Asset Finance: Compare Trusted UK Lenders in Minutes

Unlock funding for vehicles, machinery and equipment — from £10,000 upwards. Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies with lenders and brokers who specialise in asset and equipment finance. We’re an introducer (not a lender) and provide a free, no‑obligation enquiry to match your business to the right providers quickly.

Summary

Asset finance lets businesses acquire vehicles, plant, machinery, IT or specialist equipment by spreading the cost — typically via hire purchase, leasing or refinance. Fast Business Loans does not lend; we match your enquiry to lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and asset type. Complete a quick enquiry for a free eligibility check and receive quotes from the most suitable providers. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

What is asset finance?

Asset finance is a way to fund business assets without paying the full purchase price upfront. Common uses include:

• Commercial vehicles and fleets
• Construction and agricultural machinery
• Manufacturing plant and specialist equipment
• IT hardware, office equipment and fit-out
• Medical and catering equipment

At a glance: leasing vs hire purchase vs refinance

• Hire Purchase (HP) — you pay fixed instalments and typically own the asset at the end of the term.
• Finance Lease — lender retains ownership; you pay rentals for the asset’s use (often used for high-value or fast-depreciating assets).
• Operating Lease — shorter-term rental where the lender assumes residual risk; good for tech or vehicles you replace frequently.
• Asset Refinance — free up cash by borrowing against existing owned assets.

Fast Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers who explain which approach best fits your needs. We do not provide regulated financial advice — matched providers will discuss terms and suitability.

Can asset finance work for your business?

Asset finance is frequently a good fit when you want to buy equipment but preserve working capital or spread cost to match revenues.

When asset finance is a good fit

• You want predictable monthly costs instead of a large capital outlay.
• The asset is essential to revenue generation (vehicles, plant, manufacturing kit).
• You need finance quickly and asset-based options offer faster decisions than some bank loans.
• You want to upgrade technology regularly using operating leases.

Situations where another route may suit you better

• Small, one-off purchases that you can comfortably fund from cash reserves.
• When ownership and no ongoing payments are a strict priority and you prefer to buy outright.
• If you need unsecured working capital rather than asset-backed funding.

Compare options quickly — Get Quote Now and we’ll match you to the most relevant lenders and brokers.

How Fast Business Loans helps

We simplify the search and comparison process so you don’t have to contact dozens of providers.

1. Enquiry: You complete a short form (takes around 2 minutes).
2. Match: We match your details to lenders/brokers experienced in your sector and asset type.
3. Response: Matched partners contact you directly with eligibility feedback and indicative quotes.
4. Compare: You review offers and proceed with the lender or broker you prefer.

We don’t charge businesses — our introducer service is free to use. Information is only shared with partners who can help with your request. Many of our partners follow FCA guidance and Treating Customers Fairly principles.

Types of asset finance we can introduce

Hire Purchase

Fixed payments over a set term. Once the final payment is made (or an agreed balloon), ownership transfers to the business. Suitable for businesses who intend to own the asset long term.

Finance Lease

Lender owns the asset; you pay rentals. Often used where the asset has residual value and the business wants low initial cost.

Operating Lease

Shorter term, rental-like agreement. At term-end you typically return or renew. Ideal for fast-evolving equipment like IT or vehicles.

Asset Refinance

Borrow against equipment you already own to release cash for growth. Terms and loan-to-value vary by lender and asset type.

Balloon Payment / Residual Value Options

Lower monthly payments in exchange for a larger final payment or residual value. Helpful for cash flow management but understand final settlement obligations.

Always discuss the contract specifics and end-of-term options with the matched lender or broker before agreeing.

Sector expertise across the UK

Our panel covers a wide range of industries. We routinely place applicants in:

Whether you need vehicles, plant or specialist equipment, we’ll match you to brokers/lenders who understand your sector and asset type.

Free Eligibility Check — it only takes a couple of minutes and won’t affect your credit at enquiry stage.

Indicative eligibility & documentation

Core lender criteria

• Minimum finance amounts — typically from £10,000 upwards for asset finance.
• Trading history — many lenders prefer established limited companies, but options exist for newer businesses depending on asset and deposit.
• Turnover and profitability — requirements vary by provider and asset value.
• Credit profile — a good credit history helps; some partners specialise in cases with imperfect credit.
• Deposit / initial rental — often 0–20% depending on asset and credit.

Documents you may need

• Recent company accounts or management accounts
• Bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
• Quotes or invoices for the asset
• Proof of ID for directors / company owners
• Supplier details and delivery timelines

Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans doesn’t trigger a credit search. Matched brokers/lenders may run soft or hard credit checks later with your consent during their assessment.

Understanding costs and key terms

When comparing offers, check the full cost, not just the headline rate.

• APR / interest: shows the annual cost including some fees — useful for comparison but may not capture all charges.
• Flat rate vs reducing balance: affects how interest is applied across instalments.
• Fees: arrangement, documentation, early settlement and termination fees can vary.
• Balloon / residual: lowers monthly payments but leaves a larger end payment.
• Ownership: know whether you will own the asset at the end of term (HP) or return it (operating lease).

Ask matched lenders for a representative example and a full breakdown of all fees and payments so you can compare affordability across proposals.

Responsible finance & transparency

Fast Business Loans aims to follow clear, fair and not misleading promotion principles. We act as an introducer — not a lender and not a regulated adviser. If you are unsure which product suits your business, consider seeking independent advice.

Your data is handled securely and shared only with partner lenders/brokers who can assist with your enquiry. We encourage partners to follow Treating Customers Fairly principles; however, each lender/broker sets their own terms and conditions.

Asset finance success snapshot

Example (anonymised): A manufacturing SME needed a CNC press (£120,000). After a quick enquiry, we introduced them to two specialist lenders. One offered a five‑year hire purchase with a modest deposit and monthly repayments that matched projected revenues. The business secured the machine and increased production capacity within six weeks. Results vary by case and are for illustration only.

FAQs on asset finance

What assets can I finance through your panel?

Our partners commonly fund vehicles, plant, specialist machinery, commercial kitchens, IT and fit-out. Eligibility depends on lender criteria and the asset’s resale value.

How fast can funding be arranged?

Many enquiries receive a lender/broker response within hours during business hours. Final approval and payout depend on documentation, credit checks and supplier delivery times.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Matched lenders/brokers may perform credit checks later with your permission — they’ll confirm whether a soft or hard search will be used.

Can businesses with imperfect credit apply?

Yes. Some partners specialise in cases with past credit issues, though this may affect deposit levels, rates or available terms.

Do I need to provide a deposit?

Deposits commonly range from 0–20% depending on lender, asset and credit. Some lenders offer low- or zero-deposit options for qualifying businesses.

What happens if I want to settle early?

Early settlement terms vary by contract. Some lenders charge an early settlement fee, while others provide a rebate. Confirm terms with the matched provider before signing.

More detailed questions are best answered by the lender or broker that contacts you after your enquiry.

Take the next step

Ready to explore asset finance options? Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who can provide tailored quotes. It takes around two minutes and is free and without obligation.

Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

Fast Business Loans is a trading style of Fast Business Loans. We act as an introducer and are not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice. Finance is subject to status, lender terms and assessment. We only introduce businesses to selected lenders and brokers who may pay a commission if you proceed.

Want to learn more about funding specific assets? Read our detailed guide to asset finance for examples and deeper explanations of the products above.

– What is asset finance and how does it work?
Asset finance lets UK businesses fund vehicles, machinery and equipment by spreading the cost via hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease or asset refinance.

– Which assets can I finance?
Commonly funded assets include commercial vehicles, plant, construction/agricultural machinery, manufacturing equipment, IT and office fit-out, and medical/catering kit, subject to lender criteria and resale value.

– How fast can I get funding?
You’ll typically get matched responses within hours, with approval and payout following once documents, credit checks and supplier timings are confirmed.

– What’s the minimum amount and who is eligible?
Most asset finance starts from £10,000 and is available to UK limited companies, including newer businesses depending on credit, deposit and asset type.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—our quick enquiry is non-binding and doesn’t affect your score; any soft or hard searches are done later by matched partners with your consent.

– Are you a lender and does it cost to use your service?
We’re an introducer (not a lender) and our matching service is free and without obligation.

– Do I need to provide a deposit?
Deposits typically range from 0–20%, with some lenders offering low- or zero‑deposit options for eligible cases.

– Can start-ups or businesses with imperfect credit apply?
Yes—some partners specialise in start-ups and applicants with past credit issues, though this may impact rates, deposits or terms.

– What happens if I want to settle early?
Early settlement terms vary by contract, and may include a fee or interest rebate, so confirm the exact terms with your matched lender before signing.

– Will I own the asset at the end, and what are my end‑of‑term options?
With hire purchase you usually own the asset after the final (or balloon) payment, while finance leases retain lender ownership and operating leases typically involve returning or renewing the asset.