Equipment finance for UK businesses — compare equipment funding and protect cash flow

Summary: If your business needs new or replacement kit but you don’t want to tie up cash, equipment finance spreads the cost and preserves working capital. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend — we match UK limited companies and growing businesses (funding from roughly £10,000+) with lenders and brokers that specialise in hire purchase, finance leases, operating leases, refinance and other asset-backed options. Complete a quick enquiry for a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to the best partners for your sector. Free Eligibility Check

What is equipment finance and how it works

Equipment finance is a way for businesses to obtain machinery, vehicles, IT, catering or medical equipment without paying the full purchase price upfront. Typical approaches include hire purchase, finance leases, operating leases and asset refinance. These options let you spread the cost over months or years while the business keeps using the asset.

How it usually works:

• Tell us what you need and approximate budget.
• We match you with lenders or brokers who specialise in your sector and ticket size.
• You receive one or more quotes, provide standard documents, and agree terms with the chosen provider.
• Finance is arranged and the supplier is paid or the lender funds delivery; repayments are made per the agreed schedule.

Fast Business Loans — what we do (and what we don’t)

Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Our role is simple and practical:

• Free, no-obligation enquiry: tell us a few business details and what you need.
• Match you quickly with lenders/brokers that understand your industry and asset type.
• Help speed up initial responses so you can compare options and decide.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Who uses equipment finance in the UK?

Equipment finance is widely used across many industries. Common sectors and examples:

• Manufacturing & engineering: CNC machines, presses, fabrication kit.
• Construction & trades: Excavators, plant, compressors, specialist tools.
• Hospitality & catering: Ovens, fridges, extraction systems.
• Healthcare & dental: Diagnostic machines, imaging equipment.
• Transport & logistics: Vans, rigid trucks, specialist trailers.
• IT & telecoms: Server stacks, telecoms hardware, POS systems.

We match businesses with providers who have appetite for specific sectors and asset types so quotes reflect real market options.

Equipment finance products we can help you compare

Different products suit different needs. We’ll match you with partners who offer the most appropriate solutions:

Hire Purchase (HP)

Pay fixed instalments with an option to own the asset at the end. Ideal when you want ownership and predictable monthly payments. Typical terms: 2–5 years (longer for large kit).

Finance Lease

Hire the asset for a fixed term; ownership usually stays with the funder. Often used for specialised or high-value equipment where the lender accepts residual value risk.

Operating Lease

Shorter-term leasing where you don’t take ownership. Useful for fast-moving technology or seasonal needs — keep equipment off the balance sheet in some cases (seek professional advice).

Equipment Refinance / Asset Release

Unlock cash tied up in assets you already own; refinance to free working capital for growth or restructure existing finance.

Asset-based lending & bespoke funding

For complex needs or very large-ticket items, lenders may provide structured solutions. We can match you with brokers who arrange tailored facilities.

Want to compare options for your machinery or vehicles? Equipment finance providers vary — our matches help you see the right mix of cost, term and flexibility. Get Your Equipment Finance Quote

Benefits of equipment finance for your business

• Preserve cash flow: Avoid a large capital outlay and free cash for day-to-day operations.
• Access up-to-date technology: Lease options make it easier to refresh kit and remain competitive.
• Flexible terms: Seasonal payment profiles, balloons or extension options exist depending on provider.
• Potential tax/treatment advantages: Treatment varies by product and business; consult your accountant.

When equipment finance might not be the best solution

Equipment finance is not always ideal. Situations where other approaches may be better include:

• Very short-term or low-ticket purchases where paying cash is cheaper overall.
• Assets in poor condition or obsolete kit with uncertain residual values.
• Businesses that have a ready ability to buy outright without impacting working capital or growth plans.

If you’re unsure which route to take, submit a quick enquiry and a matched broker will help explore alternatives. Free Eligibility Check

How to apply through Fast Business Loans (step-by-step)

1. Complete our short enquiry: basic business info, asset type, required amount (from ~£10,000 upwards) and contact details — it’s not an application.
2. We match you: we select lenders/brokers from our panel that suit your sector and ticket size.
3. Receive quotes and discuss terms: your matched partner will usually call or email to request documents and provide quotes.
4. Compare and decide: choose the offer that fits your needs; you only proceed if you want to.

Typical first responses are often within hours during business hours. All initial enquiries are soft and do not impact credit scores. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

What lenders and brokers will consider

Understanding typical lender criteria helps you prepare a faster decision:

• Trading history & turnover: lenders usually review recent accounts and turnover trends.
• Asset details: type, new/used status, supplier information and estimated value.
• Deposit or customer contribution: some funders expect a deposit for certain assets.
• Credit profile: business and director credit checks may be required by funders later in the process.
• Supporting documents: recent accounts, bank statements, supplier invoices and ID for key directors.

If your business has an unusual credit history or you need specialist funding, we can match you to brokers experienced in more complex cases. Get Quote Now

Frequently asked questions

Is the enquiry an application?

No — the enquiry is used to match you with suitable lenders/brokers. It is not a credit application and does not commit you to proceed.

Will the enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Initial matching and eligibility checks are soft and don’t affect credit. Lenders may run formal checks later if you choose to proceed.

What is the minimum amount you can help with?

We work with lenders and brokers who typically consider equipment funding from around £10,000 upward.

How quickly will I hear back?

Most matched partners respond within hours during business hours. Complex or bespoke facilities may take longer.

Do you charge businesses to use this service?

Fast Business Loans is free for businesses to use. Any fees for arranging finance are disclosed by the lender or broker you choose.

What if I’m declined by one lender?

We’ll work to match you with alternative providers who might be a better fit. Being declined by one lender doesn’t mean there’s no option.

Real-world scenarios

Three anonymised examples of how equipment finance can help:

• Manufacturer upgrades CNC: replaced a £150k machine using a finance lease to preserve cash and spread cost over 5 years — production and margins improved immediately.
• Restaurant kitchen fit-out: leased ovens and refrigeration over 4 years with seasonal payment structuring to match trading patterns.
• Logistics fleet expansion: used hire purchase for five vans, enabling scaling without disrupting working capital and keeping predictable monthly costs.

Why UK businesses use Fast Business Loans

• Speed: short enquiry, fast matches.
• Sector knowledge: we connect you to lenders/brokers who understand your industry.
• Transparent: we’re an introducer — you deal directly with the lender/broker for final terms.
• Free & no obligation: you only proceed if you want to.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Key disclaimers & next steps

Fast Business Loans is an introducer; we do not provide regulated financial advice or lend directly. Eligibility, fees and terms are determined by lenders and brokers. We recommend you obtain independent professional tax or accounting advice about the treatment of finance for your business.

Ready to compare equipment finance offers? Complete a short enquiry (it takes under two minutes) and we’ll match you with the most suitable lenders and brokers. Free Eligibility Check — Get Your Equipment Finance Quote

– What is equipment finance and how does it work?
Equipment finance lets UK businesses spread the cost of machinery, vehicles, IT or medical equipment via hire purchase, leases or refinance while preserving cash flow and using the asset.

– Are you a lender and does it cost to use Fast Business Loans?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and our matching service is free with no obligation to proceed.

– Is the enquiry an application and will it affect my credit score?
No—the enquiry is information-only and uses soft checks that don’t affect your credit score, with any formal checks done later by a chosen lender.

– What equipment finance options can I compare?
You can compare hire purchase, finance leases, operating leases, equipment refinance and bespoke asset-backed funding via our panel of UK lenders and brokers.

– What’s the minimum amount you can help with?
For equipment finance we typically help from around £10,000 upward, with larger-ticket funding available depending on the provider and asset.

– How quickly will I hear back and how long does funding take?
You’ll usually hear back within hours during business hours, and completion time depends on the provider, asset and how quickly documents are supplied.

– What do lenders look for and what documents will I need?
Lenders consider trading history, turnover, asset details, deposits and credit profile, and commonly request recent accounts, bank statements, supplier quotes/invoices and director ID.

– Can I finance used equipment or refinance assets I already own?
Yes—many providers will fund quality used equipment and offer asset refinance to release cash from kit you already own, subject to valuation and condition.

– Who owns the equipment at the end—hire purchase vs lease?
With hire purchase you usually own the asset at the end, while with finance or operating leases ownership typically remains with the funder.

– Can you help start-ups or businesses with adverse credit or previous declines?
Yes—we can match UK limited companies and growing businesses, including start-ups or those previously declined, to specialist lenders where viable.