Quick answer

Yes — start‑ups structured as Limited companies (Ltd) or Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) can often access asset finance via UK Business Loans. Eligibility varies by lender and product: some lenders will consider companies with under 12 months’ trading while others prefer 12–24 months. Factors that matter most are the asset being financed, its age and resale value, director credit profiles and evidence of future contracts or revenue. We match your enquiry to the best lenders and brokers for your situation so you get focused, relevant quotes — Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

What is asset finance?

Asset finance lets businesses acquire equipment, vehicles, machinery, IT or other tangible assets without paying the whole purchase price up front. It’s commonly used to conserve working capital, spread costs or upgrade kit quickly. Typical structures include hire purchase (HP), finance leases, operating leases and asset refinance. Start‑ups use asset finance to match repayments to contract income, fast‑track delivery on projects and preserve cash for day‑to‑day operations.

Can Ltd or LLP start‑ups get asset finance? (Detailed eligibility)

Short answer: often yes — but eligibility is decided case-by-case. Below are the practical criteria lenders and brokers consider for start‑ups.

Typical lender criteria for start‑ups

• Trading history: Some specialist lenders accept companies with 0–24 months’ trading. The less trading history you have, the more likely lenders will look for supporting factors (personal guarantees, director experience, deposits).
• Company type: Both Ltd and LLP structures are commonly accepted. Lenders focus on ownership, control and how liabilities are secured (company vs director guarantees).
• Director credit profile: Lenders often assess director(s) credit histories — imperfect credit isn’t always disqualifying but it can affect pricing and the need for guarantees.
• Asset type and age: Newer assets or items with strong resale value (e.g. modern vehicles, plant, specialist machinery) are easier to finance than obsolete or highly bespoke kit.
• Deposit or margin: Newer businesses may need to provide a deposit (eg 5–20% typical) depending on the asset and risk.

What increases your chance of approval

• A clear business plan and cashflow projections showing how repayments will be met.
• Purchase orders, confirmed contracts or forward bookings that demonstrate future income.
• Relevant sector experience from directors — lenders value proven management, even if the company is new.
• Willingness to provide reasonable director guarantees or deposits where required.

What may limit eligibility

• Very poor director credit histories or recent insolvency events.
• Assets that are hard to remarket or exceed usual age limits for used equipment.
• High‑risk sectors for certain lenders — we’ll match you to partners who specialise in your industry.

If you’re unsure, complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who specifically work with start‑ups in your sector — Free Eligibility Check.

Types of asset finance start‑ups commonly get

• Hire Purchase (HP): Spread the cost and own the asset at the end of the agreement.
• Finance lease / Operating lease: Use the asset with rental-style payments; operating leases often leave ownership with the funder.
• Chattel mortgage / asset refinance: Lend against the value of the asset itself.
• Asset-backed loans: For larger packages where assets are security for the borrowing.
• Specialist green finance: Funding for solar, EV chargers and other sustainability equipment which can have dedicated schemes.

Want to explore your options? Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Documents & information lenders typically ask for

Having these ready speeds up the process:

• Company name, registration number and structure (Ltd or LLP).
• Director(s) full names, addresses and ID.
• Business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Quotes or invoices for the asset you want to fund.
• Cashflow forecast or simple projection showing repayment affordability.
• Copies of contracts, purchase orders or evidence of bookings where relevant.
• For very new companies: CVs of directors, personal financial statements and proof of experience.

Ready to proceed? Start your 2‑minute enquiry.

How UK Business Loans helps start‑ups — simple, fast matching

We don’t lend. We connect your business to lenders and brokers who can provide asset finance. Here’s how it works:

1. You complete a short enquiry form (about 2 minutes) — Get Quote Now.
2. We match your details to lenders and brokers who specialise in start‑ups and your asset type.
3. Matched lenders or brokers contact you with quotes and next‑step documentation requests.
4. You compare offers and proceed directly with the chosen lender/broker — there’s no obligation to accept.

Benefits for start‑ups:

• Access to multiple lenders without filling numerous forms.
• Faster, sector‑focused matches that improve chances of a suitable offer.
• Our introducer service is free to use; you decide whether to proceed with any offer.

Typical timelines & costs

Response: many lenders or brokers will contact you within hours during business hours. Straightforward cases can receive terms within 24–72 hours once documents are supplied. Delivery of financed assets depends on supplier lead times and any deposit required.

Costs: pricing depends on lender, product and risk profile. Interest rates, fees and deposit requirements vary — exact costs are provided by lenders in their quote. Some lenders may perform a credit check later in the process and will inform you beforehand.

Case study — Ltd start‑up: excavator via hire purchase

A construction Ltd with 8 months’ trading needed an excavator to fulfil a newly awarded contract. UK Business Loans matched the company with a broker specialising in plant finance for early‑stage firms. The broker negotiated a hire purchase deal with a 10% deposit and monthly payments aligned to the contract payment schedule. Outcome: the business completed the contract on time, preserved working capital and built a trading record for future finance.

See if you qualify — Free Eligibility Check.

FAQs

Are start-ups (Ltd or LLP) eligible to apply for asset finance with UK Business Loans?

Many are. Eligibility depends on the asset, trading history, director profile and lender appetite. Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders/brokers who specialise in start‑ups.

Can start-ups, whether Ltd or LLP, secure asset finance through UK Business Loans?

Yes — our panel includes lenders and brokers experienced with early stage businesses. Matching increases the chance of finding a partner willing to offer terms suited to start‑up circumstances.

Do Ltd or LLP start‑ups qualify to apply for asset finance via UK Business Loans?

Both company types are commonly accepted. Lenders focus on repayment ability and security rather than the label; we’ll match you to lenders who accept your structure.

Is asset finance available through UK Business Loans to start‑ups (Ltd or LLP)?

Yes — we connect start‑ups to finance options for new and used assets. Some lenders specialise in very new businesses and tailored products.

Can a start‑up—Ltd or LLP—apply for asset finance from UK Business Loans?

Yes. Start by submitting a quick enquiry and we’ll check eligibility with specialist partners who can give a quote.

Will enquiring affect my credit score?

Submitting an initial enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Matched lenders or brokers may perform credit checks later; they will notify you beforehand.

Do I need to be VAT-registered?

Not always. Some lenders work with VAT‑registered and non‑VAT businesses. The asset type and lender criteria determine requirements.

Can I finance used assets?

Often yes — many lenders finance used equipment up to a certain age. Provide asset details in your enquiry for accurate matching.

Transparency, consent and next steps

UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend money or provide regulated advice. By submitting your enquiry you consent to being contacted by matched lenders and brokers. Initial enquiries are free and non‑binding. We work with lenders and brokers experienced in start‑up asset finance and only share your details with partners relevant to your request.

Next step: complete a brief enquiry to receive a free eligibility check and be matched to lenders/brokers — Start your enquiry. Typical loan values we assist with start at around £10,000 and above.

Images to consider adding to this page:

• Hero: alt=”Small business director checking new equipment—asset finance for start-ups”
• How-it-works diagram: alt=”How UK Business Loans matches start-ups with lenders”
• Case study image: alt=”Construction start-up using asset finance for excavator purchase”

Author: UK Business Loans content team — Last updated: 1 November 2025

asset finance