Vehicle Finance for UK Businesses | Fast Business Loans
Summary: Need funding for vans, HGVs or a new fleet? Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and businesses (from £10,000+) with specialist lenders and brokers to find the most suitable vehicle finance—hire purchase, leasing, contract hire and more. Our service is free, no obligation and submitting an enquiry will not affect your credit score. Start with a quick eligibility check and get matched to the best providers for your needs.
Introduction
Vehicle finance helps businesses spread the cost of acquiring commercial vehicles—vans, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), HGVs, minibuses and specialist transport—without tying up capital. At Fast Business Loans we do not lend. Instead, we introduce your business to relevant lenders and brokers who can provide tailored quotes and structure finance for your situation. Our matching service is free, quick and designed for companies seeking finance of £10,000 and above.
Get Quote Now — complete our short enquiry (less than 2 minutes) to receive a free eligibility check and be matched to suitable vehicle finance providers.
Why consider vehicle finance for your business?
Businesses choose vehicle finance for many reasons. Here’s why it’s worth thinking about:
- Protect cash flow — avoid a large capital outlay and preserve working capital for operations or growth.
- Scale quickly — add vehicles to expand routes or take on new contracts without waiting to save funds.
- Tax and accounting flexibility — different products have different accounting and VAT treatments that can suit your business goals.
- Access to specialist funding — finance for refrigerated, adapted, or electric vehicles is readily available through specialist lenders.
Here’s how it works in practice: you tell us your requirements, we match you with lenders/brokers who specialise in your vehicle type and sector, and they contact you with options—no obligation.
Vehicle finance solutions we can help you access
Fast Business Loans connects businesses with providers offering a wide range of vehicle finance products. Below are the main options, with the typical benefits and who they suit.
Hire Purchase (HP) & Business Loans
Hire Purchase lets you buy a vehicle by paying a deposit and fixed monthly repayments. Ownership transfers to you once the final payment is made.
- Suitable for businesses wanting to own the vehicle at the end of the term.
- Deposit usually required; terms commonly 2–5 years.
- Simple structure and predictable repayments.
Finance Lease & Asset Finance
Finance lease is an asset-backed agreement where the lender retains ownership; you pay rentals to use the vehicle. Asset finance also covers used vehicles and specialist equipment.
- Useful where a business wants to retain flexibility without capital purchase.
- Often available for specialist or high-value vehicles.
- May offer tax or balance-sheet advantages depending on accounting treatment—check with your accountant.
Contract Hire / Business Contract Hire (BCH)
Contract hire (operating lease) gives you fixed monthly costs for a set term and mileage allowance—vehicle is returned at the end of the contract. Maintenance packages can be included.
- Ideal for businesses that prefer off-balance-sheet operating costs and regular vehicle upgrades.
- Predictable budgeting with optional maintenance and tyres packages.
Asset Refinance & Equity Release
If you already own vehicles, asset refinance can release cash by using those vehicles as security—helpful for unlocking working capital.
Want to compare options specific to vans, HGVs or EV fleets? Free Eligibility Check
Quick comparison: Hire Purchase vs Finance Lease vs Contract Hire
| Feature | Hire Purchase (HP) | Finance Lease | Contract Hire (Operating Lease) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership at end | Yes (after final payment) | No (lessor retains ownership) | No (vehicle returned) |
| Balance sheet impact | Asset & liability (usually) | Often on-balance-sheet | Often off-balance-sheet (depends on accounting) |
| Deposit | Typically required | Sometimes | Usually nil or low initial rental |
| Maintenance | Optional | Optional / negotiable | Often included as an optional package |
| Typical term | 2–5 years | 2–7 years | 2–5 years |
Vehicles and sectors we support
Our partners have experience funding a broad range of commercial vehicles and sectors, including:
- Vans & light commercial vehicles (LCVs)
- HGVs, tipper trucks and haulage fleets
- Taxis, private hire and PHV fleets
- Minibuses, community transport and school transport
- Specialist vehicles (refrigerated, tail-lift, CCTV-fitted, adaptations)
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and mixed or green fleets
For detailed sector-specific options, our network can connect you to specialists—start with a Free Eligibility Check.
Learn more about specialist vehicle borrowing and options on our vehicle finance pillar page.
Eligibility & what lenders look for
Each lender has its own criteria, but common factors include:
- Business trading history and financial performance (accounts, cashflow forecasts)
- Company credit profile and director credit history
- Vehicle type, age and mileage (younger vehicles have more lender options)
- Deposit or initial rental and the loan amount (we work with finance from £10,000 upwards)
- Purpose of the vehicle and expected usage (mileage, payloads)
Note: Submitting an enquiry to Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may perform checks only if you proceed to a formal application. Finance is subject to status and affordability checks. Terms and conditions apply.
Fast Business Loans: how our matching service works
We make it simple. Here’s the process:
- Complete a short online enquiry with a few business and vehicle details (takes less than 2 minutes).
- We match your request to lenders and brokers in our network who specialise in your vehicle type and sector.
- Matched partners contact you directly with quotes and next steps.
- You compare offers and decide — there’s no obligation to proceed.
Data you submit is only shared with relevant partners to help find a suitable finance solution. We do not charge businesses to use our service.
Benefits of using Fast Business Loans for vehicle finance
- Save time: one quick form connects you to multiple, relevant providers.
- Choice: access a broad panel of lenders and brokers for better chances of a competitive offer.
- Specialist advice: partners experienced in commercial and specialist vehicles.
- No charge to your business and no obligation to accept offers.
- Confidential and secure handling of your data—only shared with relevant partners.
Key considerations before you commit
Before signing any finance agreement, consider:
- Total cost of credit—interest, fees and any balloon or final payments.
- Maintenance, insurance and responsibility for repairs.
- Contract mileage limits and excess charges (for contract hire).
- Early exit terms and potential penalties.
- Tax and accounting implications—speak with your accountant for tailored advice.
Case snapshot
Example only: A regional courier business needed 10 vans to expand routes. With limited cash, they completed our enquiry form and were matched to a broker offering a blended solution: part hire purchase for ownership of newer vans and contract hire on others with maintenance included. Outcome: faster expansion without a large upfront capital call. Your circumstances may vary.
FAQs about business vehicle finance
- What types of vehicles can I finance?
- Vans, LCVs, HGVs, minibuses, taxis, refrigerated and adapted vehicles, agricultural and specialist vehicles, and electric vehicles are commonly financed.
- How quickly can funding be arranged?
- Timescales vary by provider and complexity. Many brokers can provide indicative offers within 24–72 hours; formal funding can take longer depending on checks and delivery timelines.
- Do I need a deposit?
- Some products require a deposit or initial rental, while others (like some contract hire deals) may have low or no initial rental. It depends on the lender and your credit profile.
- Can start-ups apply?
- Yes—some lenders and brokers specialise in newer businesses, though criteria can be stricter. We’ll try to match you to providers who consider your trading history.
- Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
- No. Making an enquiry with Fast Business Loans will not affect your credit file. Lenders may perform checks only on formal applications.
- Can I finance electric vehicles (EVs)?
- Yes. There are specific lenders and packages for EVs, including options that cover chargers or provide green incentives—ask in your enquiry for EV-specific help.
Ready to explore vehicle finance options?
Fast Business Loans can match you with vehicle finance specialists who understand your sector and vehicle requirements. Our service is free and there’s no obligation.
Start Your Vehicle Finance Enquiry — it only takes a couple of minutes. We’ll match you to appropriate lenders and brokers who can provide quotes and next steps.
Important information & disclaimers
Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer and connector between businesses and lenders/brokers. We are not a lender or a financial adviser. We do not provide regulated financial advice. Finance is subject to status, affordability and provider terms. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. All finance offers are provided by the lenders/brokers you are introduced to and are subject to their checks and terms.
For further information about our processes, privacy and data handling, please see our site policies or contact us.
– What business vehicle finance options can I compare in the UK?
You can compare Hire Purchase (HP), Finance Lease, Contract Hire (BCH) and asset refinance for vans, HGVs and fleets.
– Who is eligible and what’s the minimum finance amount?
UK businesses (including limited companies) can enquire from £10,000 and up, subject to lender criteria.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—your enquiry with Fast Business Loans doesn’t affect your credit file; checks occur only if you proceed with a lender.
– How fast can I get quotes or funding for vehicle finance?
Many partners provide indicative quotes within 24–72 hours, with formal funding timing dependent on due diligence and vehicle delivery.
– Do I need a deposit or initial rental for business vehicle finance?
HP usually requires a deposit, while some contract hire deals offer low or zero initial rental depending on your profile.
– Will I own the vehicle at the end of the agreement?
Ownership typically passes with Hire Purchase after the final payment, while Finance Lease and Contract Hire do not transfer ownership.
– What types of vehicles can be financed, including used or specialist models?
Vans, LCVs, HGVs, minibuses, taxis, refrigerated/adapted vehicles and electric vehicles—including used assets—are commonly financed.
– Can start-ups or businesses with limited trading history get vehicle finance?
Yes—some lenders and brokers on our panel consider start-ups and newer businesses, though criteria may be stricter.
– What information is needed to start the process?
Just basic business details, vehicle type and amount, and contact info—our quick enquiry takes under two minutes and is not a formal application.
– How does Fast Business Loans work and is the service free?
We act as an introducer, matching you to specialist UK lenders and brokers for business vehicle finance, and our service is free with no obligation.
