Key takeaways — why asset finance matters

• Use asset finance to buy, lease or refinance essential equipment while preserving cash flow.
• Suitable for vehicles, plant & machinery, IT, catering, medical equipment and fleets — funding from around £10,000 upwards.
• Fast Business Loans connects you to brokers and lenders who specialise in your sector so you can compare tailored offers quickly.
• Submitting an enquiry is free, non‑binding and will not affect your credit score.

Free Eligibility Check

What is asset finance and how it works

Asset finance is a set of funding solutions that use a business asset (new or used) to secure or structure payments for its acquisition. Instead of paying the full purchase price up front, you spread cost over an agreement that matches cash flow and tax preferences.

Common uses include buying delivery vans, construction plant, CNC machines, catering equipment or IT systems. It’s also used to refinance existing assets or convert owned assets into working capital via sale‑and‑leaseback arrangements.

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer: you tell us what you need and we match you with specialist lenders and brokers who can structure the right product. We do not provide financial advice and do not lend directly.

Why choose asset finance?

Cash flow & working capital protection

Spread payments to avoid a large capital outlay so working capital remains available for day‑to‑day needs or growth.

Tax & balance sheet flexibility

Certain finance types can offer tax relief or preserve borrowing lines. Your accountant or lender can advise on the exact treatment for your circumstances.

More flexible than traditional bank loans

Specialist lenders accept a wider range of assets, asset ages and sector risk profiles — useful where banks are cautious.

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Asset finance products we can introduce you to

Hire Purchase (HP)

Hire Purchase lets you pay monthly instalments with the option to own the asset at the end of the term (usually after a final fee). Typical terms: 12–60 months. Deposit often required. Good for businesses wanting eventual ownership.

Finance Lease

Lease arrangement where the lender owns the asset; you pay rentals and typically have a purchase option or balloon. Terms vary by asset type and useful for seasonal or capital‑intensive purchases.

Operating Lease

Similar to renting: you use the asset for a period without ownership. Often used for vehicles and IT where you prefer regular upgrades and off‑balance sheet treatment (subject to accounting rules).

Sale and Leaseback / Refinance

Convert an owned asset into cash by selling it to a funder then leasing it back. Effective for freeing up capital from high‑value assets while continuing to use them.

Asset‑backed lending

Flexible lending secured against a portfolio of assets or receivables — suited to businesses with multiple asset lines or seasonal cash flow swings.

Funding ranges vary by lender but typically start from around £10,000 and can scale into the millions depending on asset type and business strength. Exact offers depend on the panel lender’s appetite and underwriting.

Industries & asset types we support

Our panel works across most UK industry sectors. Examples:

• Construction — excavators, loaders, site plant
• Manufacturing — CNC machines, presses, tooling
• Logistics & transport — vans, HGVs, trailers, fleet upgrades
• Hospitality & catering — ovens, refrigeration, fit‑out equipment
• Healthcare — diagnostic devices, care equipment
• Agriculture — tractors, harvesters, feeders
• Sustainability — EV fleets, solar installations, heat pumps

Tell us what you need — Free Enquiry.

For more detail on equipment‑focused options see our guide to asset finance.

Eligibility snapshot & application checklist

Typical eligibility factors

• Company trading history and turnover (lenders vary; limited company accounts may be requested).
• Credit profile of company and directors.
• Deposit or initial rental — often 0–20% depending on product and asset age.
• Asset age and condition (used assets are financeable but may attract higher costs).

Documentation you’ll commonly need

• Latest business accounts or management accounts.
• Recent bank statements.
• Supplier or dealer quotation for the asset.
• Company and director details (ID, addresses).

Start with a quick enquiry and we’ll tell you which lenders are most likely to help. Get Quote Now

The Fast Business Loans process

1. Share your requirements — complete a short online enquiry (under 2 minutes). This is not an application.
2. Smart matching — we match your case to lenders and brokers with the right sector and asset expertise.
3. Quick follow‑up — expect contact from matched partners (often within hours during business times).
4. Compare offers & decide — review quotes, ask questions and only proceed if you choose to; lenders complete full underwriting.

We don’t charge you to enquire. Our introducer fee is paid by partners when deals complete — so there is no cost to start. Start Your Asset Finance Enquiry – No Obligation

Costs, rates & terms: what to expect

Rates and terms depend on the product, asset, loan size, deposit and credit profile. Indicative examples (for guidance only):

• Shorter terms often have higher monthly cost but lower total interest; longer terms reduce monthly payments.
• APR will vary by lender and product — get multiple quotes to compare the total cost including fees and any balloon payments.
• Used assets usually attract higher margins than new assets.

Always compare the total cost of credit (APR), required deposits, maintenance responsibilities and end‑of‑term options before committing. Final rates are set by the lender after underwriting.

Asset finance vs other funding options

How asset finance stacks up against common alternatives:

• Bank overdraft: Good for short cash needs but not ideal for funding long‑life assets.
• Unsecured business loan: Simpler, but may cost more and does not preserve asset‑based security or offer supplier‑linked deals.
• Invoice finance: Releases cash from invoices, but doesn’t fund asset purchases.

If your priority is acquiring or refinancing an asset while aligning payments with usage and tax planning, asset finance is often the most efficient route. See if asset finance suits your business — Free Eligibility Check

Success snapshots

Manufacturer — CNC upgrade
A Midlands engineering firm needed a new CNC lathe. By comparing three broker quotes arranged via our introducer service, they secured a hire purchase with a competitive deposit and predictable monthly payments — operational within weeks.

Logistics — fleet expansion
A regional courier replaced ageing vans with a mixture of HP and operating leases to balance cashflow and future upgrade plans. The matched broker negotiated improved terms thanks to multiple lender bids.

Hospitality — kitchen refit
A restaurant owner used equipment finance to spread the cost of a full kitchen fit‑out. The sale‑and‑leaseback option later freed up further cash for marketing and seasonal stock.

Frequently asked questions

Do you lend money directly?

No. Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers who provide finance directly.

Will an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting our enquiry is a soft start and does not affect credit files. Lenders or brokers may perform hard credit checks only if you choose to proceed with an application.

How quickly can I receive asset finance offers?

Many businesses receive contact from matched partners within hours. Funding timelines depend on asset type, lender checks and how quickly documentation is supplied.

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes. Many lenders and brokers specialise in used assets — terms depend on asset age, condition and market value.

What asset values can be financed?

Fast Business Loans generally facilitates asset finance from around £10,000 upwards. Exact ranges depend on the lender’s appetite.

What happens after I submit the form?

We match your details to suitable partners who will reach out to discuss options and likely next steps. Submitting the form is not an application and carries no obligation.

Next steps — get matched with the right asset finance partner

If you need equipment, vehicles or want to refinance existing assets, complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you quickly with lenders and brokers who understand your sector. It takes less than 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score.

Get Quote Now — No fees. No obligation. Fast matches to the most relevant providers.

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice. All finance is subject to status, underwriting and lender terms.