Why printing companies use Fast Business Loans

Running a printing business means balancing high capital costs, volatile consumables prices and fluctuating seasonal demand. Fast Business Loans connects established UK printers with lenders and brokers who understand sector-specific needs — from litho and digital presses to packaging converters and label producers.

• Sector-focused panel: Lenders experienced with litho, B2/B1 presses, finishing lines, wide-format and packaging equipment.
• Free, no-obligation matching: We introduce your enquiry to the best-suited brokers and lenders — we don’t lend money or provide regulated advice.
• Speed and convenience: A short enquiry replaces hours of research — receive tailored contacts and quotes fast.
• Privacy and security: Your data is shared only with selected partners relevant to your request.

Ready to compare options? Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

Funding needs we see in the UK printing industry

Printers come to us with a predictable set of funding needs. Understanding which bucket your requirement sits in helps us match you with lenders who specialise in the right product.

Press & finishing machinery upgrades

Large format and B1/B2 presses and finishing equipment are capital intensive. Asset finance and hire purchase are common ways to spread cost while retaining operational capacity.

Consumables and paper price volatility (working capital)

Paper price spikes and rising consumables create working capital gaps, especially on large print runs. Invoice finance or short-term business loans can bridge these gaps.

Digital transformation & automation

Investing in workflow software, colour management, and automation improves margins — asset finance or term loans can fund these upgrades.

Seasonal & project cashflow

Packaging runs and promotional print create spikes in cash flow needs; merchant cash advances or invoice facilities help manage seasonal peaks.

Learn more about sector-specific options for printers via our printing industry hub on printing business loans.

Finance options for printing businesses

There’s no one-size-fits-all product — selection depends on the asset, company balance sheet and cashflow. Below are the common options we introduce printers to, with typical pros and cons.

Unsecured & secured business loans

• Pros: Flexible use, fixed terms
• Cons: Secured loans may take business assets as security; unsecured typically cost more
• Typical ranges: From around £10,000 upwards

Asset & equipment finance (Leasing, Hire Purchase)

• Pros: Preserve cash, predictable payments, specialist lenders for new and used presses
• Cons: Ownership depends on product (HP vs lease)
• Suitable for: Press purchases, finishing kit, wide-format machines

Invoice finance

• Pros: Turn unpaid invoices into working capital quickly
• Cons: Fees vary with customer credit risk and concentration

Merchant Cash Advance

• Pros: Fast access for POS-heavy retail print outlets
• Cons: Repayment linked to card sales — can be expensive

Commercial mortgages & refinance

• Pros: Releasing equity or financing premises expansion
• Cons: Longer process, secured on property

Note: Fast Business Loans introduces you to providers; exact product suitability and terms are determined by the lender or broker. If you’d like a specialist to assess options, Get Quote Now.

How our 4-step enquiry process works

1. Complete the short enquiry form — tell us a few facts about your business and the funding you need (takes under 2 minutes). Free Eligibility Check.
2. We match your case — your details are shared with a small selection of lenders/brokers who specialise in the printing sector.
3. Receive rapid responses — expect contact by phone or email to discuss options and possible quotes.
4. Compare and decide — review offers and proceed directly with the lender or broker you choose.

Submitting an enquiry is not an application and typically won’t affect your credit score. When you’re ready to start, Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.

Eligibility snapshot for printing businesses

Typical minimum criteria

• Established companies with trading history (many lenders prefer 1–2+ years).
• Minimum loan sizes typically from around £10,000 upwards.
• Reasonable turnover and demonstrable cashflow — exact thresholds vary by lender.

Documents lenders usually request

• Trading accounts (management or statutory), recent bank statements.
• Machine quotes or invoice details for asset finance.
• Business plan or cashflow forecast for larger or new projects.

Start-ups & new ventures

Start-ups may still access specialist brokers on our panel, but expectations and products differ from established firms. Be transparent about circumstances on the enquiry form — it helps us match you to the right partners.

If you’d like a tailored check, Start My Printing Finance Enquiry.

Cost and repayment considerations

Costs vary widely depending on product type, security and credit profile. Here’s what lenders typically assess:

• Interest rate vs product type (secured rates often lower than unsecured).
• Loan term and impact on monthly cashflow.
• Asset depreciation and residual values when funding machinery.
• Customer concentration, contract terms and profitability for working capital facilities.

We encourage transparency: exact rates and fees are provided by the lender or broker after assessment. To connect with a printing finance specialist, Connect Me with a Printing Finance Specialist.

Case snapshot: supporting UK printing firms

Below are anonymised examples of how printers have used finance and how Fast Business Loans helped them get matched.

1. Litho printer — B1 press purchase

An established litho printer needed £250,000 to buy a B1 press. We introduced them to asset finance specialists who arranged a hire purchase over five years. Outcome: new press on site in eight weeks, predictable repayments, improved capacity.

2. Digital start-up — bridging cashflow

A growing digital printer faced delays in customer payments. After enquiring, they were connected to invoice finance providers who released cash tied up in invoices, improving liquidity and allowing them to accept two large contracts.

3. Packaging converter — refinance

A packaging converter refinanced existing high-cost debt to lower monthly payments and free working capital. Lenders on our panel negotiated improved terms and helped consolidate facilities.

Want a similar outcome? Get Quote Now and we’ll match you to suitable partners.

Why acting now helps your printing business compete

Competition, sustainability requirements and digital automation are driving investment needs across the sector. Securing the right finance now lets you upgrade technology, smooth cashflow and win new contracts. Waiting can mean lost opportunities or paying more later.

Get Started – Speak to Trusted Lenders in 24 Hours

About Fast Business Loans

Fast Business Loans connects UK businesses with trusted lenders and brokers who can provide loan and finance solutions. We are an introducer — we don’t lend and we don’t provide regulated financial advice. Our service is free to use and there’s no obligation to proceed once you’ve been matched.

Privacy and data protection are important to us. For details, see our privacy and terms pages on the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are printing businesses eligible for unsecured loans?

Many lenders accept established printing companies for unsecured facilities depending on turnover and credit profile. Submit a short enquiry for a tailored assessment. Free Eligibility Check.

Can I finance both new and used printing machinery?

Yes. Our panel includes asset finance providers who consider both new and used presses and finishing equipment, subject to lender criteria.

Do you support wide-format, packaging and label printers?

Yes — we work with partners who specialise across the printing spectrum, including wide-format, packaging and labels.

Will enquiring affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry to Fast Business Loans is an introduction and typically won’t affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks only if you apply directly with them.

How fast can I receive funds once matched?

Timescales depend on product and lender. Small working capital loans or invoice facilities can be arranged in days; asset finance and mortgages typically take longer. Your matched lender or broker will provide timing estimates.

What if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

Because our panel covers a range of specialist lenders and brokers, you may still be eligible for alternative products. Be honest about previous declines on the enquiry form to help us match you appropriately.

Can I apply for multiple types of finance at once?

Yes — tell us the range of facilities you’re considering on the form and we’ll match you to partners who can assess combined solutions.

Is there a minimum turnover requirement?

Minimums vary by lender. Many lenders focus on sustainable turnover and profitability rather than a fixed threshold; however, loans typically start from around £10,000.

Do you help with green printing investments (e.g., energy-efficient kit)?

Yes — many lenders offer finance for energy-efficient machinery and sustainability projects. Specify green investments in your enquiry to be matched with the right partners.

What information goes on the enquiry form?

Basic business details, the funding amount and purpose, turnover and trading history, and contact details. The form is short — it takes under two minutes.

Submit My Printing Loan Enquiry

Important information

Fast Business Loans is a trading style of Fast Business Loans Ltd. We are an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice. Finance is subject to status and terms from the lender or broker we connect you with. Our service is free to use and there is no obligation to proceed once matched.