Equipment Finance for UK Businesses

Summary: Equipment finance helps UK companies fund machinery, vehicles, IT, catering or medical kit without large upfront costs. Fast Business Loans does not lend money — we match businesses seeking loans of £10,000+ with lenders and brokers who specialise in equipment and asset finance. Complete a quick, no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll connect you to the partners most likely to be able to help. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check: Get Quote Now (no impact on credit score).

How Fast Business Loans Supports Your Equipment Finance Search

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK limited companies and SMEs with specialist finance brokers and lenders. We do not provide loans or give regulated financial advice. Instead, we use a short enquiry to match your requirement with providers who have expertise in the sector and the asset you need to fund.

• Save time — we shortlist lenders and brokers who typically deal with deals of £10,000 and above.
• Better matches — we connect you to partners familiar with your industry and asset type.
• No obligation — submit an enquiry, compare offers, decide in your own time.
• Privacy & security — your details are shared only with relevant, vetted partners.

Request Your Equipment Finance Match — quick, free and will not affect your credit score.

What Is Equipment Finance?

Equipment finance (a branch of asset finance) is any commercial arrangement that helps a business acquire or refinance physical assets — machines, vehicles, IT systems, catering or medical equipment — without paying the full purchase price up front.

Common approaches include:

• Hire purchase — you pay instalments and ownership transfers after the final payment.
• Finance lease — the lender buys the asset and you lease it; you may have purchase options at term end.
• Operating lease — similar to rental/contract hire, often used for vehicles and IT where upgrades matter.
• Asset refinance — release capital tied up in owned equipment.

Different structures suit different needs: preserving cashflow, managing tax/VAT, or keeping balance sheet flexibility. If you need more detail about particular asset funding options, see our equipment finance overview at the specialist pillar page on equipment finance: equipment finance.

When Equipment Finance Can Help Your Business

Equipment finance can be the right choice when you want to invest in tangible assets but avoid a large cash outlay. It is commonly used by businesses that are growing, replacing ageing assets, or scaling operations.

Manufacturing & Engineering

Use cases: CNC machines, production lines, tooling. Finance lets you modernise equipment while preserving working capital.

Construction & Trades

Use cases: excavators, dumpers, compressors. Flexible terms are useful for seasonal workloads and contract-based cashflow.

Hospitality & Food Service

Use cases: ovens, coldrooms, point-of-sale hardware. Spread cost over the life of the equipment to protect cashflow.

Healthcare & Clinics

Use cases: diagnostic machines, sterilisation units, dental chairs. Financing can make high-cost clinical equipment accessible sooner.

Compare Equipment Finance Quotes — free eligibility check, no obligation.

Types of Equipment Finance We Can Help You Access

We introduce businesses to brokers and lenders who offer a wide range of structures. Below are the most common options and what to expect.

Hire Purchase (HP)

• Structure: staged payments; ownership transfers when final payment made.
• Typical terms: 1–5 years (depending on asset life).
• Good for: businesses wanting to own the asset at term end.

Finance Lease

• Structure: lender retains ownership; you lease the asset and may buy at the end.
• Good for: assets with longer economic lives and businesses preferring balance-sheet treatment.

Operating Lease / Contract Hire

• Structure: rental-type agreement; often includes maintenance.
• Good for: vehicles, IT and equipment you plan to replace frequently.

Asset Refinance

• Structure: release cash from existing equipment; can improve liquidity.
• Good for: restructuring balance sheet or funding growth without new borrowing.

Short-Term Equipment Loans

• Structure: unsecured or secured short-term loans to acquire equipment quickly.
• Good for: urgent purchases or bridging needs.

Features you may see: deposit requirements, VAT treatment, residual value clauses, maintenance packages and end-of-term purchase options. Our partners can explain which structure is most appropriate for your VAT and accounting objectives.

Typical Eligibility Factors Considered by Lenders

Lenders and brokers consider a range of factors when pricing and approving equipment finance. Below are the most common:

• Trading history: many lenders prefer established companies, though some specialist brokers support newer businesses.
• Turnover: lenders assess ability to service payments; larger deals often need stronger turnover figures.
• Credit history: director and company credit records matter for some providers.
• Deposit or equity: certain deals require a contribution; others can cover up to 100% depending on asset and provider.
• Asset age and condition: newer assets may attract better terms; used equipment is typically acceptable if in good condition.

Remember: submitting our enquiry does not affect your credit score. We will only share your details with lenders/brokers relevant to your enquiry. Start Your Equipment Finance Enquiry.

What to Expect When You Submit an Enquiry

Fast Business Loans keeps the process simple and transparent. Typical steps are:

1. Complete a short online enquiry — basic company details, asset type, value (we handle £10,000+ requests).
2. We match your case to suitable brokers or lenders from our panel.
3. A broker or lender contacts you to request any additional documents and provide indicative terms.
4. Compare offers, ask questions, and choose the option that fits your goals. Proceed only when you’re ready.

Most leads hear back quickly — often within hours during business days — but exact times depend on lender/broker availability and documentation. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Cost Considerations and Key Questions to Ask

Costs vary by structure, lender and asset, but keep these points in mind when assessing offers:

• Interest rate vs. APR: ask for the representative APR and a full breakdown of fees.
• Upfront fees and administration charges.
• Maintenance and service contracts included or excluded.
• Residual value or balloon payments at term end.
• Early termination charges and conditions for transferring ownership.

Checklist of questions to ask any broker or lender:

• What is the full cost over the term (including fees)?
• Is VAT included or payable up front?
• What are the end-of-term options?
• Will there be restrictions on how the asset is used or modifications?
• Are there any early settlement or exit fees?

Always review the contract terms carefully and consider independent professional advice if you are unsure.

Why Choose Fast Business Loans for Equipment Finance Introductions

We make the search faster and easier. Our core strengths:

• Targeted matches — we connect you only to brokers/lenders likely to consider your sector and asset.
• Speed — submit one form instead of contacting multiple providers.
• Confidentiality — we share your details only with relevant partners.
• Free to use — there is no charge to submit an enquiry.

Fast Business Loans earns revenue when an enquiry converts for a partner, so our team focuses on making quality matches. Get Quote Now — No Obligation.

Alternative Funding Paths if Equipment Finance Isn’t the Right Fit

If traditional equipment finance isn’t suitable, you might consider:

• Invoice finance to unlock cash from unpaid invoices.
• Working capital loans for short-term liquidity.
• Asset refinance to raise funds from owned equipment.
• Green or sustainability loans where equipment improves energy efficiency.

We can match you with brokers experienced across these products too — tell us what you need and we’ll find the most relevant partners.

Frequently Asked Questions About Equipment Finance

Is equipment finance suitable for new companies?

Some lenders and brokers will work with newer companies, often considering director experience or providing higher pricing. Submit a free enquiry and we’ll connect you to partners who assess start-up cases.

How quickly can funding be arranged?

Timelines vary. Many brokers provide indicative terms within 24–48 hours once they have quotes and documentation; final funding depends on approvals and paperwork.

Do I need a deposit for equipment finance?

Deposit requirements vary by lender and asset. Some products allow 100% funding; others require a contribution. A broker will clarify during the quote process.

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes — many lenders fund good-quality used machinery. Asset age and resale value influence terms.

Does applying affect my credit score?

No. Submitting our enquiry does not affect your credit record. Lenders may perform credit checks only if you choose to proceed with an application.

What information will lenders ask for?

Expect to provide company details, recent accounts or management accounts, information on the asset (supplier quote, age if used), and director information.

Ready to Explore Equipment Finance Options?

If you need equipment funding of £10,000 or more, complete our short form and we’ll match you to the brokers and lenders best placed to help. It’s quick, free and no obligation.

Complete the Quick Form — We’ll Match You Today. No impact on credit score. We’ll only share your details with relevant, vetted partners.

Important Information

Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide loans or regulated financial advice. We introduce UK businesses to finance brokers and lenders who may be able to help. Always check the lender’s or broker’s terms and consider independent advice if you are unsure whether a product is right for your business.

1) What is equipment finance and how does it work?
Equipment finance helps UK businesses acquire assets like machinery, vehicles, IT, catering or medical kit without large upfront costs, using options such as hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease or asset refinance.

2) Is Fast Business Loans a lender and how do you help?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches UK companies seeking £10,000+ equipment finance with vetted brokers and lenders.

3) Is the enquiry an application and will it affect my credit score?
No—our quick, no‑obligation enquiry is not a loan application and it does not affect your credit score; checks only occur if you choose to proceed with a lender.

4) What is the minimum equipment finance amount you handle?
We typically handle equipment finance enquiries of £10,000 and above.

5) Do you support start-ups or newer businesses?
Yes—some partners consider start-ups and younger companies, often factoring in director experience and pricing accordingly.

6) What types of equipment can I finance?
You can fund CNC machines, construction plant, vehicles, POS and kitchen equipment, IT systems, and healthcare/diagnostic equipment, among other tangible assets.

7) Do I need a deposit or can I get 100% funding?
Deposit requirements vary by lender and asset, with some products offering up to 100% funding.

8) Can I finance used or second-hand equipment?
Yes—many lenders fund good-quality used assets, with age, condition and resale value influencing terms.

9) How fast can I get indicative terms and funding?
Many partners provide indicative terms within 24–48 hours once documents are received, with completion subject to approvals and paperwork.

10) What eligibility and documents do lenders typically require, and what costs should I expect?
Lenders usually assess trading history, turnover, company/director credit and asset details, request accounts and a supplier quote, and you should ask for a full cost breakdown including APR, fees, residuals/balloons, maintenance and VAT treatment.