What is equipment finance and how does it work?

Equipment finance lets your business acquire machinery, technology, vehicles or specialist kit without paying the full purchase price upfront. Instead, a lender or leasing company funds the asset and you repay over an agreed term. Structures vary — some agreements transfer ownership at the end, others provide use-only options.

Financing can cover new or used equipment and is available for many asset types: manufacturing machinery, commercial kitchen equipment, medical devices, IT systems, vehicles and more. Fast Business Loans does not lend — we match your business with brokers and lenders who specialise in equipment funding and who can provide tailored quotes.

Why consider equipment finance for your business?

For many firms the benefits are clear:

• Protect cash flow: Keep working capital available while spreading the cost of the asset.
• Access up-to-date technology: Upgrade without large capital outlay so you remain competitive.
• Match costs to life of the asset: Choose terms that reflect useful economic life of the kit.
• Tax and accounting flexibility: Different products have different tax and balance-sheet effects — obtain specialist advice to confirm treatment.

Want to see if you’re eligible? Complete a short enquiry for a Free Eligibility Check: Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Types of equipment finance we can introduce

Different businesses need different structures. Below are common options our broker and lender partners arrange.

Hire Purchase

Structured repayments with an option to own the asset after the final payment. Typically a deposit is required and interest is charged over the term.

Equipment Leasing (Operating & Finance Leases)

Leases can be operating (use-only, off-balance-sheet potential depending on accounting standards) or finance leases (longer-term, closer to ownership). Useful when you want predictable operating costs.

Asset Refinance

If you already own equipment, you can release capital by refinancing the asset — freeing cash for growth while keeping the equipment in use.

Short-term loans & bridging solutions

For urgent purchases, short-term facilities or bridging finance can cover the gap until longer-term funding is in place.

Vendor / Manufacturer Finance

Often the supplier offers finance packages (including 0% offers). These can be competitive for specific vendors and are worth comparing.

Compare options quickly by submitting your details for a free match: Compare Equipment Finance Options — Get Quote Now.

For a broader guide on equipment funding, see our dedicated resources on equipment finance.

Who we help — industries and use-cases

Our partners serve a wide range of sectors. Examples include:

• Construction: Excavators, telehandlers, site generators.
• Manufacturing & engineering: CNC machines, presses, assembly lines.
• Healthcare: Diagnostic equipment, practice upgrades.
• Hospitality & catering: Commercial kitchens, refrigeration, bar fit-outs.
• Agriculture: Tractors, harvesters, specialist implements.
• Logistics & transport: Fleet vehicles, handling equipment.
• IT & technology: Servers, desktops, software-related hardware.

Example scenario: a manufacturing firm replacing a legacy press with an energy-efficient model — financing spreads the cost while the new kit improves output.

How Fast Business Loans helps — our simple matching process

We make the first steps easy and low-risk:

1. Quick enquiry: Provide basic business details and the equipment you want to fund (takes under 2 minutes).
2. Smart matching: We introduce your enquiry to selected lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and asset type.
3. Rapid response: Partners typically contact you by phone or email with options and next steps.
4. Compare and decide: Review quotes, ask questions and proceed with the provider you prefer. There’s no obligation to accept any offer.

Important: your enquiry is free and does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks later if you choose to proceed with an application.

Get an Equipment Finance Quote in under 2 minutes — Free Eligibility Check.

What lenders typically look for (eligibility & documents)

Requirements vary by provider, but common criteria and documents include:

• Company trading history and structure (limited companies and incorporated businesses).
• Annual turnover and recent management accounts.
• Details of the equipment (supplier quotes, age for used assets, serial numbers).
• Deposit or trade-in details (if applicable).
• Director details and personal credit profile where guarantees may be required.
• Business bank statements and cashflow forecasts for larger deals.

Submitting accurate details in the enquiry speeds up matching and helps brokers prepare appropriate proposals.

Understanding costs, rates and terms

Rates and costs depend on multiple factors: asset type and age, loan-to-value, term length, business financials and perceived risk. Examples of factors that affect pricing:

• Longer terms typically reduce monthly payments but may increase total interest.
• Deposits or part-exchange reduce the amount financed and may lower rates.
• Balloon payments or seasonal payment profiles can be arranged for some deals.
• Used equipment usually incurs slightly higher rates than new.

We cannot quote rates ourselves — our matched brokers and lenders will provide personalised quotes. For a tailored comparison, complete a short enquiry: Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now.

Other funding solutions to consider

Depending on your needs, one of these alternatives or complementary products may be suitable:

• Asset finance and hire purchase (covered above).
• Business loans (unsecured or secured) for more general capex.
• Invoice finance to free up working capital before equipment purchase.
• Government grants or industry-specific funding — suitable for some sustainability or innovation projects (seek specialist advice).

Your matched broker can explain which combination of solutions best fits your situation.

Why choose Fast Business Loans?

We save time and increase your chances of a good outcome by connecting you to lenders and brokers who understand your sector and the asset you need. Key advantages:

• Quick, no-cost enquiry — takes under 2 minutes.
• Matches tailored to asset type and industry.
• No obligation to proceed after you receive quotes.
• We focus on funding from £10,000 and upwards.

Ready to compare options? Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Equipment finance FAQs

Is equipment finance available for start-ups?

Some lenders and brokers will consider newer businesses, particularly when supplied with a strong business plan, contracts or personal guarantees. Use our enquiry to find partners experienced with early-stage companies.

Can I finance second-hand equipment?

Yes — many lenders support quality used equipment. Provide supplier details and photos in your enquiry so matched partners can advise.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Our initial enquiry is a soft check and does not impact credit scores. If you progress with a lender, they may carry out formal credit searches with your consent.

What deposit do I need?

Deposits vary. Some deals require 5–20%; others offer higher loan-to-value options. Your matched broker will clarify requirements for each quote.

Can I settle an agreement early?

Early settlement is usually possible but may incur fees depending on the product. Ask your broker for full details before you commit.

How fast can funding be arranged?

Turnaround depends on asset complexity and documentation — anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Supplying accurate information in your enquiry speeds the process.

Ready to upgrade your equipment?

If you need new kit without the cash-flow hit, Fast Business Loans can match you to brokers and lenders who specialise in the equipment you need. It’s free to enquire and there’s no obligation to proceed. We introduce you to the providers who can deliver tailored quotes and next steps.

Get a Free Equipment Finance Quote — Free Eligibility Check

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer and matching service, not a lender. Eligibility and approvals are determined by the lenders or brokers we introduce. Independent financial and tax advice is recommended for complex transactions.