Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Asset Finance for UK Businesses: Compare Brokers & Financing Options Fast
Summary: Asset finance helps businesses fund vehicles, machinery, IT and other equipment without large upfront cash. Fast Business Loans connects limited companies and SMEs (from around £10,000) with specialist brokers and lenders so you can compare hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease or refinance options quickly. Submit a short, no-obligation enquiry and we will match you to the best providers for your sector — typically receiving responses within hours. For a tailored match, Get Quote Now.
What is asset finance and how does it work?
Asset finance is a set of funding solutions that let businesses acquire, upgrade or refinance tangible assets such as plant, machinery, vehicles, IT hardware and specialist equipment. Instead of paying the full cost up front, you pay over time through a structured agreement where the asset often secures the facility.
Common structures include hire purchase, finance leasing, operating leases and sale & leaseback (asset refinance). New and used equipment can be financed, and many lenders will also cover installation and associated costs. Fast Business Loans does not provide finance directly — we introduce you to lenders and brokers who specialise in these structures.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Why UK SMEs choose asset finance
- Preserve cash flow — spread the cost of equipment over its useful life.
- Speed — specialist asset lenders can often deliver faster decisions than traditional bank lending.
- Tax and accounting benefits — different structures have differing VAT and balance-sheet impacts.
- Flexibility — options for new or used assets, and refinancing to release equity.
Looking for a fast indication of what your business could access? Get a Free Eligibility Check to see suitable options.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Who we support with asset finance
We match limited companies and established SMEs operating across many sectors with brokers and lenders that understand their industry needs. Our network includes partners experienced in:
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
- Manufacturing & engineering
- Construction & plant hire
- Logistics & transport (fleet finance)
- Agriculture & farming
- Healthcare & dental practices
- Hospitality, catering & retail fit-outs
- IT, telecoms & technology
“Matched to a broker within hours — new CNC installed within three weeks.” — illustrative testimonial
For sector-specific guidance see our dedicated asset finance page.
Asset finance options we can help you compare
Hire Purchase (HP)
Hire purchase lets you pay fixed monthly instalments and typically transfer ownership once the final payment is made. Good for businesses that want to own the asset at term end. Typical terms: 12–60 months; deposit 0–20%.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Finance Lease
A finance lease funds most of the asset cost and places the asset on the lender’s balance sheet. At the end of the term you may have a purchase option. Often used for higher-value items with long useful lives.
Operating Lease
Operating leases are rental agreements where the asset is returned at term end. They’re ideal for assets you don’t want to own or where you want regular upgrades (e.g., IT or vehicles).
Asset Refinance / Sale & Leaseback
Unlock cash tied up in existing equipment by selling it to a financier and leasing it back. Useful for improving liquidity without taking on additional debt.
We also help compare terms for new vs used equipment and can source lenders for specialist machinery. Get Recommendations on Hire Purchase vs Leasing by submitting a short enquiry: Get Quote Now.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Step-by-step: how our asset finance matching service works
- Complete a short enquiry (about your business, asset, amount — takes 2 minutes).
- We match you with brokers and lenders in our panel who specialise in your asset type and sector.
- Providers contact you with indicative offers or requests for documentation — typical response within hours on business days.
- Compare offers, negotiate terms with providers and proceed with the one that suits you. There’s no obligation to accept any offer.
Submitting an enquiry is free and will not affect your business credit score. Start your enquiry: Start Your Enquiry.
What to expect from specialist asset finance brokers
Good brokers will:
- Assess your business needs and recommend the best funding structure.
- Shortlist lenders who accept your sector, asset type and credit profile.
- Present offers, clarify fees and VAT treatment, and help with documentation.
- Negotiate pricing and residual values where possible.
Typical documents requested include recent company accounts, asset quotes/invoices and ID for company directors. Our matches aim to reduce time spent sourcing lenders yourself.
Comparing asset finance: rates, terms, deposits & fees
| Product | Typical APR (indicative) | Deposit | Term | VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | From c. 6% APR (subject to status) | 0–20% | 12–84 months | VAT on purchase (may be reclaimed by VAT-registered businesses) |
| Finance Lease | From c. 5–8% APR | Often 0–10% | 24–84 months | VAT on rentals |
| Operating Lease | From c. 4–7% implicit cost | No deposit typical | 12–60 months | VAT on rentals |
| Asset Refinance | Varies by equity & asset | N/A | Typically 12–60 months | Tax & accounting effects differ |
These figures are illustrative. Exact pricing depends on asset class, business history, turnover, and lender policy. For a tailored comparison, Request Your Tailored Asset Finance Quotes.
Case studies: real asset finance outcomes (illustrative)
Case study 1 — Manufacturing: New CNC Machine
Challenge: Replace ageing CNCs without large capital outlay. Solution: Hire purchase over 48 months with 10% deposit. Result: Production capacity increased, monthly cost predictable, ownership at term end. (Illustrative example.)
Case study 2 — Transport: Fleet upgrade
Challenge: Replace fleet and improve fuel efficiency. Solution: Operating lease to maintain flexibility and upgrade cycle. Result: Lower maintenance risk, VAT-efficient rentals, regular vehicle replacement plan. (Illustrative example.)
Want to see what you could qualify for? See What You Could Qualify For
Asset finance eligibility checklist
- UK-registered limited company or established SME (we typically handle facilities from around £10,000 upwards).
- Trading history — many lenders prefer 6–12 months trading; start-ups can be considered via specialist funders or guarantors.
- Asset details — make, model, age, condition and supplier invoice/quotation.
- Basic financials — turnover, recent management accounts or bank statements and director ID.
- Business affordability — lenders assess cashflow to ensure repayments are sustainable.
Adverse credit or tax arrears do not automatically prevent funding; specialist brokers can help find suitable panels. Find Out If You Qualify – Free Eligibility Check.
How Fast Business Loans keeps asset finance simple
We streamline the search and comparison process by matching your business with lenders and brokers who specialise in the assets you want to finance. Our service is:
- Fast — matches and responses often within hours.
- Free — no cost to businesses for the introduction.
- Transparent — we do not provide regulated advice or lend; we introduce you to providers.
- Secure — your data is shared only with pre-approved partners relevant to your enquiry.
Ready to get matched? Get Your Free Asset Finance Quote
FAQs about asset finance in the UK
What assets can be financed?
Most tangible business assets: plant & machinery, commercial vehicles, forklifts, IT, catering and medical equipment, and more.
Can start-ups get asset finance?
Some specialist lenders and broker panels will consider newer businesses, often with higher deposits, guarantors or via leasing products.
How quickly can funds be released?
Indicative offers can arrive within 24–48 hours once matched. Funding depends on underwriting and delivery/installation timelines.
Is a personal guarantee required?
Some lenders request personal guarantees for smaller companies or higher-risk profiles; others will lend without them depending on the facility.
What happens at the end of a lease or hire purchase?
Depending on the product: ownership transfers (HP), asset returned (operating lease), or a purchase option is available (finance lease).
Does asset finance cover used equipment?
Yes — many lenders fund used equipment but terms and maximum age limits vary. We can match you to lenders that accept used assets.
Can I refinance existing equipment?
Yes. Sale & leaseback or refinancing agreements allow you to free-up capital tied into owned assets.
Will my credit score be affected by enquiring?
No. Submitting an enquiry through our platform does not perform a credit search. Lenders may carry out checks only if you proceed with an application.
Ready to explore asset finance options?
If your business needs funding for equipment or wants to unlock value from existing assets, Fast Business Loans can match you with brokers and lenders who specialise in your sector. Our process is quick, free and without obligation — complete a brief enquiry and we’ll do the rest.
Compliance note: Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend and do not provide regulated financial advice. Information on this page is for general guidance only; quotes and terms depend on the lender’s assessment.
If you would like further help before you submit details, email our team at enquiries@fastbusinessloans.net or call during UK business hours and we’ll point you toward the right specialists.
– What is asset finance and how does it work?
Asset finance lets UK businesses fund or refinance equipment, vehicles or machinery over time using the asset as security via hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease or sale-and-leaseback.
– How does your service work and how fast is it?
Complete a short, free enquiry and we’ll match you to suitable UK brokers and lenders who typically contact you within hours, with approval and funding timing depending on your documents and the lender.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—making an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score; checks only occur if you proceed with a provider.
– Are you a lender and is there any cost or obligation?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and our matching service is free with no obligation to proceed.
– What is the minimum amount and typical terms, deposits and rates?
We typically help from around £10,000 with terms of 12–84 months, deposits from 0–20%, and pricing dependent on asset type, sector and credit profile.
– Which assets can be financed, including used equipment?
Most tangible business assets can be funded—plant, machinery, commercial vehicles, IT and specialist equipment—with many lenders accepting new and used items subject to age and condition.
– Can start-ups or businesses with adverse credit get approved?
Yes—specialist funders may consider start-ups or weaker credit, often with higher deposits, guarantors or leasing structures.
– Will I need a personal guarantee?
Some lenders request personal guarantees for smaller or higher‑risk companies, while others may not depending on the facility and affordability.
– Can I refinance existing equipment to release cash?
Yes—you can unlock capital from owned assets via asset refinance or sale-and-leaseback arrangements.
– How is VAT handled on HP versus leasing and what happens at term end?
With hire purchase VAT is usually paid upfront (often reclaimable if VAT‑registered) while leases charge VAT on rentals, and end‑of‑term options typically include ownership with HP, return on operating leases, or a purchase option on finance leases.