Equipment finance for UK businesses: compare funding, fast

Summary: Equipment finance helps UK businesses spread the cost of capital assets — from construction plant to IT and medical equipment. Fast Business Loans connects limited companies and SMEs (requests from £10,000+) with brokers and lenders that specialise in asset and equipment funding. Complete a short enquiry (it’s not an application) to get a free eligibility check and be matched quickly. Get Quote Now — takes under 2 minutes, no obligation.

Why partner with Fast Business Loans for equipment finance?

• We connect your business to a UK panel of specialist brokers and lenders so you don’t have to search dozens of providers.
• Fast matching: submit a short enquiry and we’ll put you in touch with suitable partners quickly — usually within hours.
• No obligation and free to use: completing the enquiry is not an application and won’t commit you to any product.
• Designed for businesses seeking finance from around £10,000 and upwards.
• Transparent process: our role is to introduce you to lenders/brokers who will discuss terms and next steps directly.

Ready to compare your options? Free Eligibility Check — takes under 2 minutes.

What is equipment finance and how does it work?

Equipment finance lets a business acquire assets while spreading the cost over time. Instead of paying cash upfront, you can:

• Hire the asset with a lease, paying rentals for a set term
• Buy with Hire Purchase (HP) where you usually pay an initial deposit and monthly instalments, becoming owner after final payment
• Use refinance or re-lease to upgrade existing equipment

Which option is best depends on cashflow, tax position, asset lifespan and whether you want ownership at term end. Fast Business Loans will match you with partners who specialise in the right product for your needs.

Common equipment finance products we can introduce

• Hire Purchase (HP) — fixed repayments, often with ownership transfer at the end.
• Finance lease — long-term rental where the lender owns the asset; often used for specialist machinery.
• Operating lease — short-to-medium term rentals, lessor retains ownership; useful for fast-depreciating tech.
• Asset refinance — release cash tied up in owned equipment.
• Vendor or OEM finance — manufacturer-backed packages for new equipment purchases.

Example of monthly costs & terms (illustrative only)

Illustrative only — actual quotes vary by provider and business circumstances.

Who we help: UK sectors & asset types

We commonly match businesses in:

• Construction & civil engineering
• Manufacturing & engineering
• Healthcare & dental clinics
• Hospitality, catering and leisure
• Transport, logistics and fleet operators
• Retail and e‑commerce (POS & warehousing equipment)
• Agriculture and land-based industries

Typical assets include:

• Heavy plant and construction equipment
• Production machinery & tooling
• Commercial vehicles and fleets
• Medical and diagnostic equipment
• IT, telecoms and office fit-out
• Catering, brewing and hospitality equipment

Specialist & heavy equipment

For plant, cranes and industrial machinery lenders look at asset age, maintenance history and resale value. We match you to partners experienced with heavy equipment funding.

Technology & office equipment

IT and rapidly depreciating assets often suit operating leases or short-term finance. We’ll introduce brokers who handle vendor finance and technology refresh programmes.

Step-by-step: Fast Business Loans matching process

1. Complete a short enquiry form — it takes under 2 minutes and is not an application.
2. We check your request and match you to lenders/brokers in our panel who specialise in your sector and asset type.
3. Selected partners contact you to request quotes and required documents.
4. Compare offers, agree terms directly with the provider and proceed — lenders/brokers complete formal checks and issue agreements.

Completing the enquiry does not affect your credit score. Start Your Enquiry — free, no obligation.

Eligibility snapshot & what lenders consider

Each lender has its own criteria, but common factors include:

• Trading history and business structure (limited companies and incorporated entities)
• Annual turnover and profit margins
• Credit history and existing finance commitments
• Deposit or initial payment amount
• Asset type, condition and expected useful life

Documents to have ready

• Recent business bank statements (typically 3 months)
• Management accounts or latest filed accounts
• Supplier/quotation details for the equipment
• Proof of identity and company documents

Comparing equipment finance vs buying outright

Costs, fees & managing repayments

Typical costs include interest, arrangement fees and possible early settlement charges. Rates and fees are set by lenders and brokers; Fast Business Loans does not set or charge these. Always request a full breakdown of the total cost of borrowing and any fees before signing an agreement.

Avoiding common pitfalls

• Check whether repayments are fixed or variable.
• Confirm who is responsible for maintenance, insurance and tax (VAT treatment may differ).
• Watch for early repayment penalties and balloon payments at term end.
• Ask about end-of-term options: ownership, return or upgrade.

Case snapshot: funding new equipment in the UK

South West engineering firm needed a CNC machine worth £65,000 but wanted to preserve cash for a new contract. After a short enquiry, we matched them with a broker specialising in manufacturing asset finance. They received two competitive quotes — finance lease over 60 months — and completed within 10 working days after supplying bank statements and a supplier invoice. Outcome: new asset on-site, predictable monthly payments and preserved working capital. Results vary by business and provider.

Why Fast Business Loans is different

We’re an introducer — not a lender. Our role is to reduce search time and connect you with suitable lenders and brokers. We handle the matching; partners handle quotes, checks and agreements. Our service is free to businesses and the enquiry is not an application.

Dedicated support after you enquire

Once you submit your details, expect contact from matched lenders or brokers by phone or email. They’ll explain terms, request supporting documents and provide quotes. You decide whether to proceed; there’s no obligation from submitting the enquiry.

Frequently asked questions

What types of equipment can be financed?

Most business assets can be financed including plant, vehicles, machinery, medical devices, IT, catering and office fit-outs. Availability depends on the asset’s lifespan and lender risk appetite.

Can my business apply if I have previous credit issues?

Yes — different lenders have different risk profiles. Because we match you with multiple partners, you may find options even after past refusals. Completing our enquiry does not affect your credit score.

How long does the process take?

Initial contact from partners is usually within hours. Once documents are provided, straightforward deals can complete in a few days; complex applications take longer.

Do I own the equipment during the agreement?

Ownership depends on the product. With Hire Purchase you usually become owner after the final payment; with many leases the lender retains ownership and you return or buy the asset at term end.

How much does it cost to use Fast Business Loans?

It’s free to business owners — you only pay fees or interest to the chosen lender/broker if you accept an offer. Fees are disclosed by the provider before you commit.

Important information & disclaimers

Fast Business Loans introduces UK businesses to brokers and lenders for equipment finance. We are not a lender and do not provide financial advice. Completing an enquiry is not an application and does not guarantee funding. Each lender sets final terms, conditions and eligibility criteria. Information is correct as of November 2025 and subject to change. For personalised guidance consider seeking independent financial or tax advice.

Learn more about equipment finance options on our pillar resource: equipment finance.

Ready to explore finance options? Start Your Free Eligibility Check — quick, secure and no obligation.

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer to lenders and brokers. We only make revenue when business owners complete the enquiry form and are introduced to our partners. For terms, privacy and complaints, see our site links in the footer.

1) What types of equipment can I finance?
You can finance most business assets — machinery, vehicles, IT and telecoms, medical devices, catering equipment and office fit-outs — subject to lender criteria and asset lifespan.

2) Can I finance used equipment or only new?
Both new and used equipment can be funded if the asset has a clear value, condition record and useful life.

3) What’s the difference between Hire Purchase and a finance lease?
Hire Purchase typically leads to ownership after the final payment, while a finance lease is long-term rental with the lender retaining title.

4) How quickly can I get equipment finance?
You’ll usually hear from matched lenders or brokers within hours, and straightforward deals can sometimes complete in 48–72 hours once documents are supplied.

5) What documents do lenders usually ask for?
Expect recent business bank statements (typically 3 months), accounts, ID/company details and a supplier quote or invoice for the equipment.

6) Do you help start-ups or firms with previous credit issues?
Yes — some partners consider newer businesses or those with past credit blips, though criteria vary and a deposit or guarantee may be required.

7) Can I refinance equipment I already own to release cash?
Yes — asset refinance can unlock capital tied up in owned equipment or replace existing agreements.

8) What are my options at the end of the term?
Depending on the product, you can return the asset, upgrade, continue renting or pay a final amount to own it.

9) What costs and fees should I expect?
Beyond interest, check for arrangement fees, maintenance/insurance responsibilities, VAT treatment, early settlement charges and any balloon payments.

10) Is the enquiry an application, and who is eligible?
The enquiry is a free, no‑obligation eligibility check (not an application) for UK businesses — primarily limited companies and SMEs — seeking equipment finance from around £10,000+.