Quick answer (TL;DR)

Short answer: Yes — printers can often access unsecured working capital to buy paper, board and inks. Success depends on your company’s trading record, turnover, banking history and credit profile. Fast lenders and non-bank specialists serve the printing sector, and UK Business Loans can introduce you to the brokers and lenders most likely to help. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Why printers need working capital

Running a print business means juggling large upfront material costs with variable payment schedules. Paper, board and inks are often bought in bulk to secure margins, and lead times can be long — if a big job lands and you don’t have stock, production grinds to a halt and deadlines are missed.

Common cashflow pressures for printers:

• Large one-off material purchases for packaging or large-volume print runs.
• Seasonal peaks (e.g., Christmas cards, marketing season) that require extra stock and staff.
• Waiting on large customer payments after goods are delivered.
• Urgent consumable replacement (inks, plates) or press maintenance that can’t wait.
• Winning a contract that requires supplier deposits before invoice milestones are met.

Example: a mid-sized trade printer wins a £120k packaging contract but needs £25k immediately for board and special inks. A working capital facility could allow them to buy materials, complete the job and invoice the client without losing the margin or time.

Can printers get unsecured working capital?

Yes — many printers can access unsecured working capital, but “unsecured” covers a range of products and risk profiles.

Who is most likely to succeed?

• Limited companies with 12+ months trading and consistent turnover.
• Businesses showing regular bank deposits and predictable cashflow.
• Companies with decent credit history or strong management accounts.

Who may find it harder?

• Businesses with limited trading history, volatile turnover or recent insolvency events.
• High-risk credit profiles — approval may be possible but at higher cost.

Important nuance: Unsecured loans typically do not take business assets as primary security, but some lenders may request personal guarantees or require other protections. Always ask about guarantees and conditions before accepting an offer. If you want specialist insight into which lenders suit a print company, consider a free eligibility check. Free Eligibility Check

Types of unsecured finance printers can access (with pros & cons)

Below are commonly used options for printers to cover material costs such as paper, board and inks.

Unsecured business term loans

Pros: Fixed repayments and terms; suitable for planned purchases of materials or short-term working capital.

Cons: Lenders typically require trading history; rates vary with credit profile and are usually higher than secured alternatives.

Business overdrafts

Pros: Flexible and you only pay interest on the amount used — good for ongoing small purchases.

Cons: Banks can review and withdraw facilities; interest and fees vary.

Business credit cards

Pros: Good for frequent, smaller purchases (inks, rollers). Convenient and quick.

Cons: High interest if balances aren’t cleared monthly.

Invoice finance / factoring (semi-unsecured)

Pros: Releases cash tied up in customer invoices quickly — very useful if customers pay on long terms.

Cons: Fees and advance rates reduce the net cash; it’s secured against invoices rather than a blanket “unsecured” product.

Merchant cash advance / revenue-based finance

Pros: Fast access; repayments flex with card sales — attractive for printers with high card/online revenues.

Cons: Often expensive; repayment structure differs from interest-based lending (look beyond APR).

Peer-to-peer and online marketplace lenders

Pros: Competitive for well-established businesses; speedier decisions than traditional banks.

Cons: Amount caps and variable underwriting standards.

Quick caution: short-term high-cost lenders

Pros: Rapid cash.

Cons: Can be extremely expensive and risky long-term — treat with caution.

Which fits which need?

• Urgent one-off material purchase: merchant cash advance or short-term online loan.
• Ongoing variable purchase needs: overdraft or revolving facility.
• Large invoice-heavy business: invoice finance.

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For sector-specific information, see our industry page on printing business loans.

What lenders look for — eligibility & documentation (printing-specific)

Lenders evaluate the business’s ability to repay and the transparency of cashflows. For printers they’ll pay close attention to:

• Trading history: months/years trading and the stability of turnover.
• Turnover & margins: gross margins on print/packaging jobs and average order size.
• Bank statements: cash in, cash out, and unusual transactions (3–6 months commonly requested).
• Debtor profile: debtor days and concentration risk (large customers accounting for most sales).
• Existing facilities: overdrafts, credit lines and other debts.
• Contracts & POs: confirmed orders or long-term contracts improve prospects.
• Management experience: sector knowledge and stability of the ownership/management team.

Typical documents to prepare:

• 3–6 months of business bank statements
• Recent management accounts or filed accounts
• VAT returns (if applicable)
• Customer purchase orders or contracts that show pipeline work
• ID for company directors

Typical costs & terms — how to compare offers

Costs vary widely by product and lender. When comparing offers always ask for:

• Representative APR and the total cost of credit over the term.
• All fees (arrangement, monthly servicing, early repayment, late payment).
• Repayment profile (fixed monthly amount, revenue-linked, or lump-sum).
• Any requirements for personal guarantees or security.

Representative ranges (indicative only): well-established businesses with strong credit may access unsecured loans at lower APRs (single-digit to low double-digit), while alternative fast finance options can cost significantly more. Merchant cash advances and short-term providers often look expensive when converted to APR; always look at the total repayment amount.

Questions to ask lenders:

• What is the total cost of borrowing over the term?
• Are there early repayment charges?
• Is a personal guarantee required?
• How quickly can funds be released after approval?

How UK Business Loans helps — process & benefits

We are not a lender. We match printers to lenders and brokers who specialise in business finance so you can compare realistic offers fast.

1. Complete a short enquiry — company name, turnover band, loan amount and contact details.
2. We match you to suitable lenders and brokers experienced with print companies.
3. Selected partners contact you with quotes and next steps — no obligation.
4. You compare offers and decide which to progress with directly.

Benefits: speed, sector-focused matches, multiple quotes, and a free, no-obligation service that helps you find the best-fit solution without wasting time.

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Practical next steps & pre-application checklist

Before you submit an enquiry, prepare:

• A clear estimate of how much you need and the purpose (e.g., buy board for Job X).
• 3–6 months of business bank statements.
• Recent management accounts or last filed accounts.
• Any confirmed customer POs or contracts supporting future revenue.
• Notes on seasonal peaks or one-off events that affect cashflow.

When ready, start a free, short enquiry so we can match you to the right lenders and brokers: Start Your Free Eligibility Check

FAQs

Can a small print shop get an unsecured loan for paper and ink?

Yes. Approval is more likely when the business has clear bankflows, recent accounts and a consistent turnover. Smaller loans and short terms are easier to secure than large multi-year facilities.

Will applying through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?

No — completing our short enquiry does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later when you apply directly with them.

Are merchant cash advances suitable for printers?

They can be, especially if you need money fast and have steady card-receipts. They tend to be more expensive than term loans — assess total cost before proceeding.

How quickly can I get funds for urgent material purchases?

Some lenders fund within 24–72 hours (online lenders or MCAs). Invoice finance and reputable brokers can often release funds within a few business days once checks are complete.

Do lenders require collateral for printing finance?

Unsecured products don’t take business assets as first-charge security, but many lenders may still ask for personal guarantees or other protections. Confirm terms before accepting an offer.

Can businesses with under 12 months’ trading get unsecured working capital?

It’s harder but not impossible. Newer companies may find options limited to higher-cost products or invoice/merchant-based solutions; a broker can help identify suitable partners.

How much can I borrow to cover materials like paper and board?

Amounts vary: lenders typically offer from around £10,000 upwards for working capital solutions. Exact figures depend on turnover, account performance and the chosen product.

Ready to check eligibility?

If you’re a print company needing cash for paper, board or ink, our quick enquiry connects you with specialist lenders and brokers so you can compare offers fast. It’s free and there’s no obligation. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Disclosure: UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Completing an enquiry provides information we share with selected partners so they can provide quotes tailored to your business needs. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and carries no obligation.