The UK Printing & Packaging Landscape

Printers and packagers operate in a rapidly changing market. Digital print growth, volatile paper and ink prices, and pressure to deliver shorter lead times have increased working capital needs. Many firms keep high inventory and face extended payment terms from large customers — which squeezes cashflow.

That’s why targeted finance solutions — from asset finance for presses to invoice finance for unpaid invoices — are commonly used across the sector. If you want a fast, tailored response, Get Started – Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you with lenders who specialise in print businesses.

For an industry overview and more sector‑specific funding ideas, see our in‑depth guide to printing business loans: printing business loans.

Typical Reasons Printing Firms Seek Finance

• Equipment upgrades — new digital presses, finishing kit, cutters and binders.
• Replacing or financing second‑hand machinery to expand capacity.
• Working capital during seasonal peaks or while awaiting large invoices.
• Buying bulk paper, inks and supplies at better rates (stock funding).
• Refinancing or consolidating existing higher‑cost debt.
• Premises expansion or fit‑out for production lines.
• Investing in sustainability: energy‑efficient machines, solar, or waste reduction systems.

Here’s why it matters: the right finance keeps production moving without draining reserves, and choosing the correct product can save tens of thousands over the life of the facility.

Finance Options Available for Printing Businesses

We can connect you with providers offering funding from around £10,000 up to multi‑million facilities. Below are the most common solutions and when they suit your business.

Asset & Equipment Finance

Best for: buying presses, finishing kit and plant. Terms: typically 2–7 years. Collateral: the financed asset. Benefit: spreads cost, preserves working capital and can include maintenance and warranty.

Equipment Leasing & Hire Purchase (HP)

Best for: businesses that want predictable monthly payments. Leasing preserves capital and HP builds ownership at the end of the term. Typical terms vary 2–5 years depending on equipment life.

Invoice Finance & Factoring

Best for: unlocking cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Offers immediate liquidity (up to 85–95% of invoice value), flexible limits linked to sales and improved cashflow to fund materials and payroll.

Working Capital Loans

Best for: short‑term cashflow gaps or covering bulk material purchases. Terms range from 3 months to 3 years depending on lender and purpose.

Commercial Mortgages & Property Finance

Best for: purchasing or refinancing premises. Terms usually 10–25 years with security on property.

Refinance & Consolidation

Best for: lowering monthly repayments by consolidating higher‑cost debts or restructuring facilities for improved cashflow.

Green / Sustainability Loans

Best for: investing in energy‑efficient machinery, solar PV or other eco projects. Some lenders offer preferential rates or longer repayment terms for sustainability investments.

Representative APRs and exact costs vary by lender and business circumstances — always discuss specifics with the partner you’re matched with.

Eligibility & What Lenders Look For

While criteria differ between lenders, common requirements include:

• Trading history (many lenders prefer 1–2+ years trading for standard products).
• Annual turnover bands and recent profitability.
• Company structure and director(s) credit records.
• Value and condition of assets offered as security.
• Outstanding invoice quality for invoice finance.
• Supply contracts and customer concentration.

Less-than-perfect credit or newer businesses may still get funding through specialist funders, guarantor arrangements, or asset-backed facilities. Want a quick check? Free Eligibility Check — it takes under 2 minutes and doesn’t affect your credit score.

How Fast Business Loans Connects You with the Right Lenders

1. Complete a short enquiry form with basic business details and the amount you need.
2. We match you to lenders and brokers in our panel who specialise in printing and packaging.
3. A partner will contact you to discuss options, terms and next steps.
4. Compare offers and decide — there’s no obligation to proceed.

We don’t lend directly and we don’t give regulated financial advice; we introduce you to finance providers who can help. Start now: Get Quote Now.

What to Prepare Before You Apply

Having the right documents speeds up the matching and approval process. Typical checklist:

• Latest 12–24 months accounts (P&L and balance sheet).
• Management accounts for recent months and cashflow forecasts.
• Aged debtor and creditor reports.
• List of assets and valuations (serial numbers, age, condition).
• Details of major contracts and customer payment terms.
• Director ID and proof of address for KYC checks.

Pro tip: take photos and note serial numbers for machinery — many funders will accept second‑hand equipment if condition and valuation are satisfactory.

Costs, Terms & Responsible Borrowing

Costs depend on product and risk profile. Example ranges:

• Asset finance/HP: interest rates typically lower than unsecured loans; structured over equipment life.
• Invoice finance: fees often a % of invoice value plus service fees; effective cost depends on utilisation.
• Working capital loans: rates vary widely; specialist lenders may charge higher rates for higher risk cases.

Always consider arrangement fees, early settlement charges and total cost over term. Borrow only what you can afford; matched lenders will carry out affordability and credit checks. Fast Business Loans does not provide financial advice — consider independent advice if you’re unsure.

Why Printing Companies Choose Fast Business Loans

• Sector understanding — we match you with lenders who know print and packaging.
• Speed — short enquiry, quick matching and a fast response from lenders.
• Choice — access to a panel of brokers and lenders to compare options.
• No cost to you — our service is free and without obligation.
• Secure and confidential — we only share details with relevant partners.

“We needed a new digital press but didn’t want to tie up capital. Fast Business Loans matched us with a broker who arranged asset finance within days — the press was installed within three weeks.” — illustrative client example

Success Snapshot — An Example Printing Business Journey

Background: A family-owned trade printer with £1.2m turnover needed a digital press to offer short‑run colour work and win new retail clients. Challenge: limited cash after a slow quarter and a large council contract delayed payment.

Solution: Fast Business Loans matched the company with an asset finance specialist. The firm secured a 60‑month hire purchase for £150,000 with a manageable monthly payment linked to machine life.

Outcome: New service line launched, revenue increased by 18% in year one and the business improved client lead times. Results vary by case and depend on lender terms and business circumstances.

Printing Business Finance FAQs

Can I finance second‑hand presses?

Yes. Many asset funders and specialist lenders will finance good‑condition used equipment subject to valuation and age limits.

How fast can funds be released?

Timescale depends on product — invoice finance and some working capital lines can be arranged in days; asset finance and mortgages take longer (weeks to months).

Will an enquiry affect my credit score?

Submitting our enquiry does not affect your credit score. Matched lenders may perform credit checks later if you decide to proceed.

Do you lend directly?

No — Fast Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers; we are not a lender and we do not provide regulated financial advice.

What minimum loan size can I expect?

We typically help arrange facilities from £10,000 and upwards, although product availability varies by lender.

What happens after I submit the form?

We match your enquiry to relevant partners. You’ll usually receive contact by email or phone from a lender or broker to discuss options — there’s no obligation to accept any offer.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match your printing business to lenders and brokers who understand your needs. It’s free, quick and non‑binding.

Get Quote Now

Footer & Compliance Notes

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects UK businesses with finance brokers and lenders. We do not lend money and we do not provide regulated financial advice. Finance is subject to status and affordability checks by the lenders or brokers we introduce. Rates, fees and availability vary by provider and business circumstances. By completing our enquiry you consent to your details being shared with selected finance partners so they can contact you about relevant offers.

Your data is handled securely in line with our privacy policy and only shared with partners who can help with your funding request.