Why printing companies need tailored finance

Print and packaging firms operate in a capital‑intensive market. New digital presses, finishing lines and automated finishing add productivity but require significant upfront investment. At the same time, the industry faces pressure from substrate and energy costs, fluctuating client payment terms and demand for sustainable processes — all of which squeeze cashflow.

Capital‑intensive equipment

From B2 digital presses and flexo/gravure kit to bindery and finishing machinery, the cost of new equipment can run into hundreds of thousands. Equipment finance lets you spread that cost while keeping production online.

Cashflow squeeze

Long client payment terms, seasonal peaks (retail Christmas runs, marketing cycles) and inventory purchases for high-demand periods create working capital gaps. Short-term loans or invoice finance can bridge those periods.

Sustainability & innovation

Clients increasingly expect eco credentials. Energy-efficient presses, LED curing, waste-reduction systems and solar installations can be financed through green or asset finance facilities that reward measurable efficiency gains.

If you need funding for a new press or to smooth seasonal working capital, start with a Free Eligibility Check — it’s quick and no obligation.

Finance solutions available via Fast Business Loans

We don’t lend — we match your business to lenders and brokers who specialise in print and packaging. Below are the common products our partners provide. Typical amounts start at around £10,000 and can go to £1m+ depending on needs and security.

Unsecured & secured business loans

• Use: working capital, refurbishments, short-term cashflow. Typical range: £10k–£250k (subject to lender).
• Notes: unsecured options exist but secured loans may offer better rates for larger sums.

Asset & equipment finance

• Use: purchase new or used presses, finishing kit, conveyors. Options include leasing, hire purchase (HP) and refinance.
• Typical range: £10k–£1m+. Terms often 2–7 years.

Invoice finance & factoring

• Use: unlock cash tied in unpaid invoices from agencies, retailers or distributors.
• Benefits: improves liquidity, reduces aged-debt risk.

Refinance & consolidation

• Use: consolidate multiple facilities, release equity in owned equipment to free cash.

Green & sustainability loans

• Use: energy-efficiency upgrades, solar PV, low-carbon presses — lenders increasingly support projects with measurable savings.

Exact terms and availability depend on lender criteria and your business profile. Compare multiple offers by starting a quick match: Compare Printing Finance Options – Free Eligibility Check.

How our matching service works

We make introductions so you reach lenders/brokers who understand print finance — faster.

1. Tell us about your print business — complete a short enquiry (under 2 minutes). This is a soft introduction and does not affect your credit score.
2. We shortlist specialist partners — we match you to lenders/brokers with relevant experience (asset finance, invoice finance, green loans).
3. Discuss options quickly — partners usually contact you by phone or email to request documents and provide indicative terms.
4. You decide — no obligation — review offers and proceed directly with the provider you prefer.

We only share your details with partners who can help your specific request. We don’t charge you — our service is free. Ready to start? Start My Print Finance Enquiry.

Eligibility & what lenders look for

Criteria vary across lenders, but these are the common factors under review.

Business profile

Lenders assess company structure, trading history, annual turnover and the specific printing niche (commercial print, labels, packaging, signage). We typically work with limited companies and SMEs seeking £10k and above.

Financial health

Management accounts, VAT returns, bank statements and details of existing debt give lenders visibility on cashflow and affordability.

Credit history & directors

Personal and business credit records, CCJs and previous insolvencies affect terms. Some lenders request personal guarantees for larger facilities.

Security & assets

Owned machinery, property or stock can be used as security. For asset finance the asset itself often secures the facility.

Documents to prepare

• Latest management accounts (or statutory accounts)
• 3–6 months’ business bank statements
• List of equipment with values and maintenance status
• Details of major contracts or purchase orders

Not sure if you’ll qualify? Request a Free Eligibility Check and our matching partners will advise on likely options.

Improving your approval odds

Small, proactive steps can materially improve your chances and terms.

• Keep management accounts up to date and build a short cashflow forecast showing how the loan will be repaid.
• Highlight secured orders or long-standing client contracts to show reliable future income.
• Show ROI for new equipment (labour savings, higher margins on short runs).
• Address aged debt with improved credit control or invoice finance to improve cashflow ratios.
• Package sustainability measures (reduced energy costs) for green finance eligibility.

Our broker partners can advise on the specific documentation lenders will request. If you want a broker to guide you through the process, Get Matched with a Printing Finance Broker.

Funding use cases & sample scenarios

Each case is subject to lender assessment — but a tailored introduction speeds up the search for the best fit. Tell us about your project: Get Quote Now.

For sector-focused insight, see our pillar on printing business loans for more detail on lenders and finance types for print and packaging companies.

Costs, terms & responsible borrowing

Rates and terms reflect the product, security and risk profile. Typical term ranges:

• Short-term working capital: 6–24 months
• Asset finance / HP: 2–7 years (sometimes longer for major presses)
• Invoice finance: ongoing facility with review periods

Always compare APR, arrangement fees, early settlement charges and security implications. Borrow responsibly — only take what you can repay without jeopardising operations.

Questions to ask a lender

• What is the APR and all fees?
• Are there penalties for early repayment?
• Which assets are taken as security?
• Will a personal guarantee be required?
• How quickly can funds be drawn once approved?

Get indicative offers to compare from multiple providers: Compare Offers from Partners.

Step-by-step checklist before you apply

• Confirm funding need and target amount.
• Gather financial documents: management accounts, bank statements, creditor/debtor listings.
• Prepare an equipment list and vendor quotes if buying kit.
• Run basic credit checks for directors and address any issues.
• Decide possible security or guarantees you can offer.

Timing tip: printing equipment lead times can be long — secure finance before placing orders. Ready? Start Your Enquiry.

Alternative & complementary options

Depending on your project, also consider:

• Supplier finance or OEM leasing (manufacturers often offer competitive terms).
• Government-backed schemes or grants for low‑carbon upgrades.
• Leasing vs hire purchase — leasing can lower short‑term costs but has different ownership implications.

We can introduce brokers who will advise on these alternatives as part of your matching process. Explore Your Options with a Broker.

Frequently asked questions

Can start-up printing companies apply for finance through Fast Business Loans?

Yes. Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with partners who consider early-stage printing businesses. Eligibility and terms vary; lenders make the final decision.

Will submitting the enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting our enquiry is a soft introduction and does not affect your credit score. Formal applications to lenders may involve credit checks.

What is the fastest way to fund new printing equipment?

Specialist asset finance or leasing providers are often the quickest route. They can provide indicative terms rapidly after a short discussion and valuation.

Can I refinance existing machinery to free up cash?

Potentially yes. Many lenders offer refinance options that release equity from owned equipment. The amount depends on condition and existing agreements.

Do you work with packaging, signage or label printers?

Absolutely. Our panel includes brokers and lenders experienced across commercial print, packaging, labels and signage.

Are there green finance options for sustainable print investments?

Yes. Some lenders and schemes support energy-efficient presses, solar installations and low-carbon retrofits — availability depends on the project.

Next steps

Fast Business Loans helps you save time and increase the chance of finding the right finance partner for your print or packaging business. Our service is free and no obligation — we introduce you to lenders or brokers who can provide quotations and next steps.

Start Your Printing Finance Enquiry — it takes under 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score.

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender or financial adviser. We connect businesses with lenders and brokers who may contact you with offers. All finance is subject to lender assessment and status. You should consider whether borrowing is suitable for your business and seek independent advice where appropriate. For details on how we handle your data, see our privacy policy and terms.