Running a print or packaging business means balancing high equipment costs, volatile material prices and tight client payment terms. Fast Business Loans makes it easier to explore funding from a panel of specialist lenders and brokers. We’ll match your business to likely partners quickly — complete a short enquiry and receive no‑obligation options. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

• Quick matches to lenders/brokers experienced in print sector finance
• Funding options from around £10,000 and up
• No obligation at the enquiry stage; no hard credit search

We are an introducer, not a lender. Completing the form does not impact your credit score at enquiry stage. Any formal application with a lender or broker may involve affordability and credit checks.

Industry snapshot: UK printing & packaging finance landscape

The UK print and packaging sector includes digital and offset printers, label and flexible packaging specialists, and contract manufacturers for retail and e‑commerce. Common trends affecting finance needs include investment in digital presses for short runs, sustainability upgrades, and rising energy and substrate costs. These factors increase demand for tailored finance solutions that understand machine lifecycles, resale values and seasonal cashflow patterns.

Specialist knowledge matters: lenders experienced in equipment valuation, invoice-backed lending for contract work and sustainability funding can offer more realistic structures than generic business loan providers. For more sector detail, see our industry hub on printing business loans.

Common funding needs for printing businesses

Printing companies typically look for finance to:

• Buy or upgrade presses, cutters and finishing kit (very high up-front cost)
• Purchase substrates, inks and high-volume consumables
• Bridge seasonal demand or large one-off contracts
• Refit premises or improve energy efficiency (e.g., LED drying, solar)
• Purchase vans and logistics equipment for deliveries
• Refinance older equipment to release working capital

Need funding for new presses or a cashflow boost? Get a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who handle printing sector finance.

Printing business loan & finance options we can introduce

Unsecured working capital loans

Typical sizes: £10,000–£250,000. Terms: 6 months–5 years. Best for short-term cashflow gaps, marketing pushes or small refurbishments. Faster to arrange but usually higher cost and subject to turnover and credit profile.

Asset & equipment finance (HP, leasing, refinance)

Typical sizes: £10,000–£1,000,000+. Terms: 1–7 years. Suitable for new or used presses, finishing lines and vehicles. Options include hire purchase (ownership at term end), finance lease, or refinance of existing kit to release cash while keeping operations running.

Invoice finance for print contracts

Funding against outstanding invoices or a debtor book — useful when you supply larger customers but wait 30–120 days for payment. Speeds cashflow, helps cover materials and labour while you wait to be paid.

Commercial mortgages & refit finance

For premises purchases or significant refits (insulation, new power supply). Terms and sizes vary widely; security is commonly required against property.

Specialist sustainability & green loans

Funding for energy-efficient presses, solar PV, heat pumps or EV chargers. Terms may be competitive where lenders support green initiatives — evidence of projected savings helps applications.

All finance is subject to status and affordability checks by the lender or broker we introduce. Availability of products and terms vary by provider.

How Fast Business Loans supports printing firms

We act as the bridge between your business and lenders/brokers who specialise in commercial and equipment finance. Our matching considers:

• Turnover and recent trading performance
• Purpose of the loan (equipment, working capital, refinance)
• Asset types and age
• Credit profile and any previous finance history

Typical 4-step process:

1. Complete a short enquiry (under 2 minutes)
2. We match you to relevant lenders/brokers
3. Partners contact you with potential terms and next steps
4. Compare offers and proceed directly with your chosen partner

Start your enquiry – speak with a sector specialist

Eligibility checklist for printing finance

While each lender has its own criteria, typical requirements include:

Trading history & revenue

• Established SMEs and limited companies with demonstrable trading are preferred. (We do not handle sole trader or professional practice-specific lending.)
• Turnover thresholds vary by product; many lenders consider companies with annual revenues from the low hundreds of thousands upwards depending on loan size.

Documentation commonly requested

• Latest management accounts or company accounts
• Equipment quotes or invoices, and photos (for asset finance)
• Customer contracts or purchase orders (helpful for invoice finance)
• Bank statements and director ID where required

Credit & security considerations

• Good business credit helps secure lower rates; some lenders work with challenged credit cases but on stricter terms.
• Secured vs unsecured: larger ticket items and property loans will usually require security; equipment finance often takes a charge over the asset.

Tip: Keep equipment maintenance logs and a clear asset register — they can support valuations for refinance or hire purchase deals.

Cost, rates & repayment considerations

Rates vary by product, lender, term and business profile. Below are typical ranges as a guide only — exact pricing will depend on the lender’s assessment.

Key factors that affect pricing: credit history, loan term, deposit, equipment age and lender-specific risk appetite. Always check total cost, fees and early repayment terms. For a tailored estimate, request a Free Eligibility Check.

Preparing your printing business for approval

Simple steps to improve outcomes:

• Update management accounts and prepare a short cashflow forecast
• Gather quotes and photos for equipment purchases
• Document recurring contracts and major clients
• Resolve any outstanding county court judgments (CCJs) where possible
• Maintain a clear asset register and service history for presses

“Be realistic about affordability and present the case clearly — lenders respond well to concise forecasts and evidence of repeat business.” — Fast Business Loans Printing Finance Team

Fast Business Loans application journey

Your enquiry is designed to be quick and low impact:

1. Complete a short online form (under 2 minutes)
2. We match you with one or more lenders/brokers suited to your need
3. A partner contacts you to discuss terms and collect documents
4. Choose the best offer and proceed with the lender/broker

Assurance: Submitting the initial enquiry does not trigger a hard credit search. Any formal application with a lender or broker may involve credit and affordability checks.

Get Matched to Printing Finance Partners

Case study snapshot

Manchester digital printer — challenge and outcome (fictional example):

Challenge: Fast growth required a new digital press (£150k) and working capital to cover an expanded substrate purchase. Cash was tied up in 60‑day invoices.

Solution introduced: An asset finance package for the press over 5 years plus invoice finance facility to unlock debtor cash. The lender arranged valuation, the invoice finance provider advanced up to 80% of approved invoices.

Outcome: Machine delivered within 6 weeks, production increased, and cashflow stabilised. (Results are illustrative — individual outcomes depend on lender decisions.)

Printing finance tips & best practices

• Bundle finance: consider combining asset finance with a short-term working capital facility.
• Prioritise energy-efficient kit — some lenders offer green incentives.
• Build a clear asset register and service history to improve refinance terms.
• Engage your accountant early — lenders often value verified forecasts.
• Use bridging carefully for acquisitions; ensure you have repayment or refinance plans.

For sector insights and statistics, check reputable industry sources such as the British Printing Industries Federation and government data to inform forecasts (linking externally where appropriate).

Why printing businesses choose Fast Business Loans

• Speed: quick matches without long forms
• Sector focus: we understand printing & packaging finance drivers
• Secure handling of your enquiry data
• Free to use — no obligation to proceed

See your funding options – Get Started Now

Frequently asked questions

Are start-up print shops eligible?

Some lenders and brokers work with newer businesses, but requirements vary. Start-ups often need a strong business plan, realistic cashflow forecasts and may face additional security or higher rates. We’ll match you to partners who consider younger businesses where appropriate.

Can we finance pre-owned presses?

Yes — many asset finance providers will fund used equipment. Age, condition and maintenance history affect terms and valuation. Providing service logs and clear photos speeds the underwriting process.

How quickly can funds arrive?

Timescales vary: unsecured working capital can sometimes complete within days once paperwork is provided; asset finance and invoice finance often take longer due to valuations and credit checks. Your matched broker/lender will give a timeline once they review documents.

Do lenders accept seasonal revenue fluctuations?

Many do. Lenders assess average profitability, contract pipeline, and the ability to manage seasonal dips. Invoice finance is commonly used to smooth out seasonal cashflow.

Is personal security always required?

Not always. Smaller unsecured loans may not require director guarantees, but larger facilities, mortgages or certain asset financings often do require personal or company security. Each lender’s policy differs.

Will making an enquiry affect our credit file?

No. Submitting a Fast Business Loans enquiry will not trigger a hard credit search. Any formal application with a lender or broker may involve credit and affordability checks.

Start your printing finance enquiry

If your business needs funding — from new presses and vehicles to working capital and sustainability upgrades — let us match you to lenders and brokers who understand printing. Completing our short form is free and takes under two minutes.

Get Quote Now – Free Eligibility Check

Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Any finance offered is subject to the lender or broker’s checks and terms. Borrowing involves risks; always consider affordability.