Asset Finance for UK Businesses
Summary: Asset finance lets businesses buy or use vehicles, machinery, IT or equipment while preserving cash flow. Fast Business Loans is a free introducer service that connects UK companies (loans and funding from around £10,000 upwards) with lenders and brokers best suited to their needs. Complete a short enquiry to receive a no‑obligation matching and a rapid response from relevant partners. Get your free eligibility check.
Get Asset Finance Fast
Need to buy or replace equipment, upgrade your fleet, or refinance existing assets? Tell us what you need and we’ll match your business with lenders or brokers who specialise in your sector. Our quick enquiry is free, takes less than two minutes, and does not affect your credit score. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.
What is Asset Finance & Why It Matters
Asset finance is a set of funding solutions that help businesses acquire or use assets without paying the full cost upfront. Instead of draining capital, you spread the cost over an agreed term while getting immediate use of the asset. Commonly funded items include:
- Plant and manufacturing machinery
- Commercial vehicles and fleets
- IT systems, servers and software
- Catering, hospitality and medical equipment
- Renewable technologies (solar, EV chargers)
Benefits for SMEs:
- Preserve working capital and overdraft capacity
- Match payments to asset life and cashflow
- Potential tax and balance sheet advantages (seek your accountant’s advice)
- Access to specialist lenders for used or bespoke assets
If you’re unsure which asset finance route fits your plan, start with a no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll connect you to the right experts. For detailed equipment-specific lending, see our partners who specialise in asset finance.
Asset Finance Options We Can Introduce
Hire Purchase & Equipment Loans
Hire Purchase (HP) and traditional equipment loans allow you to purchase an asset with fixed payments. At the end of an HP term you typically own the asset after the final payment. Best for businesses that want eventual ownership and predictable monthly costs.
Finance Lease & Operating Lease
Leasing gives you use of an asset for a set term. Operating leases are often off‑balance-sheet and suit businesses that want flexibility to upgrade. Finance leases are more like long-term rentals with some purchase options. Ideal for fast‑depreciating kit or short‑term needs.
Refinance / Sale & Leaseback
Sale and leaseback frees up capital by selling an owned asset to a funder and leasing it back. This can be useful to release equity from machinery or vehicles while retaining operational control.
Note: Fast Business Loans introduces you to brokers and lenders — we do not lend directly and we do not provide regulated financial advice.
How Our Matching Service Works
- Complete a quick enquiry — a few business details and the amount/type of funding you need (less than 2 minutes).
- We match you to lenders and brokers who specialise in asset finance and your industry.
- You receive a rapid response — typically a call or email to discuss options and next steps.
- Compare quotes from partners, then proceed directly with the lender or broker that suits you.
There’s no obligation to proceed and initial enquiries do not affect your credit file. Start my asset finance enquiry.
Eligibility Snapshot & Documentation Checklist
Typical eligibility criteria (varies by lender):
- Trading history — many lenders accept from 6–12 months trading, others prefer 2+ years.
- Minimum funding size — our partners typically consider loans and facilities from around £10,000 upwards.
- Turnover and cashflow — demonstrated ability to service repayments.
- Credit profile — lenders have differing tolerance for previous credit issues.
Documents lenders commonly request:
- Recent company accounts (management or statutory accounts)
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Asset quotations or invoices
- Proof of ID for directors and business registration details
If you have limited trading history or adverse credit, tell us in the enquiry — we’ll match you to partners experienced in non‑standard cases. For tailored assistance, Get your free eligibility check.
Asset Finance for Key Sectors We Support
Construction
Common assets: excavators, loaders, generators and site plant. Asset finance helps manage project cashflow and upgrade kit to meet contract demands.
Manufacturing & Engineering
Common assets: CNC machines, presses, fabrication tools. Finance supports modernisation and capacity upgrades without heavy upfront capital.
Transport & Logistics
Common assets: vans, HGVs, trailers. Fleet finance packages and leasing can spread costs and simplify fleet replacement planning.
Healthcare & Hospitality
Common assets: medical equipment, catering and kitchen equipment. Specialist lenders offer terms aligned to industry lifecycles.
Illustrative example: “We needed three new forklifts but didn’t want to tie up cash. Within 48 hours Fast Business Loans introduced a broker who arranged a tailored hire purchase plan — delivery and payments were aligned to our cashflow.” (Example only)
Cost Considerations & Responsible Borrowing
Costs depend on:
- Type of finance (loan, lease, HP)
- Asset age and residual value
- Term and deposit amount
- Business credit strength
We do not guarantee rates. Our service helps you compare realistic offers quickly so you can choose a solution that meets affordability and business needs. Always check the total cost and seek independent advice if you’re unsure.
Why UK Businesses Choose Fast Business Loans
- Speed — quick matching to relevant lenders and brokers.
- Sector expertise — partners experienced in specialist assets and industries.
- No cost to you — our introducer service is free and no obligation.
- Privacy and security — we only share details with relevant partners.
- Simple process — save time comparing multiple potential providers.
Case Snapshot & Timeline Example
Example (for illustration): Manufacturing SME needs £75,000 for CNC upgrade.
- Day 0: Client completes enquiry form.
- Day 1: Matched to two specialist brokers; one calls to confirm asset quotes and cashflow.
- Day 5–10: Broker secures competitive proposals; client compares terms and selects a hire purchase plan.
- Day 14: Agreement signed and equipment delivered.
Timings vary with asset type, supplier lead times and lender checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is asset finance right for my business?
If you want immediate use of equipment without a large upfront payment or you want to match payments to asset life, asset finance is worth exploring. Submit an enquiry to see tailored options.
What assets can be funded?
Vehicles, plant, machinery, IT, medical and catering equipment, renewable tech and many specialist items — new and used.
Do I need a deposit?
Some products require a deposit or initial rental; others may offer low or zero deposit deals depending on the lender and your business profile.
Can businesses with adverse credit apply?
Yes — some lenders specialise in non‑standard credit profiles. Be open about your history in the enquiry so we can match you appropriately.
How quickly can funding be arranged?
Initial contact is usually within hours. Funding timelines range from days to a few weeks depending on asset, supplier lead time and lender checks.
Does submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — initial enquiries via Fast Business Loans do not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit searches later if you apply.
What happens after I submit the enquiry form?
We match your details to relevant brokers/lenders. They may contact you for more information and to present quotes. You then decide whether to proceed.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you need funding from around £10,000 upwards to buy, lease or refinance business assets, start with a short, free enquiry. We’ll match you to lenders and brokers best suited to your sector — no obligation.
Get your free asset finance quote — it only takes a couple of minutes.
Disclosure & Helpful Resources
Important notice: Fast Business Loans is an introducer and not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice. After you submit an enquiry we may share your details with selected brokers or lenders who will assess and, if appropriate, make funding offers. Any funding offer will depend on the lender’s assessment of your business. Consider seeking independent advice if you are unsure about affordability or tax/accounting implications.
Last reviewed: November 2025
– What is asset finance and how does it work? Asset finance lets UK SMEs acquire or use equipment, vehicles and machinery by spreading payments over a fixed term instead of paying the full cost upfront.
– What assets can be funded with asset finance? You can fund plant and machinery, commercial vehicles and fleets, IT systems, catering and medical equipment, renewable technology and often used or bespoke assets via specialist lenders.
– How quickly can I get asset finance? You’ll usually receive a response within hours of your free enquiry, with proposals in days and completion in days to a few weeks depending on the asset, supplier lead times and lender checks.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score or count as a formal application? No—an enquiry via Fast Business Loans is not a formal application and won’t affect your credit score, with credit searches only carried out by a lender if you decide to proceed.
– What funding amounts are available for asset finance? Our partners typically consider facilities from around £10,000 upwards, with maximums depending on the asset, your business profile and the lender.
– Do I need a deposit, or are zero‑deposit options available? Some agreements require a deposit or initial rental, while others may offer low or zero‑deposit options subject to lender criteria and credit strength.
– What documents will I need to provide? Lenders commonly request recent company accounts, 3–6 months’ bank statements, asset quotes or invoices, and director ID and business registration details.
– Can start‑ups or businesses with adverse credit get asset finance? Yes—many partners support start‑ups and applicants with adverse credit, and we’ll match you to lenders experienced in non‑standard cases.
– What’s the difference between Hire Purchase, finance lease and operating lease? Hire Purchase leads to ownership after the final payment with fixed instalments, while finance and operating leases provide use of the asset for a term with options to upgrade or continue without owning.
– Is Fast Business Loans a lender, and do you charge fees or give financial advice? No—we’re a free introducer service that matches UK businesses with trusted brokers and lenders, and we do not provide regulated financial advice.
