Asset Finance for UK Businesses: Compare, Qualify, and Secure Funding Fast
Summary: Asset finance helps businesses buy or refinance equipment, vehicles, machinery and technology by spreading cost over time. Fast Business Loans does not lend money — we introduce UK companies (typically seeking finance from around £10,000 and up) to the lenders and brokers best placed to help. Complete a short enquiry for a free eligibility check and we’ll match you with suitable providers quickly and with no obligation. Free Eligibility Check
What is asset finance and why UK businesses use it
Asset finance is a way for a company to obtain the use of business equipment (vehicles, plant, machinery, IT, medical devices, catering equipment and more) without paying the full purchase price up front. Instead, a lender or lease provider funds the asset and the business repays over a set term.
Common reasons UK businesses choose asset finance:
- Preserve working capital — keep cash available for day-to-day operations.
- Acquire essential equipment quickly — without large upfront cash outlay.
- Flexible terms — seasonal payment profiles, balloon payments or staged funding are possible.
- Tax and accounting effects — different structures (hire purchase vs leasing) have different balance sheet and tax impacts.
How Fast Business Loans helps you secure asset finance
We act as a fast, no-cost introducer between your business and lenders or brokers who specialise in asset finance. We do not provide loans or give regulated financial advice — instead we match you to the best providers for your circumstances.
Our simple 4-step process
- Enquiry: You complete our short online form (takes around 2 minutes) — no credit impact.
- Matching: We match your business to lenders or brokers that understand your sector and asset type.
- Contact: A matched partner contacts you to discuss options and any documentation needed.
- Decision: You compare offers and decide whether to proceed — you remain in control at every stage.
Need a fast read on likely eligibility? Get Your Quote Now and we’ll arrange a free eligibility check with relevant providers.
Asset finance options we can introduce you to
Hire Purchase (HP)
Hire purchase is a straightforward route where you pay an initial deposit then fixed repayments. Ownership transfers to you after the final payment. Common for new and used machinery and vehicles. Typical terms range from 12–60 months depending on the asset.
Finance Lease & Operating Lease
With a finance lease you effectively take on much of the asset’s economic life but don’t own it outright. An operating lease keeps the asset off your balance sheet in many cases — ideal for businesses that want predictable costs and frequent upgrades (eg IT or vehicles).
Asset Refinance
If you already own assets, refinance lets you unlock cash tied up in equipment or vehicles to free working capital or consolidate debt. Lenders will value the asset and propose a release amount and term.
Contract Hire & Vehicle Finance
Specialist options for fleets and transport operators — from lease purchase to contract hire tailored around mileage and maintenance requirements.
Many lenders can structure staged payments, seasonal schedules or customised terms for large or bespoke purchases. To explore options tailored to your asset, complete a quick enquiry: Free Eligibility Check.
Which industries benefit most from asset finance?
Asset finance is used across most sectors. Our partners have specialist knowledge across:
- Construction: plant, excavators, tools and site equipment.
- Agriculture: tractors, harvesters, specialist farm machinery.
- Manufacturing & Engineering: CNC machines, production lines, presses.
- Logistics & Transport: vans, HGVs, trailers, fleet upgrades.
- Healthcare: diagnostic kit, treatment equipment, practice fit-outs.
- Hospitality & Retail: catering equipment, refrigeration, point-of-sale systems.
- IT & Telecoms: servers, hardware, telecoms infrastructure.
- Renewables & Sustainability: solar, EV chargers, energy-saving systems.
Tell us about your sector and we’ll connect you to brokers who understand your specific asset needs. Start your enquiry.
Asset finance eligibility basics
Eligibility varies by lender, asset and sector, but common considerations include:
- Trading history: established businesses with a trading history usually have more options, though specialist lenders may support newer companies.
- Credit profile: business credit and director records are reviewed; multiple lenders on our panel means alternatives if you’ve had previous refusals.
- Turnover and affordability: lenders check that repayments are affordable alongside your other commitments.
- Asset condition: new or used assets are acceptable to different lenders — supplier quotes and invoices help speed decisions.
- Documentation: recent accounts, management accounts, bank statements and supplier quotes are commonly requested.
Submitting an enquiry is a soft process with Fast Business Loans and will not impact your credit score. Matched brokers/lenders only run credit checks with your permission if you choose to proceed.
Costs, terms and repayment structures explained
Typical term lengths run from 12 to 84 months. Key cost elements to understand:
- Deposit: some agreements require an upfront payment, others do not.
- Interest rates: fixed or variable rates are available; the final margin depends on the lender and risk profile.
- Balloon payments: lower monthly payments with a final larger payment at term end can be an option.
- Fees: arrangement, documentation or valuation fees may apply — these should be disclosed by the provider.
- VAT & accounting treatment: leasing and HP are treated differently for VAT and balance sheet purposes — your accountant or broker can advise on specifics.
We introduce you to providers who give clear, itemised terms — always review the full agreement before signing.
Asset finance vs other funding routes
When to choose asset finance:
- If the funding is specifically for an asset and you want to avoid a large upfront cost.
- If you prefer asset-backed lending that preserves bank facilities for other needs.
- If you need specialist vehicle or equipment funding with flexible terms.
Alternatives include unsecured business loans, invoice finance, merchant cash advances and business overdrafts. If you’re unsure which route is best, our matched brokers can discuss pros and cons for your business goals.
Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans
- Free introduction service — no cost and no obligation for businesses.
- Fast matching — we prioritise partners with relevant sector experience.
- Human support — real people review your enquiry to ensure accurate matches.
- Secure handling of your data — we only share details with appropriate lenders/brokers.
- Focused on deals from around £10,000 and upwards — suitable for SMEs and larger investments.
“Fast Business Loans matched us to a broker who knew our industry — we replaced our fleet within weeks.” — Satisfied customer (name & company available on request)
What to expect after you submit an enquiry
- Submit the short enquiry form (about 2 minutes).
- We send an introduction confirmation and explain how we use your data.
- A matched broker or lender contacts you — typically within hours during business days.
- Discuss requirements, share quotes or supplier invoices and provide requested documents.
- Receive tailored offers, compare terms and decide — you’re under no obligation to accept any offer.
Ready to start? Get Started with a free eligibility check.
Responsible finance and compliance
Fast Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender and not a provider of regulated financial advice. We aim to present information in a clear, fair and non-misleading way. Lenders and brokers you are introduced to will explain product details, fees and suitability — always ask questions and, if in doubt, seek independent professional advice.
We handle your personal and business data securely and only share it with lenders or brokers appropriate to your enquiry. Submitting a form is a soft enquiry and will not affect your credit record.
Tools, resources and next steps
Useful next steps:
- Prepare recent accounts, bank statements and supplier quotes to speed decisions.
- Ask potential lenders about total cost of credit, early settlement terms and any fees.
- Compare offers on price, term, flexibility and end-of-term options.
For a fuller guide to asset finance and how it might apply to your business, see our detailed asset finance page on asset finance.
Frequently asked questions
What assets can be financed through your partners?
Our panel can help fund vehicles, plant and machinery, IT hardware, catering and medical equipment, renewable energy systems and many other business-critical assets. Eligibility depends on the lender.
Can younger or growing businesses qualify for asset finance?
Yes — many lenders support growing companies. Options depend on trading history, cashflow, asset type and director support. We try to match you to lenders experienced in your sector.
How quickly can funds be available once approved?
Timing varies. For standard equipment with full documentation, funds or delivery instructions are often in a few days after lender approval. Complex or bespoke assets can take longer.
Will completing your enquiry affect my credit score?
No. Submitting our form is a soft enquiry and does not impact credit records. Lenders may perform credit checks only with your permission during a formal application.
What information should I have ready before speaking with a broker?
Have basic company details, recent accounts or management accounts, bank statements and supplier quotes or invoices for the asset. This helps brokers assess options quicker.
Is there any cost or obligation to using Fast Business Loans?
No — our introduction service is free for businesses and there is no obligation to proceed with any quote you receive.
Secure the equipment or vehicles your business needs
Get matched to lenders and brokers who understand your sector and asset requirements. Complete our short form now for a free, no-obligation eligibility check and personalised quotes.
– What is asset finance and how does it work? – Asset finance lets UK businesses spread the cost of equipment, vehicles or machinery via hire purchase, leasing or refinance with fixed repayments over an agreed term.
– Who is eligible for asset finance? – Eligibility depends on trading history, credit profile, affordability and asset type, with specialist lenders on our panel who can consider newer businesses or past declines.
– Is your enquiry an application and will it affect my credit score? – No, it’s a soft eligibility enquiry only with no credit impact, and any credit check happens only with your permission if you choose to proceed.
– How much can I finance and over what term? – Most providers fund from around £10,000 upwards with typical terms of 12–84 months, subject to asset, sector and status.
– What assets can be financed? – Vehicles, plant and machinery, IT and telecoms, medical and catering equipment, and renewable energy systems can all be considered, new or used.
– What’s the difference between hire purchase and a finance lease? – Hire purchase leads to ownership after the final payment, while a finance lease gives long-term use without ownership and different tax/accounting treatment.
– How quickly can I get approved and funded? – We match you to lenders/brokers within hours and, once approved with documents in place, standard assets can often be funded in a few days.
– What documents will I need to start? – Recent accounts or management figures, bank statements, supplier quotes or invoices, and basic company and director details usually speed up decisions.
– Do you charge fees or give financial advice? – Fast Business Loans is a free introducer (not a lender or adviser), though lenders may charge arrangement or documentation fees which they will disclose.
– Can I refinance existing equipment to release cash? – Yes, asset refinance can unlock capital tied up in owned equipment or vehicles to improve cash flow or consolidate debt.
