Equipment Finance for UK Businesses: Compare Trusted Options Fast

Summary: Equipment finance helps businesses buy or use machinery, vehicles, IT, catering and medical equipment without depleting cash reserves. Fast Business Loans does not lend money — we match limited companies and growing businesses (typical loans from £10,000+) with lenders and brokers who specialise in asset funding. Complete a short enquiry and get matched quickly for free: Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.

Why equipment finance matters for growing businesses

Capital expenditure on equipment is often essential for growth — whether replacing worn machinery, upgrading kitchen kit in hospitality, expanding a vehicle fleet, or investing in medical devices. Buying outright ties up working capital; equipment finance spreads the cost and preserves cash to pay staff, suppliers and run operations.

Benefits in brief:

• Preserve cash flow — pay monthly while using the asset.
• Access newer, more efficient machinery that can boost productivity.
• Match finance term to asset life to reduce short-term strain.
• Possible tax and balance sheet advantages depending on the product and accounting treatment.

Sector examples: manufacturers, construction firms, hospitality businesses, healthcare clinics and transport operators commonly use asset funding to scale without large upfront capital.

How Fast Business Loans supports your equipment funding journey

We act as an introducer — not a lender. Our role is to match your business with the lenders and brokers most likely to offer competitive, relevant terms for your situation.

How it works:

1. Complete a short enquiry (less than 2 minutes) — Free Eligibility Check.
2. We match you to selected UK lenders and brokers who specialise in the asset type and sector.
3. Matched partners contact you with indicative terms and next steps.
4. Compare offers, ask questions, and proceed directly with the lender or broker that suits you.

There’s no obligation to proceed and using our service does not affect your credit score.

Equipment finance options we can introduce

Our panel includes providers offering a range of asset finance solutions. Below are common products and when they suit a business.

Hire purchase & fixed-asset loans

Hire purchase lets you spread payments and often take ownership at the end by paying a final fee. Fixed-asset loans work like conventional term loans secured on the equipment. Suitable when you want eventual ownership and fixed monthly costs.

Equipment leasing (operating & finance leases)

Operating leases act like rentals — lower initial cost and easier upgrades at term-end. Finance leases are closer to ownership. Leasing suits businesses wanting regular upgrades or with seasonal cashflow profiles.

Sale-and-leaseback & asset refinance

If you already own equipment, sale-and-leaseback converts owned assets into immediate cash while retaining use. Asset refinance can free up capital trapped in machinery or vehicles.

Specialist sector solutions

Many lenders focus on niche assets: medical imaging, catering kitchens, construction plant, agricultural machinery or commercial vehicles. If you need sector-specific funding, we can match you with experts who understand typical asset lifecycles and valuations.

For a deeper overview of typical asset products and case studies, see our dedicated equipment finance information on our equipment finance page.

Eligibility snapshot: what lenders usually look for

Each lender has its own criteria, but common factors include:

• Trading history and turnover — established companies often qualify more easily; some lenders support younger businesses with strong plans.
• Credit profile — director and company credit records are considered for most unsecured or lower-deposit deals.
• Balance sheet and profitability — affordability and serviceability assessments matter for larger deals.
• Asset type and lifespan — lenders assess resale values and technical risk.
• Deposit or contribution — some agreements require a deposit, while others provide 100% funding for qualifying applicants.

If you have limited trading history or past adverse credit, our broad panel increases the chance of a suitable match. Check your likely options quickly: Check My Eligibility in 2 Minutes.

Worked examples of equipment finance scenarios

These anonymised examples illustrate typical outcomes. They are illustrative only; actual terms depend on individual circumstances.

Manufacturer: new CNC machine

Company: Ltd manufacturer, turnover £1.2m. Requirement: £120,000 CNC machine. Option: Hire purchase over 5 years with 10% deposit. Outcome: Monthly payments aligned to production gains; ownership at term-end.

Restaurant: kitchen upgrade

Company: multi-site restaurant group. Requirement: £45,000 kitchen equipment. Option: Operating lease (3 years) with upgrade option. Outcome: Lower monthly outlay, regular refresh cycles and tax-efficient treatment for operating leases.

Healthcare clinic: specialist imaging

Company: private clinic. Requirement: £250,000 imaging equipment. Option: Asset refinance and hire purchase mix with extended maintenance. Outcome: Consolidated payments, tailored structure to match depreciation and cashflow.

All examples are for guidance only. Matched lenders will provide personalised illustrations once matched.

Advantages of using Fast Business Loans

• Speed: Quick matching reduces time spent researching multiple lenders.
• Choice: Access a curated panel covering mainstream and specialist asset lenders.
• No cost to you: Our introducer service is free for businesses; no obligation to proceed.
• Sector understanding: We aim to match you with partners who understand your industry and asset.
• Privacy & control: Your details are shared only with relevant partners and your enquiry does not affect credit scores.

If you’re ready to compare options: Get Quote Now.

Helpful checklist before you apply

Having these documents and details ready helps speed applications and improves the quality of quotes:

• Equipment supplier quote (make, model, price)
• Company registration and VAT number
• Recent management accounts and bank statements (usually last 3–6 months)
• Brief explanation of use-case and projected benefits (e.g., increased output)
• Details of other finance or security in place

Tip: be prepared to discuss the asset’s expected life and planned end-of-term intentions (return, purchase or upgrade).

Transparent fees, rates & important considerations

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not charge businesses for using our matching service. Lenders set interest rates, fees and deposit requirements; these vary by product, asset and credit risk. Typical APRs and fees will be provided by lenders or brokers once matched and are based on the information you supply.

Important points:

• Completing our enquiry form will not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out credit checks only with your consent if you proceed.
• No guaranteed approval: all offers depend on lender assessment of your business and the asset.
• Representative examples are provided by lenders; always read full terms before signing.

Frequently asked questions about equipment finance

Can I finance both new and used equipment?

Yes — many lenders accept both. Criteria often depend on equipment age and condition.

How quickly can equipment finance be arranged?

Simple deals can be arranged within days; complex or high-value transactions may take longer. Speed improves with accurate documentation.

Do I need a deposit?

Some agreements require a deposit (commonly 5–20%); others offer 100% finance for qualifying businesses.

Is equipment finance available for smaller companies?

Yes. We commonly assist limited companies and growing SMEs seeking funding from around £10,000 upwards.

Will applying affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not impact your credit file. Lenders will only perform credit searches with your authorisation.

What happens at the end of a lease or hire purchase?

Options vary: return the asset, extend the term, upgrade, or pay an agreed fee to take ownership.

Ready to explore equipment finance?

If you need machinery, vehicles, IT, catering or medical equipment, start with a quick, no-obligation enquiry and we’ll match you to the best lenders and brokers for your situation. It takes under two minutes: Start My Equipment Finance Enquiry — Free Eligibility Check.

Compliance note: Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice. We connect UK businesses with lenders and brokers who set rates and terms. Our service is free for businesses and completing an enquiry does not affect your credit score. Please review lender documentation and seek independent advice where needed. See our Privacy Policy for how we handle your information.

– What is equipment finance and how does it work?
Equipment finance lets UK businesses spread the cost of machinery, vehicles or IT via hire purchase, leasing or asset loans, and Fast Business Loans matches you with suitable lenders and brokers to secure terms.

– How fast can I get a quote or funding?
After a short enquiry, matched partners typically respond within hours and simple cases can receive indicative quotes the same day, with funding often completed in days subject to checks.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—the enquiry is a soft, no‑obligation eligibility check, and any credit search happens only with your consent if you choose to proceed.

– What finance amounts are available?
We commonly introduce equipment finance from around £10,000 upward, with upper limits depending on the asset and lender—often reaching into the millions.

– Do I need a deposit or can I get 100% finance?
Some lenders offer 100% funding for qualifying applicants, while others may require a 5–20% deposit depending on the asset and your profile.

– Can I finance used equipment or refinance assets I already own?
Yes—many lenders fund pre‑owned assets subject to age/condition and offer asset refinance or sale‑and‑leaseback to release cash from equipment you already own.

– Do you help start-ups or businesses with limited trading history or past credit issues?
Many partners consider younger businesses or those with previous credit challenges where the case stacks up, and our broad lender panel improves your chance of a suitable match.

– What rates and fees should I expect?
Rates, fees and deposits are set by the lender based on asset type and risk, and you’ll receive representative terms from matched partners after your enquiry.

– What happens at the end of a lease or hire purchase?
Depending on the product, you can return the asset, extend, upgrade, or pay an agreed fee to take ownership.

– Are you a lender, is this a full application, and does it cost anything?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer (not a lender); the form is a quick, no‑obligation enquiry—not a full application—and our service is free for businesses.