Can I get quick funding for presses and packaging materials?

Short answer: often, yes. Many printers and packagers can secure same‑day to week‑long funding depending on the need and product. The fastest routes are invoice finance and working capital facilities for materials, and some asset finance or leasing products for smaller equipment. Larger new or used presses (especially web offset or high‑value specialist machines) normally require valuations and paperwork, so expect a timeline of several days to a few weeks.

Key determinants of speed are the amount required, the type of finance, the condition/value of the asset, and the quality of your supporting documents. To see if you’re eligible and get matched quickly with lenders, complete a short enquiry: Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Common finance options for printing & packaging businesses

Asset finance (hire purchase, secured loans)

How it works: lenders fund the purchase of the press and take the machine as security. Hire purchase (HP) spreads the cost over an agreed term and typically transfers ownership once the final payment is made. Secured loans can also offer fixed terms.

Speed: specialist asset finance applications that are well-documented can be approved within 24–72 hours, with funding in a few working days. Complex or high-value deals may take 1–3 weeks.

Typical uses: new digital presses, finishing lines, automated packaging systems. Many lenders will include delivery, installation and warranty costs in the finance.

Equipment hire purchase & leasing

Leasing keeps the equipment off your balance sheet (operational lease) while HP leads to ownership. Operational leases can be flexible for short-term needs; HP is used where ownership is desired.

Invoice finance / factoring

Release cash tied up in invoices to buy materials or fund production runs. This can be very fast — often same day to 72 hours — if your invoices meet the funder’s criteria and checks are in place.

Short‑term business loans and bridging finance

Unsecured short‑term loans can be quick for modest amounts, but rates are higher. Secured bridging finance may work for time‑sensitive purchases, with funding in days for well-prepared applications.

Overdrafts & business credit cards

Good for urgent, smaller purchases (materials, consumables). Fast to access if you already have facilities in place; new overdrafts require bank assessment which can take longer.

Merchant cash advance / revenue-based finance

Rapid access based on card sales or credit turnover. Speed is high (often within 24–48 hours) but costs and repayment structure can be expensive and variable.

Green / sustainability funding & grants

If you’re investing in energy-efficient presses or sustainable packaging lines, there may be low-rate specialist loans or grants available. These can take longer to secure but may offer favourable terms.

What determines how quick funding can be?

• Amount & complexity: smaller sums move faster than six‑figure presses.
• Credit and trading history: established businesses with healthy turnover and clean bank statements get quicker decisions.
• Asset condition and valuation: lenders need to know the make, model, age and resale value of presses—used equipment often needs inspection or valuation reports.
• Documentation: having bank statements, management accounts, VAT returns and supplier quotes ready speeds approval.
• Lender type: specialist equipment lenders and brokers experienced in print/packaging are often faster than generalist banks.

Tip: prepare a single PDF with your latest 3–6 months’ bank statements, recent management accounts, company registration details and supplier quote to speed the process. When you’re ready, Start your free eligibility check.

Typical timelines and example scenarios

• Small materials purchase (£1k–£25k): card, overdraft or short-term loan — 24–72 hours if approvals are in place.
• New small digital press (£25k–£150k): asset finance — 48 hours to 7 days for decision and funding (with good documents).
• Large web offset press (£150k–£1M+): specialist equipment finance — 1–4 weeks (valuation, vendor invoices and delivery scheduling add time).
• Seasonal working capital via invoice finance: same day to 72 hours once facility set up.

Note: turnaround improves substantially when you use a broker or introducer that already matches print/packaging businesses to specialist lenders — you often get multiple quotes within hours.

How to choose the right funding for presses & materials

Deciding the correct route depends on whether you want ownership, the speed you need funds, and the total cost. Use this checklist when comparing offers:

• Can the funder cover the full purchase price including delivery and installation?
• Will you own the asset at the end (HP) or return it (lease)?
• What are all fees (arrangement, late payment, early repayment)? Ask for APR and total repayable amount.
• Does the lender pay the supplier directly or will you receive funds?
• Is there a requirement for personal guarantees or cross-company security?

Quick comparison — pros & cons

• Asset finance: Pros — preserves cash, spreads cost, ownership options; Cons — secured against asset, paperwork for valuation.
• Invoice finance: Pros — fast liquidity from sales; Cons — fees and ongoing charges, requires qualifying invoices.
• Merchant cash advance: Pros — speed; Cons — high cost and flexible (sometimes unpredictable) repayments.

Compare tailored offers quickly by submitting details: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

How UK Business Loans helps

UK Business Loans does not lend money. We connect limited companies seeking finance (typically from around £10,000) with specialist lenders and brokers who understand printing and packaging. Our service is free and no obligation — a short enquiry lets us match you with partners who can give fast, competitive quotes.

Process in brief:

1. Complete a short enquiry form (takes around 2 minutes).
2. We match you to lenders/brokers with relevant experience in printing & packaging.
3. You receive contact and offers to compare — you choose whether to proceed.

If you want to explore options quickly, Start Your Free Eligibility Check. For general guidance on different loan types we also cover comprehensive business loans available to UK companies.

What you need to apply

Having these ready will speed a decision:

• Company name and registration number
• Director(s) details and contact information
• Latest 3–6 months business bank statements
• Recent management accounts and/or VAT returns
• Supplier quote or invoice for the press/equipment
• Details of existing finance or charges on the business

When you submit these via the enquiry form it helps lenders provide rapid, accurate offers: Upload documents & Get Started.

Risks, costs and regulatory notes

Costs vary widely — interest rates, arrangement fees, early repayment penalties and VAT treatment all affect total cost. High‑speed products (merchant cash advances, short-term loans) can be expensive; always ask for APR and total repayable amount.

We introduce you to lenders and brokers who can provide detailed terms. UK Business Loans does not provide regulated financial advice — we help you find potential providers and facilitate contact so you can compare offers and choose what suits your business best.

FAQs

Can I get same‑day funding for a press?

Same‑day funding is possible for small purchases, materials or unlocking invoice cash. Purchasing a large press usually takes days to weeks because of valuations, vendor invoices and logistics.

Do lenders accept used presses?

Yes. Many asset finance providers will fund used equipment, but the age, condition, make/model and resale value impact terms and deposit requirements.

Will applying through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry to UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks if you choose to proceed with an offer.

How much deposit is usually required?

Deposits range from 0% (for some new equipment deals) up to 10–30% for older equipment or higher‑risk cases. Exact requirements depend on lender and asset valuation.

Are there options for eco‑friendly upgrades?

Yes — sustainability loans, green finance programmes and some grants support energy-saving presses and packaging lines. These options can offer better rates but may require application lead time.

Next steps — get a fast, free quote

Ready to find fast finance for a press, finishing line or materials? Complete our short, no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll match you with specialist lenders and brokers: Get a Free Eligibility Check. You’ll typically hear back quickly with options to compare.

By submitting an enquiry you consent to your details being shared with selected finance partners so they can provide quotes. We are an introducer and do not provide regulated financial advice.

About the author & About UK Business Loans

Content Team, UK Business Loans — experienced in commercial finance introductions for UK SMEs, with a focus on making equipment and working capital funding faster to access.

UK Business Loans connects UK limited companies to trusted lenders and brokers who specialise in business finance, asset finance and invoice finance. Our service is free and designed to save you time and help you compare suitable offers quickly.