Why UK manufacturers need flexible finance now

Manufacturing firms are under pressure from higher energy bills, labour shortages, rising component prices and the need to digitise production lines. Many companies must invest in new machinery, automation or energy-efficiency projects to remain competitive — but these investments can create temporary cashflow gaps.

Whether you need to replace an ageing CNC machine, fund a production ramp-up for a large order, or invest in carbon-cutting equipment that will reduce operating costs long-term, the right finance makes these projects possible without undermining day-to-day operations. Fast Business Loans helps match your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in manufacturing finance so you can explore practical options quickly.

Key cashflow pressures in manufacturing:

• Capital expenditure for machinery and automation
• Working capital for raw materials and seasonal orders
• Invoice timings causing temporary liquidity shortfalls
• Energy-efficiency upgrades and sustainability investments

Get Quote Now

What types of manufacturing finance can you access?

Manufacturers can access a wide range of finance products. Below is a practical overview of the most common options, typical loan sizes and when each is most suitable.

Asset & equipment finance

Designed to fund new or used machinery (CNCs, presses, conveyors). Options include hire purchase, finance leases and asset refinance. Typical values: £10,000 to several million. Benefits: spreads cost, preserves working capital, can be structured to match equipment life.

Working capital & business loans

Short- to medium-term loans to cover payroll, materials and growth. Can be unsecured or secured against business assets. Typical terms: 1–5 years; sizes from £10k to £2m+. Use for urgent cashflow gaps or planned expansion.

Invoice finance & supply chain funding

Invoice factoring or discounting unlocks cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Ideal for manufacturers with long payment terms or a few large buyers. Speeds up cashflow and supports stable operations.

Commercial loans & expansion finance

For factory moves, large-scale expansion or acquisition. Often arranged by specialist commercial lenders or brokers; sizes commonly from £100k upwards depending on asset and covenant structure.

Green & sustainability funding

Specialist finance for energy-saving projects — solar PV, heat pumps, process efficiency upgrades. Some lenders offer preferential terms for sustainability investments; grants or matched funding may also be available.

Not sure which option fits? Start Your Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to lenders who specialise in your chosen product.

How Fast Business Loans works for manufacturers

We’re an introducer — we don’t lend. Our service is free and designed to save you time by connecting your limited company with lenders and brokers that understand manufacturing.

1. Complete a short enquiry — business details, funding amount and purpose (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match you — your request is sent to selected lenders/brokers who focus on manufacturing.
3. Rapid responses — expect a call or email from a provider to discuss options and next steps.
4. Compare and decide — you choose whether to proceed with any offers; providers handle the formal application.

What to expect after you apply

Initial contact is usually within hours during business days. Brokers may request financials, management accounts or quotes for equipment to provide tailored proposals. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score.

Get Matched with a Broker

Eligibility snapshot: what lenders typically look for

Criteria vary by lender and product, but common factors include:

Business profile & trading history

Lenders prefer established limited companies with demonstrable trading performance. Many specialist lenders will consider growing firms with strong contracts or purchase orders.

Financial documentation & forecasts

Recent management accounts, bank statements and forecasts help lenders assess affordability — particularly for larger facilities or expansion funding.

Security & guarantees

Some facilities require asset security (machinery, property) or personal guarantees depending on size and risk. Asset finance often secures the loan against the equipment itself.

Fast Business Loans can connect you with lenders that match your profile. Free Eligibility Check.

Use the right finance for these manufacturing scenarios

Here are common manufacturing needs and the finance options that typically suit them:

• Replacing a CNC or purchasing robotics: Asset finance or hire purchase to spread the cost over the machine’s life.
• Large one-off contract requiring increased output: Short-term working capital or invoice finance to fund materials and labour.
• Factory refit or relocation: Commercial loan or specialised expansion finance.
• Export growth (new markets): Working capital and foreign-exchange-aware lenders; export invoice finance where appropriate.
• Energy efficiency upgrades: Green finance or sustainability loans, sometimes blended with grants.

“We secured machinery funding within days — the right lender reduced our deposit and preserved cash for raw materials.” — Midlands manufacturer

Tell us what you’re planning — Get Quote Now

Benefits of using Fast Business Loans for manufacturing firms

Working with Fast Business Loans saves time and improves the chance that you’ll find a lender who understands your sector-specific needs. Key benefits:

• Sector expertise: Matches are made with lenders and brokers experienced in manufacturing.
• Speed: Short enquiry → rapid contact from suitable partners.
• Tailored options: Access a panel offering asset finance, cashflow facilities, invoice finance and more.
• No obligation: Free service — you decide whether to proceed with any lender’s offer.
• Secure introductions: Your details are only shared with relevant partners to speed a response.

Start Your Manufacturing Finance Enquiry

Case snapshots: realistic funding outcomes

1. Precision parts manufacturer — new CNC

Challenge: ageing machinery limited capacity. Solution: asset finance via a specialist lender. Outcome: 5-year hire purchase for £120,000 with manageable monthly payments; production increased and lead times shortened.

2. Food packaging supplier — bridging a major order

Challenge: large contract required immediate raw material purchase. Solution: invoice finance to unlock funds against raised invoices. Outcome: liquidity maintained, order delivered, customer relationship strengthened.

3. Engineering firm — energy upgrade

Challenge: high energy costs and requirement to improve efficiency. Solution: sustainability funding blended with equipment finance. Outcome: reduced monthly energy spend and a lower overall payback period.

Looking for similar funding? Get Matched with a Broker

Manufacturing finance checklist before you apply

Gathering these documents and details ahead of time speeds the process:

• Company registration details and owner/director information
• Latest 12–24 months management accounts and bank statements
• Equipment quotes or supplier pro-formas (if asset finance)
• Order book, contracts or purchase orders supporting revenue forecasts
• Asset inventory and estimated values (for secured lending)
• Energy audits or sustainability plans for green funding

Upload your basics — Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Frequently asked questions about manufacturing finance

How much can UK manufacturers typically borrow?

Loan sizes vary by lender and product. Through our panel you can access facilities from around £10,000 to several million pounds for larger projects or portfolio finance.

Will my enquiry affect our credit score?

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

What’s the difference between asset finance and hire purchase?

Both fund equipment. Hire purchase lets you buy equipment by paying instalments and usually takes ownership at the end of the term; asset finance and leases offer different ownership and taxation structures — a broker can explain which suits your needs.

Can I combine multiple finance products?

Yes. Manufacturers commonly combine asset finance for machinery with invoice finance for working capital. Our introducer service can connect you with specialists who structure multi-product facilities.

How quickly can funding complete?

Timescales depend on product and complexity. Some asset finance or small working capital facilities can be agreed within days; larger commercial loans or complex packages may take several weeks.

Are you a lender or a financial adviser?

We are an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not provide regulated financial advice; providers will advise on suitability and terms if you proceed with an application.

Still have questions? Request a Free Callback

Ready to explore your options?

Fast Business Loans helps limited manufacturing companies access finance from £10,000 upwards by matching you with lenders and brokers who understand your industry. Complete our short enquiry and we’ll connect you quickly with the right partners — no cost, no obligation.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Compliance & disclosure

Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide or underwrite loans. Information on this page is for guidance only and does not constitute financial advice. Any offers you receive are subject to the lender’s terms and final approval. We will share your details only with selected lenders and brokers who can help with your request.

For more detailed sector guidance, see our industry resources on manufacturing business loans.