What is asset finance?

Asset finance is a group of funding solutions that let businesses acquire, lease or refinance tangible assets. Instead of paying for equipment upfront, a company spreads the cost over an agreed term while using the asset in day-to-day operations. Common products include hire purchase, finance leases, operating leases and asset refinance.

Fast Business Loans does not provide lending itself — we introduce UK companies to brokers and lenders who can deliver tailored asset finance solutions. If you’re looking for asset finance options, start with a quick enquiry so we can match you to the right specialist: Free Eligibility Check.

Why consider asset finance for your business?

• Preserve working capital: Keep cash for operations while acquiring essential equipment.
• Improve cashflow management: Predictable monthly payments help budgeting and forecasting.
• Tax and accounting benefits: Different products have distinctive tax treatments — your accountant or broker can advise.
• Access to newer technology: Replace or upgrade kit without large one‑off costs.
• Flexible structures: Options to buy at term-end, return, or refinance.

To see whether asset finance suits your plans, request a tailored introduction now: Get Quote Now.

How Fast Business Loans helps you secure the right asset finance

We make introductions — fast. Our simple 4-step approach is designed to save time and increase the chance of finding a good match:

1. Quick enquiry: You submit basic company and asset details (takes 2 minutes).
2. Match: We match your case to lenders and brokers who specialise in your asset type and sector.
3. Introduction: Selected partners contact you with indicative terms and next steps.
4. Compare & decide: Review offers and proceed directly with the lender/broker you choose.

There’s no obligation to proceed once matched. Submit your details and receive a Free Eligibility Check: Start Your Asset Finance Enquiry.

Transparent, fair approach

We provide clear information and only share your details with partners who can help. Fast Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender or regulated adviser — and we make no guarantees of approval. Our goal is to connect you with the most appropriate providers quickly and transparently.

Types of asset finance we can connect you with

Hire Purchase (HP)

HP is a straightforward way to buy equipment. You pay an initial deposit (if required) and monthly instalments; ownership transfers to you at the end of the agreement after the final payment.

Finance Lease

With a finance lease the lender owns the asset during the term. Payments are typically lower than HP, and at term-end there may be options to purchase, return or refinance the residual value.

Operating Lease

Operating leases are usually off-balance-sheet (depending on accounting rules) and suit businesses that want use rather than ownership. Often used for vehicles and IT with flexible upgrade paths.

Asset Refinance / Sale & Leaseback

If you already own assets, refinance lets you unlock tied-up capital by selling the asset to a funder and leasing it back. This can quickly improve liquidity without disrupting operations.

Each product varies by deposit, VAT treatment and ownership. For help comparing structures and tax implications, get matched with a specialist: Compare Asset Finance Structures.

Learn more about typical asset finance arrangements and options on our pillar guide to asset finance.

Assets commonly funded via our panel

We work with lenders and brokers experienced in financing a wide range of assets, including:

• Commercial vehicles and fleets (vans, HGVs, specialist vehicles)
• Construction plant and machinery
• Manufacturing equipment and CNC machines
• IT hardware, servers and telecoms
• Medical and dental equipment
• Catering and hospitality equipment
• Green technology: solar, battery storage, EV chargers
• Logistics and warehousing equipment

Whatever the asset, we’ll match you to the partners who specialise in that market. Talk to a sector specialist: Talk to a Sector-Specialist Broker.

Eligibility snapshot — what lenders typically look for

Criteria vary by lender and product, but common considerations include:

• Company structure: limited companies, LLPs and established trading entities (we place loans from around £10,000 upwards).
• Trading history and turnover: many lenders prefer 12+ months trading, though some asset-specific funders consider newer businesses for certain equipment.
• Credit profile: reasonable business and director credit increases access to mainstream markets; some specialist lenders consider adverse credit on a case-by-case basis.
• Asset type and life: newer assets with residual value are easier to fund.
• Deposit or initial rental: depending on product, a deposit may be required.

Eligibility is assessed by the lender once you engage them — our introducer service helps you target the partners most likely to provide a positive outcome. Ready to check? Free Eligibility Check.

Documents & information to prepare

Having documents ready speeds responses. Typical items include:

• Basic company details and registration number
• Recent management accounts and bank statements (3 months)
• Asset quotation or supplier pro forma invoice
• VAT status and any recent tax filings
• Details of existing finance arrangements
• Proof of ID for directors (if required by lender)

Tip: upload clear supplier quotes and a short note on how the asset will be used — it helps brokers provide accurate terms quickly.

Cost considerations & managing repayments

Asset finance cost depends on several factors: asset value and age, term length, residual/balloon, interest rate, the borrower’s credit profile and the chosen product (HP vs lease). Key points:

• Fixed vs variable rates: Fixed gives certainty; variable may offer lower initial pricing but more risk.
• APR & total cost: Always compare the total cost over the term, not just the monthly payment.
• Residual values: A higher residual can reduce monthly payments but increases the end‑of‑term obligation.

Lenders will provide personalised quotes. To compare options quickly, request introductions here: Get Quote Now.

Asset finance across key UK sectors

Different industries have sector-specific lenders. Examples:

• Construction: plant and earth‑moving equipment finance from specialist funders.
• Manufacturing: funding for production machinery and automation with longer terms.
• Healthcare: medical equipment finance, often with tailored maintenance packages.
• Logistics: fleet funding and hire‑purchase for multiple vehicles.

Our matching process pairs you with partners who understand your sector. Match with sector-savvy experts: Match with Experts.

Step-by-step — what happens after you enquire

1. Submit the quick enquiry form (basic business and asset details).
2. We review and match your case to relevant brokers and lenders.
3. Introductions are made; partners typically contact you within hours during business days.
4. Receive indicative proposals and request formal quotes.
5. Complete lender/broker documentation and, subject to acceptance, funding is issued.

Typical initial responses often arrive within 24 hours. Start now with a quick enquiry: Start Your Enquiry.

Trust, data security and important disclosures

We carefully choose partners based on experience and reputation. Your personal and company data is shared only with lenders/brokers who can help with your funding request. We operate secure data handling procedures and comply with applicable data protection requirements.

Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not provide lending products or regulated financial advice. Finance is subject to lender criteria and terms; we cannot guarantee approval. Our service is free for businesses; we may receive commission from brokers/lenders for introductions.

Asset finance FAQs

What is asset finance and how does it work?

Asset finance helps businesses obtain equipment via hire purchase, leasing or refinance. You pay over a fixed term while using the asset; ownership depends on the product chosen.

How quickly can asset finance be arranged?

Indicative terms are often available within 24–48 hours once lenders have complete information. Documentation, valuations and credit checks affect the final timeline.

Do I need to provide a deposit?

Some products require an initial payment or deposit; others allow 100% funding depending on asset type and lender appetite.

Will my enquiry affect our credit score?

Submitting an enquiry with Fast Business Loans does not impact your credit score. Lenders may run credit checks only when you apply formally.

Still have questions? Request an introduction and a call-back from an asset finance specialist: Request a Call-Back.

Ready to explore asset finance options?

If you need new equipment, a vehicle fleet or want to unlock capital from owned assets (loans from around £10,000+), Fast Business Loans can match you to experienced brokers and lenders quickly. Complete our short enquiry to receive a Free Eligibility Check and tailored introductions: Get Your Asset Finance Quotes Now.

Last updated: 02 November 2025