Equipment Finance for UK Businesses

Need funding to buy or upgrade business equipment quickly? Fast Business Loans connects UK companies (minimum enquiries typically £10,000 and above) with lenders and brokers that specialise in asset funding. We don’t lend money or provide regulated financial advice — we introduce you to providers who can. Our free, no‑obligation service helps you compare options and get quotes faster.

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Why use Fast Business Loans for equipment finance?

• Speed: a short enquiry matches you with relevant lenders and brokers quickly.
• Access: our panel includes specialist asset finance brokers, leasing houses and commercial lenders.
• Sector experience: we connect you with providers who understand your industry and asset type.
• No obligation: submitting an enquiry is free and does not commit you to an application.

Remember: Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and we do not provide regulated financial advice. Our role is to help you find the best possible broker or lender for your needs.

What is equipment finance?

Equipment finance covers a range of solutions that let businesses obtain the assets they need (new or used) while preserving cash. Instead of paying the full purchase price upfront, you spread the cost through structured finance:

• Hire purchase: you pay fixed instalments and usually own the equipment at the end of the term.
• Finance lease / operating lease: rental-style agreements where the lender retains ownership; operating leases can keep assets off your balance sheet in certain cases.
• Asset refinance / sale-and-leaseback: release cash from assets you already own by selling them to a funder and leasing them back.

Equipment finance suits SMEs and established companies investing in plant, vehicles, IT, catering, medical devices and more—especially when preserving working capital or spreading cost is important.

Typical asset types you can finance

• Manufacturing and production machinery
• Commercial vehicles and specialist transport
• IT hardware and telecommunications
• Medical and dental equipment
• Catering, hospitality and kitchen kit
• Construction plant and tools
• Renewable energy equipment (solar, EV chargers)

How the Fast Business Loans matching process works

Here’s how you get connected, step by step:

1. Complete a short enquiry: tell us a few details about your business, the asset(s) and the finance required. This is not an application — it’s information we use to match you.
2. We match you: we identify lenders and brokers from our panel best suited to your sector and asset type.
3. Providers contact you: matched partners get in touch to discuss quotes and next steps. You decide if you want to progress.
4. Compare and decide: review offers and select the option that fits your cash flow, tax and operational needs.

Submitting an enquiry does not affect your business credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks only if you choose to proceed with an application.

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Types of equipment finance we can introduce

Finance lease vs. hire purchase vs. operating lease

Choosing between options depends on ownership, tax treatment and how you want the asset to appear in your accounts:

• Hire Purchase: fixed term and payments, ownership usually transfers at the end. Good when you want to own the asset.
• Finance Lease: longer-term funding where the lender owns the asset; often lower monthly costs and can include maintenance.
• Operating Lease: typically a shorter rental agreement; useful for assets you don’t intend to own long-term.

Asset refinance & sale-and-leaseback

If you already own equipment, sale-and-leaseback lets you unlock tied-up capital by selling assets to a funder and leasing them back — useful for improving cash flow or refinancing expensive debt.

Funding criteria & eligibility snapshot

Each lender has its own criteria, but most assess:

• Trading history and company structure
• Turnover and profitability
• Credit profile and outstanding liabilities
• Asset type, age and residual value
• Deposit or initial rental requirements

Start-ups and businesses with adverse credit may still have options through specialist brokers, though terms can vary. Typical documentation requested includes recent accounts, bank statements and equipment quotations.

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Benefits of equipment finance for your business

• Cash flow preservation: keep working capital for operations while paying for assets over time.
• Predictable costs: fixed monthly payments help budgeting and planning.
• Tax planning: some finance options offer tax advantages—speak to an accountant for specific advice.
• Technology upgrades: replace or upgrade equipment more frequently without a large capital outlay.
• Scalability: finance can support expansion without draining reserves.

Sector-specific advantages

Manufacturing, construction, healthcare, hospitality, transport and renewable energy projects often benefit from lenders familiar with industry-specific asset lifecycles and residual values. That sector knowledge tends to improve the quality of offers you receive.

Costs, rates & terms explained

Rates and fees depend on asset type, loan term, your business credit profile and whether the equipment is new or used. Typical term ranges are 1–7 years, but longer terms are available for high-value assets. You should expect to see:

• Interest rate or implied finance rate (depends on product)
• Arrangement or documentation fees
• Deposit or initial rental (may be required)
• Balloon or residual payments on some leases
• Early settlement fees in some contracts

We aim to present clear options. Always review provider agreements and consider independent professional advice where appropriate.

Comparing equipment finance vs. alternative funding routes

Other options include unsecured business loans, commercial mortgages, invoice finance or outright purchase. Use-cases:

• Need to own asset outright and avoid ongoing rentals: hire purchase or a business loan.
• Prefer predictable rental costs and off‑balance options: operating lease.
• Need short-term working capital, not asset purchase: invoice finance or a short-term loan.

Fast Business Loans helps you compare the right types of finance for your objective so you can make an informed decision.

Fast Business Loans customer support & transparency

We follow clear, fair and not misleading principles in how we present finance options. Your data is handled securely and only shared with selected lenders/brokers relevant to your enquiry. We charge no fee to businesses for submitting an enquiry — our revenue comes from successful introductions.

Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide regulated financial advice. Consider independent professional advice to ensure any funding is right for your business.

How to get started today

Ready to explore equipment finance? Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you to specialist brokers and lenders who can provide tailored quotes. The enquiry takes under two minutes and does not affect your credit record.

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For more in-depth background on equipment funding options, see our broader guide to equipment finance here: equipment finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is equipment finance available for newer businesses?

Yes. Some lenders and brokers specialise in funding younger businesses, though they may ask for a business plan, director information or a higher deposit. Submit a free enquiry to see which partners can help.

How quickly can funding be arranged?

Timescales vary: simple deals can complete in days, larger or specialist assets may take several weeks. Matched brokers will provide estimated timings when they contact you.

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes. Many funders accept used assets, though rates and maximum terms may depend on age, condition and expected residual value.

What if I want to upgrade or settle early?

Upgrade and early settlement options depend on your agreement. Some leases include upgrade clauses; others charge settlement fees. Speak to the lender/broker about the specific terms before committing.

Does submitting an enquiry affect my business credit score?

No. Completing our enquiry form does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out checks only if you decide to proceed with an application.

What if my business has adverse credit?

Don’t assume you have no options. Our panel includes brokers who work with businesses that have adverse histories. Results will vary and terms may be different, but a match can still be possible.

Are there fees to enquire?

There is no cost to submit an enquiry. Fast Business Loans is free for businesses; any charges would be disclosed by the lender or broker you choose to proceed with.