Asset Finance — Are We a Lender or an Introducer?
Short answer: UK Business Loans is not a direct lender for asset finance. We act as an introducer — collecting a short enquiry and matching your business with specialist brokers and lenders who can provide equipment, vehicle and other asset finance. Complete a Free Eligibility Check to get matched and receive quotes from providers who can help. Free Eligibility Check
What “introducer” means — and why it matters
When we say UK Business Loans is an introducer for asset finance, we mean we do not provide the money ourselves. Instead we:
- Collect a short, no‑obligation enquiry from your business.
- Match that enquiry with lenders and brokers in our network who specialise in asset finance.
- Put you in direct contact with those providers so they can give you quotes and the full details of any offers.
Why this matters for you:
- Access: one enquiry can connect you to multiple specialist providers, saving time and widening choice.
- Speed: you often receive responses quickly because brokers or lenders contact you directly once matched.
- Clarity: the firms that contact you will outline terms, costs and eligibility so you can compare actual offers.
How UK Business Loans handles asset finance enquiries
Our process is designed to be fast and straightforward. We only collect the information needed to match your business with the most relevant providers.
- Complete a short enquiry — basic business details, the asset type and an approximate funding amount. This takes around 2 minutes. Free Eligibility Check
- We match your enquiry — using the details you provide we identify brokers and lenders in our panel who specialise in the asset, industry and funding amount you need.
- Partner contact — selected brokers or lenders will contact you directly to discuss options and request any supporting documents.
- Compare offers — you receive quotes and decide whether to proceed with any provider. Any application, credit checks or funding is handled by the broker or lender.
We only share your enquiry with partners who can help with the request; we don’t sell your data broadly. Submitting an initial enquiry is an information step only and does not itself commit you to an application or affect your credit file. If you choose to proceed with a provider, that provider will explain how and when credit checks will take place.
We do not lend — what we do and don’t do
We are an introducer, not a lender. That means:
- We do: help you find lenders and brokers, pass your enquiry to suitable partners, and make it faster to get quotes.
- We don’t: provide funds, underwrite applications, or set lending terms and interest rates.
All funding decisions, contract terms, and any regulated activity are the responsibility of the lender or broker you choose to work with. When contacted, providers will outline full costs, eligibility and next steps so you can make an informed decision.
Direct lender vs introducer — quick comparison
Here’s a simple view of the practical differences:
| Feature | Direct lender | UK Business Loans (Introducer) |
|---|---|---|
| Provides funding | Yes | No |
| Sets terms & pricing | Yes | No — lenders/brokers set terms |
| Handles application & checks | Yes | No — we connect you to providers who handle this |
| Helps compare multiple options quickly | Limited | Yes — we match you to multiple relevant providers |
For many businesses looking to fund vehicles, plant, machinery or other assets, using an introducer can speed up the quotes process and improve choice. If you prefer to deal directly with a known bank or lender, we can connect you with them too.
Common asset finance types we introduce businesses to
We connect businesses with providers across the main asset finance products. Typical examples include:
- Hire Purchase (HP) — buy equipment or vehicles with a repayment plan; ownership transfers after final payment.
- Finance lease — lease the asset for an agreed term; suitable for equipment where you don’t want ownership immediately.
- Operating lease / contract hire — short- to medium-term fleet and vehicle solutions where you return the asset at term end.
- Sale-and-leaseback — unlock capital tied in existing equipment by selling it to a funder and leasing it back.
- Vendor finance — finance arranged through a supplier, often bundled with purchase contracts.
- Asset refinance — refinance existing equipment to release cash and improve cashflow.
These products are commonly used for construction machinery, commercial vehicles and vans, manufacturing plant, office equipment, IT systems and renewable energy equipment such as solar installations.
Typical costs, checks and what to expect
Costs and approval terms vary by lender, the asset and your business profile. Typical factors include:
- Loan or lease amounts commonly start at around £10,000 upwards for many asset finance products.
- Terms can range from 12 months to 7+ years depending on the asset life.
- Rates depend on the product, lender and business credit profile — expect a wide range; your matched broker/lender will provide exact pricing at quote.
- Some products require a deposit or initial rental; others can be 100% funded in suitable circumstances.
- Fees — arrangement, administration or early repayment fees are set by the lender; these will be disclosed in any quote.
Submitting a short enquiry through us does not affect your credit file. If you decide to proceed with an offer, the lender or broker will explain whether soft or hard credit checks are required and when they will be carried out.
Who we match you with — our network and credentials
We work with a broad panel of UK finance partners including specialist asset finance brokers, national and regional lenders, challenger finance houses and vendor finance teams. Partners are selected for sector experience, product range and service standards.
When you submit an enquiry we prioritise partners who understand your sector and asset type so you receive the most relevant quotes quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Is UK Business Loans a direct lender for asset finance?
No. UK Business Loans is an introducer — we match your business enquiry with brokers and lenders who provide asset finance.
Who actually lends the money?
Lending and funding are provided by the brokers and lenders you are put in contact with. They make credit decisions and provide contract terms.
Does using UK Business Loans cost anything?
There is no fee from UK Business Loans to submit an enquiry. Any fees charged will be disclosed by the lender or broker in their quote documents.
Will my credit score be affected by an enquiry?
Submitting an initial enquiry via our site does not affect your credit file. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you choose to proceed.
Who contacts me after I apply?
Selected lenders or brokers will contact you directly to discuss quotes, ask for documents, and explain next steps.
How quickly will I get quotes?
Many businesses receive a response within a few hours to 48 hours depending on the complexity of the request and the documents needed.
What documents might lenders ask for?
Common requests include recent business bank statements, company accounts, proof of identity for directors, and supplier invoices/quotes for the asset.
Next steps — how to get your free eligibility check
Ready to explore asset finance options? Here’s how to proceed:
- Click the Free Eligibility Check link below.
- Complete the quick enquiry (about 2 minutes).
- We match your details to suitable lenders and brokers who will contact you with quotes.
1. Are you a direct lender or an introducer for asset finance? — UK Business Loans is an introducer (not a lender) that matches your enquiry to specialist brokers and lenders who provide asset finance and business loans in the UK.
2. Will submitting a Free Eligibility Check affect my credit score? — No — completing our short eligibility check is information-only and does not affect your credit file; lenders may carry out checks only if you choose to proceed.
3. How quickly will I receive quotes for asset finance or a business loan? — Many businesses receive contact and initial quotes within a few hours to 48 hours, depending on request complexity and required documents.
4. What types of asset finance can you help me find? — We introduce you to providers offering hire purchase, finance leases, operating lease/contract hire, sale-and-leaseback, vendor finance and asset refinance for vehicles, plant, IT and other equipment.
5. Does it cost anything to use UK Business Loans? — No — our service and the initial enquiry are free; any arrangement, interest or administration fees are set and disclosed by the lender or broker in their quote.
6. What loan amounts and terms are available through your network? — Typical asset finance deals often start around £10,000 with terms from 12 months to seven-plus years, though amounts and durations vary by lender and asset life.
7. Who will contact me after I submit an enquiry? — Selected FCA‑regulated lenders or specialist brokers from our panel will contact you directly to discuss options, request supporting documents and explain next steps.
8. What documents do lenders typically require for asset finance or business loans? — Common requests include recent business bank statements, company accounts, director ID, and supplier invoices or quotes for the asset.
9. Can start-ups or businesses with poor credit get asset finance through your service? — Yes — we work with lenders and brokers who specialise in start-ups and those with imperfect credit histories, although eligibility and pricing depend on your business profile.
10. How do I start the process to get matched with lenders for a business loan or asset finance? — Click the Free Eligibility Check, complete the quick two‑minute enquiry with basic business and asset details, and we’ll match you to suitable lenders and brokers who will follow up with quotes.
