length increases).
• Term: Typical lease lengths for wide‑format kit are 24–72 months. Longer terms reduce monthly payments but may increase total cost.
• Deposit: Many lenders offer 0% deposit options for strong applicants; otherwise 5–20% is common depending on credit profile.
• Residual/balloon: Choosing a balloon reduces monthly cost but requires a lump sum at end or refinance.
• Credit profile: Company accounts, history, director guarantees and existing facilities influence pricing.
• Service contracts & consumables: Lenders often prefer assets with service contracts — these can be included in finance packages.

Note: lenders set their own rates and will provide tailored quotes. We never promise fixed rates — to get specific figures, submit a short enquiry for matched quotes.

Tax, accounting & compliance considerations

Tax and accounting treatment differs by lease type. Key points to check with your accountant:

• VAT — on some leases VAT is payable on each rental invoice; on HP VAT is often paid up front on the equipment price.
• Capital allowances — purchasing may allow different reliefs than leasing; seek professional advice.
• Balance sheet treatment — operating vs finance lease classification can affect reported liabilities.

Always confirm with your accountant how a lease will sit in your accounts and whether including maintenance consumables on the finance is sensible for tax timing.

Practical checklist to prepare before you apply

Have these ready to speed approvals:

• Supplier quote or pro‑forma invoice showing both flatbed cutter and roll‑to‑roll on same invoice.
• Recent company accounts (latest two years if available) or management accounts.
• Recent bank statements (usually 3 months).
• Business contact details, company registration and VAT number (if applicable).
• Details of any trade‑in equipment (if applicable) and serial numbers for used purchases.
• Service/warranty contracts or details of recommended maintenance providers.

Tip: multiple supplier quotes can help brokers negotiate better terms and residuals with lenders.

Example scenarios

Scenario A — Small print shop adds a second roll‑to‑roll

Value: £45k. Likely structure: 48‑month lease with 5–10% deposit or 0% deposit with slightly higher monthly. Service contract included for printer heads. Outcome: predictable monthly cost and capacity increase within weeks.

Scenario B — Mid‑size sign company buys a flatbed cutter + roll‑to‑roll as a package

Value: £150k. Likely structure: package finance across both units on one agreement; options for a balloon/residual to lower monthly payments. Broker negotiates inclusion of installation and training in the package.

Scenario C — Limited credit history or weaker trading

Lenders may ask for a larger deposit or shorter term. Specialist lenders or brokers can source options — including stepped payments or higher residuals to reduce monthly cost. A matched broker can present the best fit.

How UK Business Loans can help: we match you to lenders or brokers experienced in printing equipment who know which structures work best for these scenarios.

How UK Business Loans helps

We are an introducer that connects printing businesses with specialist lenders and brokers — we do not lend directly. Our free enquiry forms collect only enough information to match you to partners who specialise in equipment finance for printers (minimum deals typically from £10,000 upwards).

Once you submit a short form, our partners will contact you with tailored quotes. Submitting an enquiry is not an application — initial matching does not affect your credit score. Ready to start? Get Quote Now (2‑minute form).

For more industry‑specific information, see our wider hub on printing business loans.

Common risks and pitfalls to avoid

• Underestimating consumables and maintenance costs (inks, replacement heads, substrates).
• Hidden fees or administration charges — check early‑redemption and early‑termination terms.
• Being locked into obsolete technology — negotiate upgrade options or shorter terms if you expect rapid change.
• Insufficient service/support — confirm SLA, response times and whether service is included or optional.

Read the lease terms carefully and, if needed, ask a broker to negotiate clearer end‑of‑term options and breakdown of total cost.

Frequently asked questions

Can I lease both the flatbed cutter and roll‑to‑roll on one agreement?

Yes. Many lenders will finance a package on a single lease if both items appear on the same supplier invoice — this can simplify administration and sometimes improve pricing.

Do I need a deposit?

Deposits vary: some lenders offer 0% deposit for strong applicants; typical ranges are 0–20% depending on asset age and credit profile.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting a short enquiry here to be matched does not affect your credit. Lenders may carry out credit or affordability checks later if you apply formally.

Can I include service contracts or consumables in the lease?

Yes — many lenders allow you to finance service contracts and, sometimes, consumable bundles so you can spread cost and keep running costs predictable.

What happens at lease end?

Options depend on lease type: return the equipment (operating lease), pay the residual to take ownership, or refinance/replace the equipment. Check your agreement for the exact choices.

Can businesses with limited trading history get leasing?

Possibly. Some specialist lenders will consider shorter trading histories but may ask for higher deposits, director guarantees or alternative security. A broker can present the best options for your situation.

Next steps / Get a quote

To explore leasing options for your flatbed cutter and roll‑to‑roll printer, complete our short enquiry — it takes around 2 minutes. We’ll match you to lenders and brokers who specialise in printing equipment finance so you can receive tailored quotes quickly. Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend and do not provide regulated financial advice. Your enquiry is used to match you with suitable lenders or brokers; any funding offers are subject to lender terms, credit and affordability checks.

About the author

Content by UK Business Loans — Industry Funding Specialist. We work with lenders and brokers experienced in equipment and asset finance for the printing and signage sector to help businesses find practical funding solutions.