Asset Finance for UK Businesses: Compare Equipment, Machinery & Vehicle Funding
Summary: Asset finance helps UK businesses buy or refinance equipment, machinery and vehicles while preserving cash flow. Fast Business Loans does not lend — we match your company to specialist brokers and lenders who can provide hire purchase, leasing, asset refinance and other solutions from around £10,000 upwards. Submit a short, no‑obligation enquiry to receive a free eligibility check and tailored introductions. Enquiry is not an application and typically won’t affect your credit score. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check
At a Glance: Is Asset Finance Right for Your Business?
Asset finance is ideal when you need equipment, vehicles or machinery but prefer to preserve working capital. Typical use cases include fleet purchases, manufacturing upgrades, construction plant and IT rollouts. Our introducer service helps UK limited companies and SMEs secure funding from specialist brokers and lenders for deals typically from £10,000 upwards.
- Typical deal size: from £10,000 to multi‑million.
- Common sectors: construction, manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, agriculture, healthcare.
- Speed: many enquiries receive broker contact within hours; funding depends on lender underwriting.
- Enquiry impact: submitting our form is not an application and does not usually affect your credit score.
Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now
What Is Asset Finance?
Asset finance is a suite of funding options that lets a business acquire, lease or refinance tangible assets while spreading the cost over time. Instead of paying cash upfront, you use the asset as security or structure payments around ownership options. This preserves working capital and can improve cash flow planning.
Asset finance differs from unsecured loans because the asset itself often underpins the deal, which can make funding more accessible for asset‑rich businesses. Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we’ll connect you with brokers and lenders who specialise in these products so you can compare options quickly and without obligation.
Common Asset Finance Products We Can Introduce You To
| Product | Ideal for | Typical term | Ownership outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase (HP) | Buying new or used assets | 1–5 years (often) | Ownership transfers after final payment |
| Finance Lease | Long‑term use with lower initial outlay | 2–7 years | No automatic ownership; purchase option may exist |
| Operating Lease (Contract Hire) | Shorter term vehicle & equipment fleet use | 1–5 years | Asset returned at end of term |
| Asset Refinance / Sale & Leaseback | Release working capital from owned assets | Usually 1–7 years | Ownership often retained but asset encumbered |
| Balloon Payment / Deferred Payment | Lower monthly cost for high‑value assets | Terms vary | Large final payment or refinance option |
Each product suits different cash‑flow and ownership goals — our matched brokers will explain the pros and cons for your business. Request Your Asset Finance Quote
What Assets Can You Fund?
Most commercial assets are eligible, whether new or used. Common categories include:
- Machinery & Plant — CNC machines, production lines, excavators, agricultural tractors.
- Vehicles & Transport — HGVs, delivery vans, specialist fleet vehicles, electric vehicle (EV) fleets.
- Technology & Office Equipment — servers, telecoms systems, printers, catering and medical equipment.
- Green & Sustainability Equipment — solar installations, EV chargers, heat pumps and other energy‑saving kit.
Want to learn more about typical asset finance structures and eligibility for specific equipment? Read our full guide to asset finance.
Asset Finance Eligibility Checklist
Criteria vary by lender, but brokers often assess the same core items. Use this checklist to estimate readiness before you enquire:
- Trading history: many lenders prefer companies trading for 12+ months, though some offer solutions to younger businesses.
- Turnover: minimums vary; typical SME products start around £100k turnover but specialist lenders can be flexible.
- Asset details: supplier quote, make/model, new or used and estimated lifespan.
- Credit profile: lenders review company credit; previous adverse items don’t always rule you out.
- Documentation: recent accounts, management accounts, proof of identity and VAT registration (if applicable).
Complete our short enquiry to receive an informal matching assessment — this is not a formal application. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check
How Fast Business Loans Matches You with Asset Finance Brokers
We use a simple 4‑step process designed to save you time and improve your chance of securing suitable terms:
- Quick Enquiry: you provide basic business and asset details (takes under 2 minutes).
- Targeted Match: we match you with selected brokers and lenders that specialise in your sector and asset type.
- Broker Contact: matched partners contact you to refine options and provide personalised quotes.
- Compare & Decide: review proposals and progress the one that suits your business — there is no obligation to proceed.
We only share your details with partners best placed to help you. Submitting an enquiry simply starts the conversation — lenders conduct formal affordability and status checks only if you proceed. Compare Asset Finance Options Now
Benefits of Using Asset Finance vs Paying Cash
Key advantages businesses typically consider:
- Protects working capital: preserves cash for operations or growth.
- Predictable costs: fixed monthly payments help budgeting.
- Tax & accounting flexibility: different products offer varying tax treatments — consult your accountant.
- Rapid replacement: stay up to date with technology or vehicles without a large capital outlay.
Every business is different — a matched broker will run through the most tax‑efficient and cash‑friendly option for your circumstances.
Costs, Rates & Fees Explained
Rates and fees depend on the product, asset, lender risk appetite and your company profile. Typical considerations include:
- Interest or rental rate: may be quoted as a fixed rate, factor rate or APR — brokers will explain.
- Arrangement or documentation fees: one‑off fees charged by some lenders or brokers.
- Early settlement fees: possible if you repay before term ends.
- Balloon payments: optional large final repayment to reduce monthly cost.
We do not charge businesses to use our service — we receive an introducer fee from brokers only if you proceed. All costs will be clearly explained by the broker providing a quote. Request Your Personal Quote
Fast Business Loans vs Going Direct to a Lender
Using our matching service can be faster and more effective than approaching individual lenders yourself:
- Market coverage: one enquiry connects you to multiple specialist partners.
- Sector expertise: brokers that understand your industry requirements.
- Time saved: avoid completing multiple lengthy forms with different lenders.
Scenario: a construction firm needed a new excavator. One enquiry via Fast Business Loans resulted in three broker contacts within 24 hours and a funded HP deal within 10 working days — saving time and securing competitive terms.
Case Snapshot: Funding Example
Example (anonymised, illustrative only): a Midlands manufacturing company sought a £75,000 CNC machine. After completing our short enquiry they were introduced to a specialist broker who arranged a 4‑year hire purchase with a competitive rate and manageable monthly payments. Delivery and installation were scheduled once final checks completed — total time from enquiry to order: three weeks.
How to Prepare for Your Asset Finance Enquiry
Having these items ready speeds matching and improves quote accuracy:
- Supplier quote or invoice for the asset (or clear asset description).
- Company name, registered number and contact details.
- Recent management accounts or last full‑year accounts.
- Estimated deposit or trade‑in value (if any).
- Planned timescale for purchase or delivery.
When you submit our enquiry, we’ll use this information to match you swiftly with the most suitable brokers. Get Quote Now
FAQs
- Do you lend directly?
- No. Fast Business Loans introduces UK businesses to brokers and lenders — we do not provide lending or financial advice.
- How quickly can funding be in place?
- Timescales vary. Some simple vehicle leases can be arranged in days; complex asset finance can take several weeks depending on underwriting and delivery lead times.
- Can new businesses use asset finance?
- Many lenders will consider younger businesses, particularly when financing high‑value assets with solid supplier quotes. Eligibility varies by lender.
- Will submitting an enquiry affect our credit score?
- No. Completing our short enquiry does not normally affect your credit file. Lenders may run hard checks if you progress to a formal application.
- Can we refinance existing assets?
- Yes — asset refinance or sale & leaseback options can release working capital from owned machinery or vehicles. A broker will advise if this suits your goals.
- Are electric vehicles eligible?
- Yes. Many lenders offer tailored finance for EVs and charging infrastructure — sustainability assets are increasingly supported.
- What fees should we budget for?
- Expect arrangement fees, possible documentation fees and any VAT on the asset. Exact costs depend on lender and product; brokers will provide breakdowns in quotes.
Ready to compare offers? Free Eligibility Check
Get Started with Fast Business Loans
Fast Business Loans connects your business with specialist finance brokers and lenders to secure asset funding quickly and transparently. Our service is free, no obligation and designed to match you with partners who best understand your sector and asset needs. All finance is subject to status, affordability and lender underwriting.
Get Started – Free Eligibility Check
Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer only. We do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Enquiries submitted via our form are used to match you with suitable lenders/brokers and are not formal applications.
– What is asset finance and how does it help UK businesses buy equipment?
Asset finance lets UK companies acquire or refinance machinery, vehicles and equipment by spreading payments over time, usually secured on the asset, to preserve cash flow.
– Do Fast Business Loans lend directly or give financial advice?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches UK businesses with specialist asset finance brokers and lenders and does not provide lending or regulated financial advice.
– Will completing your free eligibility check affect my credit score?
No—the enquiry is not an application and typically won’t affect your credit score; hard checks only happen if you proceed with a lender.
– What asset finance products can I compare through Fast Business Loans?
You can compare hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease (contract hire), and asset refinance/sale & leaseback, including options with balloon or deferred payments.
– What types of assets can be funded with equipment and vehicle finance?
Most commercial assets are eligible, including plant and machinery, HGVs and vans, specialist vehicles, IT and office tech, medical and catering kit, and green assets like EVs, chargers and solar.
– What are typical deal sizes and terms for asset finance?
Deals usually start from around £10,000 and can run from 1–7 years depending on the product, asset and lender.
– How fast can I secure equipment or vehicle funding?
Many enquiries receive broker contact within hours and, subject to underwriting and delivery, simpler deals can complete in days while more complex cases may take a few weeks.
– What eligibility criteria do lenders look for on asset finance?
Lenders commonly assess trading history (often 12+ months), turnover, asset details and lifespan, company credit profile, and documents like accounts and ID, though some will consider younger businesses.
– Does it cost anything to use Fast Business Loans, and am I obliged to proceed?
The service is free for businesses and there’s no obligation to proceed after you’re matched.
– Can I refinance existing machinery or vehicles to release working capital?
Yes—asset refinance or sale & leaseback can unlock cash from owned assets, subject to lender assessment and terms.
