Equipment Finance: Fast, Fair Options for UK Businesses
Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK companies secure equipment finance from £10,000 upwards by matching you quickly with lenders and brokers that specialise in machinery, IT, vehicles, medical kit, catering equipment and more. We’re an introducer — not a lender — and your free, no-obligation enquiry won’t affect your credit score. Complete a short form and get matched to the right partner for your needs: Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.
Fast matching • Tailored equipment solutions • UK-wide network • Free, no-obligation
Need new or used equipment without draining cash reserves? We match your business with lenders and brokers experienced in equipment funding. Start with a short enquiry and receive tailored options quickly.
Get Your Equipment Finance Quote
What is equipment finance?
Equipment finance is a way for businesses to acquire the tools, machinery and technology they need while preserving working capital. Rather than paying the full cost upfront, you spread payments over an agreed term. There are several common structures — here’s a simple breakdown.
Quick glossary
- Equipment loan: A term loan to buy equipment outright. You usually repay capital plus interest; ownership is with you from day one.
- Hire purchase (HP): You hire equipment and gain ownership after the final payment. Often needs a deposit and fixed monthly repayments.
- Equipment lease: Finance lease (long-term) or operating lease (shorter term where you return the asset). Leasing can reduce maintenance responsibilities depending on the agreement.
- Asset refinance: Release cash from owned equipment to improve liquidity.
All promotions and information should be clear, fair and not misleading — that’s the standard we follow when presenting options from our partners.
When equipment finance makes sense
Equipment finance is often the best route when buying outright would harm cash flow or when rapid replacement is needed. Here’s when it’s commonly used:
- Replace or upgrade essential kit: Minimise downtime and meet contract requirements without depleting cash reserves.
- Spread cost, protect cash flow: Turn a capital expense into manageable monthly payments.
- Improve efficiency and compliance: Fund safety, emissions or productivity upgrades to stay competitive.
- Support growth: Take on new contracts that require extra kit without waiting to save up.
Example snapshots:
- A food manufacturer replacing a packing line to increase throughput before a seasonal peak.
- A dental clinic financing a digital X‑ray unit to meet a new contract.
Free Eligibility Check — tell us what you need and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers that specialise in your sector.
How Fast Business Loans helps
We’re a fast, free introducer that connects you to lenders and brokers with the right expertise for your requirement. Here’s how the process works.
Our 4-step matching process
- Short enquiry: Complete our form in under two minutes — no impact on your credit score.
- Intelligent matching: We match you to a selected panel of brokers and lenders who understand your industry and the asset type.
- Rapid contact: You’ll usually hear from a partner the same business day to discuss options.
- Compare and decide: Review offers and choose the solution that fits your cash flow and ownership goals. No obligation to proceed.
Privacy and transparency matter. Your details are only shared with lenders/brokers who can help, and we’ll tell you what to expect at each step.
Types of equipment we help finance
Our panel covers a wide range of sectors and asset types. Tell us what you need — new or used — and we’ll match you to suitable partners.
- Manufacturing & engineering: CNC machines, presses, automation lines, robotics.
- Construction & trades: Excavators, diggers, compressors, plant equipment.
- Healthcare: Diagnostic machines, mobility aids, specialist beds.
- Hospitality & retail: Commercial kitchens, refrigerators, POS systems, fit-outs.
- Agriculture: Tractors, balers, irrigation systems, agri‑tech.
- IT & professional services: Servers, network infrastructure, office refits.
Have specialist kit or second‑hand equipment? Include details in your enquiry so we can match you accurately.
Comparing equipment finance structures
Below is a simple comparison to help you choose a route that fits your business goals. Always confirm tax treatment with your accountant.
| Structure | Typical deposit | Ownership | Tax/treatment* | Ideal use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Loan | Often none (depends) | Immediate | Capital allowances may apply | Buy and own new or used assets |
| Hire Purchase | 10–30% typical | Ownership after final payment | Interest and depreciation handling varies | Businesses wanting eventual ownership |
| Lease (Operating/Finance) | Usually none | Lease provider / option to buy at end (finance lease) | Lease payments may be allowable expenses | Shorter term, upgrade cycles, off-balance options |
| Asset Refinance | N/A | You keep ownership | Releases capital from existing assets | Improve cash flow without new borrowing |
*Tax implications depend on business circumstances — check with your accountant.
Eligibility & what lenders look for
Lenders consider a mix of business and asset factors. Below are common criteria — but don’t be deterred if something on the list isn’t perfect. We work with a broad panel.
- Minimum finance: typically from £10,000 upwards.
- Business trading history and turnover — many lenders support established SMEs and growth-stage companies.
- Type, age and condition of the equipment (newer assets usually attract better rates).
- Business and director credit profile — detailed checks happen later with the lender, not at enquiry stage.
- Supporting documents: recent accounts, bank statements, supplier quotes or invoices, and asset details.
Been turned down before? Different lenders have different appetite — our matching increases the chance of finding a suitable partner.
Costs, rates & terms explained
Terms vary by structure and lender. Here are the practical points to consider when comparing offers.
- Repayment periods: Typically 1–7 years for equipment, sometimes longer for major capital items.
- Rates: Fixed or variable. Rates depend on credit profile, deposit, asset type and lender risk appetite.
- Residual/balloon payments: Common in leases — lower monthly payments but a final lump sum may be due.
- Fees: Arrangement, admin or documentation fees may apply — these should be disclosed up front by the lender.
- VAT: VAT treatment depends on the structure and whether the asset is new — check with your accountant.
What influences your rate? Credit score, deposit level, equipment age, sector risk and the length of the agreement.
Case study: Surrey Precision Engineering Ltd.
Challenge: Surrey Precision needed a new CNC cell to win a contract but lacked the capital to purchase outright.
Solution: After a quick enquiry via Fast Business Loans, a specialist broker proposed a hire purchase arrangement with a manageable deposit and three-year term.
Outcome: New equipment delivered within 6 weeks, the contract was won, and monthly repayments were covered by the additional revenue the new kit generated.
Why choose Fast Business Loans for equipment finance?
We’re focused on speed, relevance and human support. Here’s how that benefits you:
- Large UK panel of brokers and lenders experienced across industries.
- Matching by sector and asset type — you won’t waste time with unsuitable providers.
- Free to use and no obligation to proceed after enquiry.
- Quick responses: many businesses hear back the same business day.
Here’s how that helps: you save time, improve the chance of a suitable offer, and get expert contact from people who understand your equipment needs.
Important information & FCA compliance
Please read the following carefully before enquiring:
- Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects you with third‑party lenders and brokers. We are not a lender and we do not provide regulated financial advice.
- Submitting an enquiry is a pre‑qualification step and does not count as a formal application — it will not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later when you apply directly.
- All illustrative figures on this page are for guidance only. Final terms are set by the lender or broker after assessment.
- Financial promotions must be clear, fair and not misleading. We follow these principles and expect the partners we introduce you to do the same.
- Always consider independent tax and accounting advice about the best structure for your business.
For full terms, privacy and data handling, see our Terms and Privacy pages or contact us at info@fastbusinessloans.net.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can I secure equipment finance after enquiring?
Many businesses receive contact from a broker or lender within hours during business days. The time to formal approval depends on the asset, documentation and lender process.
Do you support start-ups or newly incorporated companies?
Some lenders on our panel work with newer companies, but options and terms vary. Provide full details in your enquiry so we can match you to the right partners.
Can I finance second‑hand equipment?
Yes — many lenders finance used kit. Age and condition influence terms, so include clear details and photos where possible.
Will my credit score be affected?
No — completing our enquiry is a soft, no‑impact step. Credit checks are performed only by lenders/brokers when you apply formally.
Do I need a deposit?
Depends on the structure and lender; some offers allow low or no deposit, while hire purchase often requires one. We’ll match you to partners that fit your deposit preference.
What documents should I prepare?
Common items: recent business accounts (or management accounts), bank statements, supplier quotes/invoices and a description of the equipment.
Still have questions? Call us or Start Your Enquiry.
Ready to move forward?
Complete our short enquiry (under two minutes) and we’ll match your business with lenders and brokers best placed to fund your equipment purchase. Free, no obligation and designed to save you time.
Get Started – Free Eligibility Check
If you’d like to read more about different asset funding options, see our detailed pillar on equipment finance.
– What is equipment finance and how does it work?
Equipment finance lets UK businesses acquire or refinance machinery, vehicles or technology and spread the cost via an equipment loan, hire purchase or lease while preserving cash flow.
– What’s the minimum amount I can finance?
Our partners typically fund from £10,000 upwards, with larger facilities available subject to lender assessment.
– How quickly can I arrange equipment finance after enquiring?
You’ll usually hear from a matched broker or lender the same business day, and many agreements complete in a few days to a couple of weeks once documents are provided.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No—our enquiry is a free, no‑obligation pre‑qualification with Fast Business Loans (an introducer), so your credit score isn’t affected; any hard checks happen later with the lender if you proceed.
– Do you support start-ups or newly incorporated businesses?
Yes—some lenders on our UK panel consider start-ups, though options and rates depend on the asset, deposit and trading profile.
– Can I finance second‑hand equipment?
Yes—many lenders finance used or refurbished kit, with age and condition influencing rates and terms.
– Do I need a deposit?
Hire purchase often requires a 10–30% deposit, while some leases and loans can be arranged with low or no deposit subject to eligibility.
– What documents will I need?
Typically you’ll be asked for recent accounts or management figures, business bank statements, supplier quotes or invoices, and details of the equipment.
– What are typical terms and rates for equipment finance?
Terms commonly run 1–7 years (longer for major assets) with fixed or variable rates set by lender risk appetite, your credit profile, deposit and the asset type.
– What’s the difference between leasing, hire purchase and an equipment loan?
A lease means you rent the asset (with return or purchase options), hire purchase transfers ownership after the final payment, and a loan gives you ownership from day one.
