Get equipment financed fast — Start your free enquiry

Need new machinery, vans, computers or production kit? Asset finance lets you spread cost, preserve working capital and get to work sooner. Fast Business Loans connects businesses with lenders and brokers who specialise in asset lending across many UK industries. Our free, no-obligation enquiry takes under 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score.

• Quick matching to lenders/brokers that suit your sector
• Facilities available from around £10,000 upwards
• Options for new and good-quality used assets

Start Your Free Asset Finance Enquiry — takes less than 2 minutes. No obligation to proceed.

What is asset finance?

Asset finance is any funding secured against or used to purchase business assets. Instead of paying the full cost upfront you can spread payments, lease equipment, or refinance an existing asset to release cash. Typical assets include commercial vehicles, heavy machinery, production lines, IT systems and specialist trade equipment.

Benefits include preserving cash, matching repayments to asset lifespan and accessing more modern or efficient kit sooner. Speak to an accountant for tax treatment — we only introduce brokers/lenders who can explain tax implications.

See if asset finance fits your business — Free Eligibility Check

Learn more about asset finance product detail and eligibility on our dedicated asset finance pillar page for in-depth guidance on forms like hire purchase and leasing: asset finance.

Asset finance options we can introduce

Hire Purchase

Hire Purchase spreads cost over fixed monthly payments with ownership transferring after the final payment. Typical terms: 24–60 months. Suits businesses that want to own the asset. Deposits commonly 0–20% depending on provider and credit profile.

Finance Lease

Finance leases fund the asset while the lender retains ownership; you have exclusive use and pay rental instalments. Typical terms: 24–72 months. Useful for preserving capital with flexible end-of-term options (return, purchase at fair value).

Operating Lease

Operating leases are off-balance-sheet rentals where the asset is returned at term end. Best for short-life or rapidly depreciating items such as IT equipment. Terms vary widely.

Asset Refinance / Sale & Leaseback

Release cash locked in owned assets by selling them to a funder and leasing them back. Ideal for businesses seeking working capital without losing use of critical equipment.

Balloon / Residual Value Structures

Lower monthly payments with a larger final payment (balloon). Suitable when you expect cash flow to increase later or plan to refinance or sell the asset at term end.

Not sure which route fits?
We match you with lenders and brokers who explain the pros and cons for your goals. Get Matched Now – Free Eligibility Check

Which businesses use asset finance?

Asset finance is commonly used by SMEs across many industries:

• Construction — excavators, dumpers, site rigs
• Agriculture — tractors, harvesters
• Logistics & transport — vans, HGVs, trailers
• Manufacturing & engineering — CNC machines, presses
• Hospitality & catering — ovens, kitchen kit, refrigeration
• IT & retail — servers, POS systems, display tech

Typical scenarios: a growing engineering firm financing CNC machines; a fleet operator upgrading vans; a food manufacturer expanding production lines.

Why Fast Business Loans is different

• Fast, simple enquiry — takes under 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score.
• Wide panel of lenders and specialist brokers for different sectors and risk profiles.
• We act as an introducer — transparent, no obligation to proceed and we do not provide financial advice.
• Human support — expert referrals to people who understand your sector.
• Security — your data is only shared with lenders/brokers who can help.

Talk to a UK Asset Finance Specialist

Asset finance eligibility & what lenders look for

Typical documentation

• Company registration details and proof of identity for directors
• Recent business bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
• Accounts or management accounts (depending on trading history)
• Supplier quote or invoice and details of the asset

Trading profile & credit considerations

Lenders consider time trading, turnover, profitability and credit history. Our panel includes providers for a range of profiles, including businesses with less-than-perfect histories—terms vary by lender.

Deposit & security

Some products require deposits (often 0–20%). Many facilities are secured against the asset itself. Exact requirements are subject to lender assessment.

How our enquiry-to-funding process works

1. Submit enquiry form — quick details about your business and asset needs. Start My Asset Finance Enquiry.
2. We match you — we connect your request to selected lenders/brokers who specialise in your sector and asset type.
3. Partner contacts you — brokers or lenders call or email to discuss terms and request documents.
4. Compare and decide — review offers, choose the best fit and proceed with the chosen provider.

Here’s how it helps: you save time, get matched to specialists, and receive competitive quotes without searching the market yourself.

Indicative costs, rates & repayment terms

Rates vary by lender and depend on asset, term, deposit and credit risk. We will connect you with providers who lend in your sector so you can get accurate quotes.

Asset finance vs alternative funding routes

Compare common options:

• Term loans: May be unsecured or secured; good for general capital but could use cash reserves.
• Overdrafts: Short-term flexibility but often higher variable costs.
• Invoice finance: Unlocks cash from invoices, not suitable for asset purchases.

Asset finance preserves working capital and matches repayments to asset life — but consider ownership, tax and end-of-term options.

Real-world use cases

Construction firm — excavators

Requirement: replace ageing excavators. Solution: hire purchase over 60 months, low deposit, ownership at term end. Result: immediate productivity increase and predictable repayments.

Food manufacturer — production line

Requirement: add packaging line to increase output. Solution: finance lease with maintenance package. Result: capacity increased, cost spread and minimal capital outlay.

Care home — medical equipment

Requirement: new beds and hoists. Solution: operating lease to keep equipment up to date. Result: lower monthly cost and equipment refresh at term end.

Illustrative only — each funding decision is unique and subject to lender assessment.

Preparing a strong application — top tips

1. Gather recent bank statements and accounts.
2. Obtain supplier quotes or invoices for the asset.
3. Prepare a short business case showing asset use and expected benefits/ROI.
4. Check director credit files and correct any errors in advance.
5. Be clear on asset age and condition if funding used equipment.

Ready? Submit your details and we’ll connect you with a specialist broker.

FAQ — Asset finance with Fast Business Loans

Is Fast Business Loans a lender?

No. We are an introducer that connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not lend money and we do not provide financial advice.

Will an asset finance enquiry affect my credit score?

Submitting the initial enquiry with us does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out checks only if you choose to progress with an offer.

How quickly can asset finance be approved?

Timescales vary by lender, asset type and the completeness of documentation. Many partners can provide indicative terms within 24–48 hours of receiving full documents.

Do I need a deposit?

Deposits depend on the product and credit profile — some facilities offer low or zero deposit options, others require up to 20%.

Can I fund used equipment?

Yes. Many lenders will consider used or refurbished equipment provided it meets age and condition criteria. We’ll match you with suitable specialists.

What happens at the end of the agreement?

Options include ownership transfer (hire purchase), returning the asset (operating lease), or refinancing/residual payment depending on the product agreed.

What if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

We work with a broad panel including lenders experienced with varied credit profiles. A different specialist may be able to help — there is no obligation to proceed after enquiry.

Start your asset finance enquiry

Getting matched is quick and free. To complete the enquiry you’ll need:

• Basic company and contact details
• Approximate asset cost and supplier quote (if available)
• Recent bank statements and basic trading figures

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check