Equipment Finance for UK Businesses

Upgrade your kit without draining your cash flow. UK Business Loans connects limited companies, LLPs and established SMEs across the UK with suitable brokers and lenders for equipment finance — including hire purchase, finance leasing, operating leases and asset refinance. One fast enquiry, relevant introductions, no obligation to proceed.

• Free eligibility check
• No obligation to proceed
• Quick responses from UK-based finance partners

Get Quote Now – Free Eligibility Check

What is Equipment Finance?

Equipment finance helps your business acquire the machinery, vehicles, tools and technology it needs by spreading the cost over time. It can include “hard” assets (plant, construction equipment, vehicles) and many “soft” assets (IT, software bundles, catering and medical equipment), subject to each lender’s criteria.

Common structures include:

• Hire Purchase (HP): Fixed monthly repayments. You typically own the asset at the end after paying an option-to-purchase fee. VAT is usually payable upfront (some lenders offer solutions to help with timing).
• Finance Lease: Rent the asset for an agreed term with fixed rentals. At the end, you may keep leasing, return the asset, or (in some cases) share in sale proceeds per the agreement.
• Operating Lease: Shorter terms where the lessor expects residual value. Rentals are typically lower than a finance lease; you don’t usually pay the full asset cost over the term.
• Asset Refinance (Sale & HP/Leaseback): Release cash tied up in existing assets by selling them to a finance provider and financing them back.
• Vendor/Dealer Finance: Seamless checkout with your equipment supplier via a finance partner; often enables faster processing.

Start Your Enquiry – Takes 2 Minutes

How Equipment Finance Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Tell us about your business and the equipment you need
   Share basic company details, estimated asset cost, supplier (if known), and preferred structure (HP, lease, etc.).
2. We match you with specialist partners
   We introduce you to relevant brokers/lenders that understand your sector and asset type.
3. Receive fast, no-obligation quotes
   Expect phone/email contact, often within hours, to run through options and indicative terms.
4. Compare and choose
   Review repayments, terms and any fees. There’s no obligation to proceed.
5. Documentation and payout
   If you proceed, checks are completed, documents issued, and the supplier is paid (or you, for refinance). You receive or retain the asset.

Credit note: Your initial enquiry with us will not affect your credit score. Lenders may run credit and affordability checks if you choose to proceed.

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Why Use UK Business Loans for Equipment Finance?

• Fast access to relevant partners: One short form connects you to brokers and lenders already financing your type of equipment.
• UK-wide network: Introductions to reputable, UK-based finance professionals.
• Free and no obligation: Using our service is free for UK businesses; proceed only if you’re happy.
• Sector expertise: Construction, healthcare, catering, logistics, manufacturing, IT, retail, hospitality, agriculture and more.
• Secure and confidential: Your details are shared only with suitable partners for your enquiry.

Equipment We Help Finance

Examples (subject to each lender’s criteria):

• Construction and plant: excavators, diggers, telehandlers, access platforms, generators
• Manufacturing and engineering: CNC machines, presses, lathes, robotics, production lines
• Logistics and warehousing: forklifts, racking, conveyors, telematics
• Hospitality and catering: ovens, refrigeration, coffee machines, kitchen fit-outs
• Healthcare and care: diagnostic devices, dental chairs, care home equipment
• IT and technology: servers, laptops, EPOS, networking, software bundles
• Retail: shopfitting, signage, counters, display units
• Agriculture: tractors, sprayers, milking systems, handling equipment
• Printing and packaging: digital presses, guillotines, finishing equipment

Don’t see your item listed? Ask us — many specialist lenders fund niche and soft assets.

Free Eligibility Check – See If Your Equipment Qualifies

Typical Terms, Amounts and Costs

Indicative only; subject to status and assessment. This is not an offer or quote.

• Amounts: around £10,000 to £5,000,000+
• Terms: usually 1–7 years (shorter for rapidly depreciating or software-only assets)
• Repayments: fixed monthly or quarterly; seasonal profiles sometimes available
• Deposits: from c. 0–20% on HP; leases may require 1–3 rentals upfront
• VAT: on HP, VAT is typically due at outset (some providers offer VAT-timing solutions). On leases, VAT is generally spread across rentals
• Fees: documentation, option-to-purchase and/or administration fees may apply
• Security: the asset often acts as primary security; personal guarantees may be requested; additional security may be required
• Early settlement: usually allowed; settlement figures/charges vary by lender

Risk warning: Missing payments can result in asset repossession, additional charges and may affect your credit rating.

Hire Purchase vs Finance Lease vs Operating Lease vs Refinance

Hire Purchase (HP)

• Ownership at term end (after option fee)
• Fixed repayments and predictable budgeting
• Often used for vehicles, plant and machinery

Finance Lease

• Rent the asset; no automatic ownership
• Rentals typically deductible as an expense (seek accounting advice)
• Flexibility at end (continue, return or share sale proceeds where applicable)

Operating Lease

• Shorter terms with lower rentals due to residual value
• Align costs with usage or upgrade cycles

Asset Refinance

• Unlock cash from existing assets
• Restructure, consolidate or extend terms to improve cash flow

Which is best? If ownership matters and you want predictable costs, HP is often preferred. If you prioritise flexibility or lower rentals, lease options can help. If you need working capital and already own assets, refinance may be suitable. We do not provide financial advice — speak to your accountant about tax and accounting treatment.

Get Quote Now – Compare HP vs Lease Options

Who We Help

• Limited companies (including start-ups and young companies)
• LLPs and PLCs
• Established SMEs and multi-site operators
• Businesses with imperfect credit histories (specialist lenders may be available)

Common sectors: construction, engineering, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, transport & logistics, retail/e-commerce, agriculture, printing & packaging, technology and more.

What Lenders Look For

• Affordability: can your cash flow support repayments?
• Trading profile: time in business, management experience
• Financials: bank statements and accounts; projections for newer companies
• Asset quality: new/used, supplier reputation, resale value
• Credit profile: company and, where applicable, directors
• Purpose and benefit: how the asset supports growth or operational efficiency

Documents You May Need

• Basic: photo ID and proof of address (directors/partners), business bank statements (3–6 months)
• Financials: management or filed accounts; projections for newer businesses
• Asset details: supplier quote, specification/serial numbers, age/condition for used items
• Additional: proof of insurance; existing agreements for refinance cases

Start-Ups and Credit Challenges — Can You Still Get Equipment Finance?

• Start-ups: many partners support new companies, particularly where there’s relevant sector experience, a viable plan and strong supplier support
• Adverse credit: some specialists will consider imperfect credit with additional checks, security or higher deposits
• Entry-level tickets: finance is commonly available from around £10,000

Every case is unique. Submit a quick enquiry and we’ll match you with partners most likely to help.

Free Eligibility Check – No Impact on Your Credit Score

Costs, Fees and Transparency

• We are an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice.
• Using our service is free for UK businesses. If you proceed with a broker/lender we introduce, we may receive a commission.
• Rates, fees, terms and eligibility are set by lenders.
• Quotes are illustrative until formal approval.
• Always review documentation for fees (documentation, option, late payment, termination, early settlement).

Timeline — How Fast Can It Happen?

• Same day to 48 hours: many small-to-mid ticket decisions
• 3–7 working days: common for standard HP/lease with complete documents
• Longer: complex assets, high values, refinance or bespoke structures

Most delays stem from missing information or supplier/asset checks. Responding promptly helps speed things up.

Get Started – Speak to a Specialist Lender Today

Example Repayment Illustration (Not an Offer)

Illustration only. Final terms depend on the lender’s assessment.

• Asset cost: £60,000 + VAT
• Structure: Hire Purchase over 5 years
• Deposit: 10% (£6,000)
• VAT: payable upfront (some providers may offer VAT-timing solutions)
• Estimated monthly: depends on APR and fees; repayments on HP are fixed

This is not a quotation. Request a personalised illustration for accurate figures.

Related Finance Options You Can Compare

• Asset Finance (broader category including vehicles)
• Vehicle Finance and Fleet
• Business Loans and Working Capital
• Invoice Finance
• Fit-Out Finance

If one of these suits your needs better, mention it in your enquiry.

Compliance and Important Information

• UK Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide financial advice.
• We act solely as an introducer, connecting UK businesses with brokers and lenders.
• Your enquiry with UK Business Loans will not affect your credit score. Credit searches may be performed by lenders if you proceed.
• All finance is subject to status, affordability and terms and conditions. Security may be required. The asset may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments.
• For business use only. Seek independent financial, legal and tax advice if you’re unsure.
• We aim for information that is clear, fair and not misleading in line with industry expectations and advertising standards.

Get Quote Now – Free Eligibility Check

FAQs – Equipment Finance UK

Can I finance used equipment?
Yes, many lenders finance used assets, subject to age, condition, provenance and resale value.

Do I need a supplier before applying?
It helps, but it’s not essential. You can get pre-qualified while you choose a supplier; a formal supplier quote is usually required before payout.

What’s the minimum and maximum I can finance?
Indicatively from around £10,000 up to £5 million+ depending on asset type and business profile.

Can software, installation and training be included?
Often yes under leases and some HP agreements, but treatment varies by provider. Share full details in your enquiry.

Do I need a deposit?
HP commonly requires deposits (e.g., 0–20%). Leases typically require initial rentals. Requirements vary by lender and profile.

How quickly can I get a decision?
Standard cases can receive indicative terms the same day. Complex or higher-value cases may take longer.

Will I own the asset?
With HP you typically own it after the option-to-purchase fee. With leases you pay to use the asset and don’t automatically own it.

What about VAT?
On HP, VAT is normally payable upfront (some solutions may help with timing). On leases, VAT is charged on each rental. Confirm specifics with your accountant.

Are personal guarantees required?
PGs are common in some circumstances (e.g., younger companies or higher-risk cases) but are not always mandatory.

Can I settle early or upgrade?
Early settlement is usually possible; charges and settlement figures vary by lender. Some leases allow mid-term swaps or upgrades.

Start Your Enquiry – Match with Specialist Lenders

This page is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Always assess suitability and seek independent advice where required. Last updated: October 2025.

1) What is UK Business Loans and are you a lender?
Answer: UK Business Loans is not a lender or adviser; we provide a free, no-obligation service that connects UK businesses with FCA-regulated lenders and brokers suited to their needs.

2) How do I apply for a UK business loan online with you?
Answer: Complete our quick 2-minute enquiry form and we’ll instantly match you with relevant UK lenders and brokers who contact you to discuss options.

3) Can I compare UK business finance deals from multiple lenders?
Answer: Yes, you can review and compare offers, rates and terms from several trusted partners before choosing—there’s no obligation to proceed.

4) How fast could I get a decision and funding?
Answer: You’ll usually hear back within hours of enquiring, and depending on the product, funding can be arranged in a few days.

5) What loan amounts and types of finance can I access?
Answer: Our partners offer £5,000 to £5m+ across unsecured and secured business loans, cashflow loans, asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, vehicle and fit-out finance, refinance options and sustainability/green loans.

6) Do you help start-ups, small businesses and sole traders?
Answer: Yes, many of our FCA-regulated partners specialise in start-ups, SMEs and sole traders across the UK.

7) Can I apply if my business has bad credit or limited trading history?
Answer: Yes, some lenders in our network consider applications from businesses with imperfect credit or shorter trading histories.

8) Will submitting an online enquiry affect my credit score?
Answer: No—your enquiry with us won’t impact your credit score; checks are only performed if you proceed with a lender.

9) Is my data secure and are your partners regulated?
Answer: We only share your details securely with relevant, FCA-regulated brokers and lenders who treat customers fairly.

10) Which industries do you support for UK business loans?
Answer: We support a wide range including construction, hospitality, retail and e-commerce, manufacturing and engineering, logistics and transport, healthcare, agriculture, professional services and renewables.