Equipment Finance: Fast, Tailored Funding for UK Businesses
Summary: Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and growing SMEs with specialist brokers and lenders to secure equipment finance from around £10,000 upwards. We don’t lend or give financial advice — we match your business to the most relevant providers so you can receive fast, no-obligation quotes and choose the best solution for your needs. Complete a short enquiry (under 2 minutes) and receive matched responses, often within hours.
- Free enquiry • No obligation
- Matched with specialist lenders and brokers
- Quotes typically within hours
Get Your Free Equipment Finance Quote — Takes under 2 minutes • Won’t affect your credit score
What is equipment finance & how does it work?
Equipment finance is a way for businesses to spread the cost of essential plant, machinery, vehicles or technology over an agreed term rather than paying the full cost up front. Typical solutions include hire purchase, finance leases, operating leases and asset refinance. Lenders and brokers price deals based on the asset value, age (new or used), your business trading history and the term requested.
Equipment finance is commonly used by manufacturers, construction firms, hospitality operators and medical practices to preserve cash flow while investing in the kit they need to operate and grow. Fast Business Loans is a finance introducer: we collect some basic information about your business and equipment needs, then match you to lenders or brokers who can offer quotes. We are not a lender and do not provide regulated financial advice.
When equipment finance makes sense
Consider equipment finance if you want to:
- Replace ageing machinery without a large cash outlay
- Scale production quickly by adding capacity
- Comply with new industry standards or regulatory upgrades
- Meet seasonal demand without draining reserves
If you’re unsure whether leasing, a hire purchase or a short-term loan is the best route, submit a short enquiry and our matching process will put you in touch with specialists that can outline options tailored to your sector.
Who Fast Business Loans helps
We help limited companies and growing SMEs across the UK seeking equipment finance from approximately £10,000 upwards. Our lender and broker panel covers many sectors, including:
- Construction and civil engineering
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Healthcare and dental clinics
- Hospitality, catering and leisure
- Logistics, distribution and fleet operators
- Agriculture and food production
- IT, telecoms and professional services requiring specialist kit
Many startups and companies with previous credit challenges can still be matched to appropriate lenders — outcomes depend on the lender’s criteria. Around 90% of enquiries receive contact from matched lenders or brokers within one business day.
Types of equipment finance we can connect you with
Hire Purchase & Conditional Sale
Hire Purchase (HP) allows you to hire an asset and own it after the final payment. Typical terms: 1–5 years. VAT is usually payable on purchase; consult your accountant for tax treatment.
Finance Leasing
Finance leases provide long-term use of equipment without ownership; at the end of the term there may be a purchase option. Suitable for high-value or specialist kit.
Operating Leasing & Rentals
Shorter-term rentals or operating leases are ideal for temporary needs or rapidly depreciating technology. Maintenance can be bundled into payments.
Asset Refinance
Release cash tied up in existing equipment by refinancing — useful for improving working capital or restructuring debt.
Short-Term Equipment Loans
Quick funding for urgent purchases or seasonal requirements: terms are shorter and interest may be higher than longer-term asset finance.
Note: Tax and VAT treatment varies by product and business circumstances—seek professional tax advice.
How our equipment finance matching works
- Submit an enquiry: Tell us about your business, the equipment, and the amount needed (under 2 minutes).
- We match: Our system selects the most relevant lenders and brokers from our panel and shares your details securely.
- Receive quotes: Matched partners contact you with tailored options and terms—often within hours.
- Compare & choose: Review offers and proceed directly with the lender or broker that best suits your needs.
Start My Equipment Finance Enquiry — Free. Secure. No obligation.
We do not run a credit search at enquiry stage; lenders may perform checks later if you choose to progress. Your data is handled securely and only shared with matched providers.
Equipment finance eligibility: what lenders consider
Typical criteria lenders and brokers review include:
- Business trading history and annual turnover (requirements vary by lender)
- Details of the equipment (new or used, cost, supplier quotes)
- Company credit profile and director information
- Deposit level or upfront contribution (some products allow 0% deposit)
- Security offered — e.g., the asset itself or other business assets
Criteria vary by provider; completing our enquiry lets specialist brokers quickly assess which partners are likely to offer competitive terms.
Equipment finance calculator: how much could you borrow?
While this page doesn’t include an embedded calculator, here’s a quick guide to typical bands and terms:
- Common amounts: £10,000 to £5m+
- Typical deposit: 0–10% (depends on lender & equipment age)
- Common terms: 12 months to 7 years
For personalised repayment illustrations and an estimated monthly cost, get a free eligibility check and matched partners will provide full illustrations for your scenario.
Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans
Key reasons businesses use our service:
- Speed: Quick enquiries and fast matches reduce time to quote.
- Choice: Access to a wide panel of lenders and specialist equipment finance brokers.
- No cost to you: Our matching service is free and without obligation.
- Sector expertise: We connect you with partners experienced in your industry.
- Transparency: You receive clear information from lenders and brokers before proceeding.
“Manufacturing Director, Midlands — Matched with two competitive offers within 24 hours.”
If you want quick comparisons and targeted expertise, start your enquiry now: Free Eligibility Check.
Real-world scenarios we’ve supported
Three short case summaries:
- Food manufacturer: Upgraded ovens and chillers through a hire purchase, improving throughput without depleting working capital.
- Logistics firm: Leased refrigerated trailers to expand fleet seasonally; monthly rentals included maintenance.
- Dental practice: Financed new diagnostics equipment via a specialist medical equipment lender, spreading costs and preserving cash reserves.
Costs, fees & transparency
Our introduction service is free for businesses. Brokers and lenders may charge interest, arrangement fees or receive commission — these costs will be disclosed to you by the provider. Interest rates and fees vary with credit profile, asset type and term. Always request a full breakdown of total payable and any early settlement charges before signing an agreement.
Risks & considerations before you commit
Important points to consider:
- Missed payments can lead to repossession of financed equipment.
- Early settlement may carry fees; check terms in advance.
- Ensure the monthly commitment fits projected cash flow.
- Tax treatment varies—consult your accountant for the exact business impact.
We do not provide regulated financial advice. Consider obtaining independent advice if you are unsure which product is right for your business.
Equipment finance FAQs
Is Fast Business Loans a lender?
No. We are a finance introducer that connects UK businesses with specialist brokers and lenders. We don’t lend money or provide regulated financial advice.
How quickly could I secure equipment finance?
Initial contact from a matched lender or broker is typically within hours; final approval depends on the lender, required documentation and whether the asset needs inspection or valuation.
Can I finance second‑hand machinery?
Yes. Many lenders consider used equipment, subject to age, condition and valuation. Some products are specifically for used assets.
What documents will I need?
Common documents include recent company accounts, bank statements, supplier quote/invoice for the equipment, and ID for directors. Exact requirements vary by lender.
Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No. Completing our online enquiry does not affect your credit score. Lenders may conduct credit checks later if you choose to proceed with an application.
Can start-ups apply for equipment finance?
Yes — some of our partners specialise in early-stage businesses, though availability and terms depend on trading history, projected revenues and asset type.
What happens after I’m matched?
Matched brokers or lenders will contact you to discuss options and may request further documentation or supplier quotes to provide an accurate proposal.
Do you advise me which product to choose?
We do not give regulated financial advice. Our role is to connect you with brokers and lenders who can outline product suitability. Consider independent advice for complex tax or accounting questions.
Get equipment finance quotes in minutes
Free • Secure • No obligation
- Complete a short form — takes under 2 minutes
- We match you to the best lender or broker for your equipment
- Receive tailored quotes and choose the best fit
Compliance & disclosure
Fast Business Loans is a finance introducer. We are not a lender and do not provide regulated financial advice. All lending is subject to status, provider terms and independent lender assessment. Please read provider documentation carefully and consider independent advice before entering any finance agreement.
For asset-specific solutions such as vehicle and plant options, learn more about our approach to equipment finance.
– What is equipment finance and how does it work?
Equipment finance lets UK businesses spread the cost of machinery, vehicles or technology over 1–7 years via hire purchase, leasing or refinance, helping preserve cash flow.
– Is Fast Business Loans a lender?
No—Fast Business Loans is a free introducer that matches UK limited companies and SMEs with specialist brokers and lenders, with no obligation to proceed.
– How quickly can I get equipment finance quotes?
After completing the 2‑minute enquiry (not a full application), matched lenders or brokers typically contact you within hours with tailored options.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No, submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score; lenders may run checks only if you decide to progress.
– What amounts and terms are available for equipment finance?
Funding usually ranges from around £10,000 up to £5m+ with terms from 12 months to 7 years, subject to lender criteria and the asset.
– Can start-ups or businesses with previous credit issues get equipment finance?
Yes, many partners consider start-ups and applicants with past credit challenges, depending on trading history, forecasts and asset type.
– Can I finance second-hand or used equipment?
Yes, many lenders fund used equipment subject to age, condition and valuation.
– What deposit and security are typically required?
Deposits can be 0–10% and the asset often serves as security, though requirements vary by lender and product.
– What documents will I need to provide?
You’ll usually need recent company accounts, bank statements, director ID and an equipment supplier quote or invoice, with exact requests varying by lender.
– What costs and fees should I expect?
Interest rates, arrangement fees and any early settlement charges vary by credit profile, asset and term, and providers will disclose a full cost breakdown before you commit.
