What is asset finance?

Asset finance allows your business to acquire or refinance equipment, vehicles and machinery by spreading the cost over time. Instead of paying upfront, you make predictable monthly payments that align with your cash flow. It’s widely used across construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, retail, agriculture and more.

Common asset finance options

• Hire Purchase (HP): Spread the cost with fixed payments and typically own the asset at the end, subject to any option-to-purchase fee.
• Finance Lease: Use the asset for an agreed term; the funder retains ownership. End-of-term options may include continued rental or sale-and-share arrangements.
• Operating Lease: Pay to use the asset for a shorter portion of its life; rentals are typically lower; return the asset at term end.
• Asset Refinance: Release cash tied up in owned equipment or vehicles by refinancing them.
• Balloon/Final Payment Structures: Reduce monthly payments by agreeing a larger final payment (common in vehicle finance).
• VAT Deferral/Seasonal Profiles: Some funders offer VAT deferral on HP and flexible payment structures for seasonal trading (availability varies by lender and status).

Why choose UK Business Loans for asset finance?

• Fast matching: Complete a quick enquiry and we’ll connect you with relevant UK lenders and brokers who can move quickly.
• Broad coverage: Partners for vehicles, plant and machinery, IT, medical, printing, catering, renewables, and more.
• Free to use: Our service is free for UK businesses and there’s no obligation to accept any offer.
• Clear role: We are not a lender and we do not provide financial advice. We act as an introducer and help you compare options.
• Sector know‑how: Get connected to specialists who understand your industry and asset type.

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Assets we commonly help finance

How our process works (simple, fast, no pressure)

1. Send a quick enquiry: Tell us about your business and the asset(s) you want to fund. Takes less than two minutes.
2. We match you: We connect you with selected UK brokers/lenders suited to your sector, asset type and requirements.
3. Get a rapid response: Expect a call or email, often within hours, to discuss options and indicative terms.
4. Compare and choose: Review quotes and structures with no obligation to proceed.
5. Fund and move forward: Your chosen partner completes checks and paperwork to secure the asset finance.

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Who asset finance can help

• New and established limited companies planning equipment purchases
• SMEs replacing older kit or expanding capacity
• Firms aiming to preserve cash flow while upgrading assets
• Seasonal businesses seeking tailored payment profiles
• Companies investing in sustainability upgrades (e.g., solar, EV chargers)
• Businesses looking to refinance existing assets to release capital

Eligibility: what lenders often look for

• Business type: Limited companies, LLPs and partnerships are commonly supported.
• Trading history: Start-ups may be considered by some funders; others prefer 12–36 months’ trading (varies by lender and asset).
• Credit profile: Options exist across a range of credit histories; pricing and deposit requirements may vary.
• Asset details: Age, condition, supplier and expected residual value.
• Deposit: Some deals proceed with low or zero deposit; others may require a contribution (status and asset dependent).
• Affordability: Turnover, margins and cash flow projections to support repayments.
• Typical facility sizes: Introductions commonly start from around £10,000 and can extend to multi‑million facilities, depending on the asset and your business.

What will it cost?

Your monthly payment and overall cost depend on:

• Finance type (HP, finance lease, operating lease, refinance)
• Asset type, age and value
• Deposit size and any balloon/final payment
• Term length (e.g., 12–84 months; varies by lender and asset)
• Your business profile and credit history
• Any optional services (e.g., maintenance or insurance if offered by the provider)

Important: Rates and terms vary by lender and your circumstances. Any quote you receive from a broker or lender will outline key costs and terms so you can compare clearly. We do not lend or provide financial advice. Finance is subject to status and affordability. 18+ UK businesses only. Terms and conditions apply.

Example uses of asset finance

• Construction firm upgrades excavators and access equipment to win larger contracts
• Manufacturer invests in CNC machinery to increase throughput
• Logistics company adds refrigerated vans to expand delivery capability
• Healthcare provider funds new imaging equipment to broaden services
• Restaurant group fits out a new kitchen and EPOS to launch a second site
• Warehouse installs solar plus battery storage to reduce energy costs

Documents you may be asked for

• Basic business details (registered name, company number, address)
• Director/owner information and ID verification
• Latest accounts and/or recent management information
• Bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
• Asset quotation/invoice from supplier
• Details of existing finance (if refinancing)

Speed: how quickly can you get asset finance?

• Initial match and introductions: Often same business day
• Indicative terms: Many partners respond within hours once they have key details
• Full approval and payout: Varies by asset type and complexity; straightforward cases can often complete within a few business days once documents and checks are finalised

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HP vs leasing vs refinance: quick overview

Hire Purchase (HP)

• Ownership: Typically own the asset after final payment and any option-to-purchase fee
• Common for: Vehicles, plant, machinery
• VAT: HP often requires VAT upfront; some lenders offer VAT deferral (confirm with your accountant)

Finance Lease

• Ownership: Funder owns the asset; you pay rentals for use
• End-of-term: Options can include secondary rentals or sale-and-share (varies by lender)
• Common for: Technology, vehicles, equipment with predictable residual values

Operating Lease

• Ownership: Funder retains ownership
• Term: Shorter than the asset’s full economic life; lower monthly rentals
• End-of-term: Return the asset or agree a new arrangement

Asset Refinance

• Purpose: Release working capital from owned assets
• How it works: Lender advances funds secured against the asset; you repay over an agreed term

Tax and accounting: Tax treatment varies by product type and your circumstances. Always seek advice from a qualified accountant before proceeding.

Compliance and transparency

• We are an introducer, not a lender, and we do not provide financial advice.
• Your initial enquiry with UK Business Loans does not itself perform a credit check. If you choose to proceed, a broker or lender may conduct credit checks with your consent.
• We aim to ensure all promotions are clear, fair and not misleading.
• Finance is subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply. 18+ UK businesses only.

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Industries we support (examples)

• Construction and trades
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Logistics and transport
• Healthcare, dental and care providers
• Hospitality, pubs and restaurants
• Retail and e‑commerce
• Agriculture and farming
• Sustainability and renewables

Related finance we can connect you with

• Vehicle Finance (cars, vans, fleets)
• Equipment Finance
• Invoice Finance
• Cashflow Loans
• Fit-Out Finance
• Sustainability Loans (solar, battery, EV chargers)

FAQ: Asset Finance UK

Is there a deposit required?

Some funders offer low or zero‑deposit options, depending on your profile, the asset and product type. Your matched broker or lender will confirm what’s available.

Can I finance VAT?

For HP, the full VAT is often due upfront, though some lenders offer VAT deferral. Leases typically charge VAT on each rental. Confirm details with your lender and accountant.

Will an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting your details to UK Business Loans does not itself perform a credit check. If you proceed with a broker or lender, they may conduct credit checks with your permission.

Can start‑ups get asset finance?

Yes. Many partners can support newly incorporated businesses for essential assets. Expect closer review of plans, projections and deposit requirements.

What assets can be financed?

Vehicles, plant, machinery, technology, medical equipment, printing/packaging, catering equipment, and renewables (e.g., solar, battery, EV chargers).

What’s the difference between HP and a finance lease?

HP typically leads to ownership at the end of the term. With a finance lease, the funder owns the asset and you pay rentals for use; end‑of‑term options vary by lender.

Can I settle early?

Many agreements allow early settlement; fees or interest adjustments may apply. Your lender will outline terms in your agreement.

Can I refinance existing equipment?

Yes. Asset refinance can release cash from owned assets; you repay the new agreement over an agreed term.

Do you arrange operating leases?

Yes. Where appropriate and subject to lender appetite and asset type, operating leases may be available.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Indicative terms can often be shared within hours once key details are provided. Full approvals depend on asset type, documentation and checks.

What amounts and terms are available?

Introductions commonly start from around £10,000 up to multi‑million facilities, subject to the asset and your business. Terms often range from 12 to 84 months (varies by lender).

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Ready to compare asset finance options?

Tell us what you need and we’ll connect you with a relevant lender or broker who can provide a no‑obligation quote by phone or email. It’s quick, simple and free to check your eligibility.

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