Quick answer & common finance routes

Yes — pubs can finance vehicles for deliveries and mobile events. The most common routes are:

• Hire Purchase (HP) / Asset Finance — buy the vehicle over time and usually take ownership at the end of the term.
• Operating Lease / Contract Hire — rental style with no ownership, often including maintenance packages.
• Chattel mortgage / commercial vehicle finance — ideal for converted or high‑value custom units.
• Business loans or secured lending — for when you prefer to finance outside of the vehicle as a tradeable asset.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Who this is for

This guidance is aimed at limited companies and incorporated pub operators looking to add or replace delivery vans, refrigerated vehicles or launch mobile hospitality units for events and festivals. Typical users include pub owners, licensees, microbrewers operating a taproom fleet, and event operators expanding with mobile bars or trailers. For broader industry funding options see our pubs business loans page: pubs business loans.

Common vehicle types and mobile units for pubs

Vehicles used by pubs fall into two broad groups: operational delivery vehicles and mobile hospitality units.

• Delivery & trade vans — small vans, LCVs, refrigerated vans for beer and food deliveries.
• Converted vans & horseboxes — branded trade conversions for promotional work or pop‑ups.
• Mobile bars & trailers — festival trailers, tow‑behind bars, standalone mobile units.
• Food truck style vehicles — if your pub runs catering at events.
• Promotional vehicles — wrapped vans for marketing and stock deliveries.

Typical values: used vans often £6,000–£25,000; conversions and mobile units commonly £10,000–£80,000+ depending on build quality and bespoke fit‑outs. Image suggestion: Mobile bar trailer at festival — example mobile event unit.

Typical finance options explained

Asset finance / Hire Purchase (HP)

How it works: you pay a deposit (commonly 0–25%) and repay monthly over an agreed term (often 1–5 years). Ownership usually transfers once the final payment is made. Pros: straightforward, fixed payments, VAT can often be reclaimed by VAT‑registered businesses on commercial vehicles. Cons: asset is security until paid off; early settlement fees may apply.

Operating lease / Contract hire

How it works: you rent the vehicle for an agreed period. At the end you return it. Pros: lower upfront cost, predictable payments, optional maintenance packages. Cons: you do not own the vehicle; contracts often include mileage limits and end‑of‑term condition clauses.

Business loans (unsecured/secured)

How it works: a business loan provides a lump sum to buy the vehicle outright. Pros: flexible use of funds; no lender restraints tied to the vehicle. Cons: may require security, higher credit criteria, interest rates depend on profile and loan type.

Chattel mortgage & commercial vehicle finance

How it works: lender takes a charge over the vehicle while you own it. Suited to higher‑value bespoke conversions (mobile bars, festival trailers). Pros: structured for vehicles and conversions; can cover conversion costs. Cons: documentation and security requirements can be more complex.

Leasing with maintenance & insurance packages

Many operators add service, maintenance and insurance to contracts for a single monthly payment — useful for intensive event use. Always compare what is included and any mileage or wear‑and‑tear clauses.

Specialist lenders & brokers

Specialist vehicle and asset lenders understand hospitality use cases and conversions. Brokers can source competitive, tailored deals — especially useful for pubs needing bespoke conversion finance or where credit profiles are non‑standard.

Typical deposit & term ranges (indicative): deposit 0–25%+, terms 2–7 years depending on lender and asset. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Eligibility — what lenders look for

Lenders assess the business and the asset. Common criteria include:

• Business age and structure (limited companies generally straightforward).
• Turnover and trading history — lenders typically prefer established businesses but specialist options exist for newer operators.
• Profitability and cash flow — evidence through accounts and bank statements.
• Director personal credit — many lenders check personal credit and may request a guarantee.
• Vehicle type, age and mileage — used vehicles may attract different rates and maximum ages.
• Existing security on assets — lenders look at prior charges on company assets.

For start‑ups or weaker credit: expect higher deposits, specialist brokers or short‑term leases to be options. Documents typically requested: company accounts, recent bank statements, proof of trading, vehicle quote or invoice and ID for directors.

Important: submitting an enquiry to UK Business Loans is a free, no‑obligation way to check eligibility and does not itself affect your credit score — lenders will carry out any formal checks later in the process.

Cost factors & example scenarios

Rates and monthly payments depend on:

• Term length and deposit size — longer terms reduce monthly payments but can cost more overall.
• Credit profile of the business and directors.
• Vehicle value, condition and expected residual value.
• Whether the asset is bespoke (custom mobile bar conversions often carry higher rates).
• Included services (maintenance, insurance, breakdown cover).

Example A — Delivery van

Used refrigerated van value: £12,000. Hire Purchase over 4 years with a 10% deposit (£1,200). Indicative monthly repayment: roughly £260–£320. (Illustrative only — actual offers vary).

Example B — Mobile bar trailer conversion

Conversion + trailer cost: £40,000. Asset finance over 5 years with a larger deposit or secured arrangement; indicative monthly cost could be in the £700–£900 range depending on deposit and credit. (Illustrative only).

Figures are illustrative and for planning only. Final rates, fees and any required security are set by the lender and depend on individual checks.

Pros and cons for pub owners

Benefits

• Preserve cash and working capital — spread the cost of vehicles and conversions.
• Access higher‑quality builds and conversions you may not afford upfront.
• Flexible options — lease if you don’t want ownership, HP if you do.
• Possible VAT recovery for VAT‑registered businesses on qualifying commercial vehicles and conversions (seek specialist tax advice).

Risks & considerations

• Contractual obligations — mileage limits, wear and tear and early termination charges on leases.
• Potential for personal guarantees or director-level security with some lenders.
• Running costs — insurance, maintenance and event wear may be higher for heavy festival use.

How UK Business Loans helps

UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects pub operators with lenders and brokers who specialise in vehicle and asset finance. Our process is simple:

1. Complete a short enquiry (takes ~2 minutes).
2. We match your request to lenders/brokers suited to pub vehicle financing.
3. Receive free eligibility feedback and multiple quotes — no obligation.
4. Choose the quote and work directly with the lender or broker to complete the deal.

We don’t lend money or provide regulated financial advice; we introduce you to finance partners who make the lending decisions. Typical minimum deals we arrange start from around £10,000 and go upwards.

Start Your Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check

Step‑by‑step: applying for pub vehicle finance

1. Prepare documents: company accounts (or management accounts), bank statements (3–6 months), ID for directors, vehicle quote/invoice and proof of address.
2. Complete our enquiry: business name, contact, years trading, turnover band, amount required, and purpose (delivery / mobile bar / conversion).
3. We match you: brokers or lenders contact you (usually within hours to 48 hours) to discuss terms and supporting information.
4. Compare and decide: review quotes, check inclusions (maintenance, insurance, VAT treatment), sign the chosen agreement and arrange delivery.

Tip: get multiple quotes, confirm maintenance and mileage limits on leases, and check for early settlement fees. Get Quote Now

FAQs

Is financing available for second‑hand vans and conversions?

Yes. Many lenders will finance used vans and refurbished units, subject to vehicle age, condition and lender policy. Specialist lenders often price used trade vehicles competitively.

Can I finance only the conversion (mobile bar) rather than the vehicle?

Sometimes. Some asset finance deals can include the conversion as part of the asset value. Alternatively, equipment finance can cover the fit‑out while vehicle finance covers the chassis. Discuss with a broker to structure the best split.

Will applying affect my business credit score?

Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later during formal application which can affect scores — you’ll be notified beforehand.

Do I need to provide a personal guarantee?

Some lenders may request a personal guarantee or director security, particularly for larger bespoke units or where the business credit profile is limited. Specialist brokers can seek options that limit or avoid guarantees where possible.

Can I reclaim VAT on a vehicle or conversion?

VAT rules depend on vehicle type and business use. Commercial vehicles and VAT‑registered businesses may be able to reclaim VAT on purchase or finance payments. Check GOV.UK guidance and seek your accountant’s advice: GOV.UK — VAT on vehicles.

How quickly can I get a quote or approval?

After enquiry, many brokers contact applicants within a few hours to 48 hours. Formal approval and funding timing vary by lender and whether vehicle stock is ready — finance offers can often be completed within days to a couple of weeks.

Ready to finance a delivery van or mobile event unit?

If you want a quick, no‑obligation check on eligibility and tailored quotes from lenders and brokers that understand pubs and mobile hospitality, start your enquiry now. It’s free, confidential and won’t affect your credit score.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Any finance arrangement is between you and the lender; terms and eligibility will vary.