What is asset finance and how it works

Asset finance is a way for businesses to fund the purchase or use of tangible assets (vehicles, plant, machinery, IT, medical equipment, etc.) by spreading the cost over an agreed term. Common structures include hire purchase (HP), finance leases, operating leases and sale-and-leaseback (asset refinance).

With hire purchase you typically pay instalments and take ownership at the end of the term; with leases you often pay to use the asset while ownership remains with the funder. Sale-and-leaseback lets a business sell an owned asset to a funder and lease it back to free up capital. Each option has different balance sheet and tax implications — speak to your accountant or the broker we introduce for specifics.

Why businesses choose asset finance

Asset finance is popular because it preserves working capital while keeping your business operating with up-to-date equipment. Here’s why companies use it:

• Preserve cash — avoid large capital outlays and keep liquidity for day-to-day needs.
• Predictable budgeting — fixed repayments improve cash flow forecasting.
• Access to newer or specialist kit — finance can make investment in technology affordable.
• Flexible terms — options for deposits, terms and residuals to suit needs.
• Possible tax advantages — depending on structure and accounting treatment.

Sectors that commonly benefit include construction, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality.

Get Matched to Asset Finance Specialists

How Fast Business Loans matches you with asset finance specialists

We act as an introducer — we don’t lend. Our process is designed to be quick and targeted so you avoid time-wasting enquiries:

1. Complete a short enquiry form telling us about your business, the asset and the value (from £10,000 upwards).
2. We review the details and match you with one or more brokers or lenders from our panel who specialise in your sector and asset type.
3. The matched partner will typically contact you to clarify details and prepare quotes.
4. You receive and compare offers, then choose to proceed directly with the lender or broker if you’re happy.

It’s free, confidential and you only proceed if you want to. We only share your details with partners who can help — and your enquiry does not affect your credit score.

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Asset finance options our lender network covers

Hire Purchase & Conditional Sale

Structured instalments with ownership transferring after the final payment. Suits businesses that want to own the asset.

Finance Lease & Operating Lease

Lease agreements where you pay to use the asset. Finance leases often cover most of the asset life; operating leases are often shorter and off-balance-sheet for certain accounting treatments.

Asset Refinance & Sale-and-Leaseback

Turn owned assets into cash by selling them to a funder and leasing them back — useful for freeing up capital.

Specialist Equipment Finance

Funding for IT, medical devices, agricultural machinery and other specialist kit — lenders assess on asset type and life.

Vehicle & Fleet Finance

Options for single vehicles to full fleets — hire purchase, lease purchase, contract hire and bespoke fleet packages.

Quick comparison:

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Who we help secure asset finance

We typically assist limited companies, LLPs, partnerships and franchise operators (not sole traders) across many sectors. We’re experienced working with:

• Construction and plant hire
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Transport, haulage and logistics
• Healthcare and medical practices
• Hospitality, retail and food production

We can support businesses with complex asset needs and those with non-standard credit histories — while we can’t guarantee an outcome, we aim to match you with providers who give you the best possible chance.

Tell us about your next asset purchase — Get Matched Today

Asset finance eligibility snapshot

While each lender sets its own criteria, typical requirements include:

• Registered UK business (company, LLP or partnership)
• Trading history — many lenders prefer 6+ months trading but options exist for newer businesses
• Asset quotation or invoice and details of the supplier
• Management accounts, recent bank statements and director details for larger facilities
• Deposit level varies by lender and asset (0% possible in some cases)

Submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans is a soft introduction and does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may perform credit checks only if you choose to proceed with an application.

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Costs, terms & typical rates

Cost depends on many variables: type and age of asset, deposit, term, business financials and credit profile. Rather than publishing broad APR figures that may mislead, we’ll say this:

• New assets generally secure more favourable terms than older assets.
• Longer terms reduce monthly payments but may increase total cost.
• Lenders may charge arrangement fees, documentation fees or early settlement fees — always ask for full disclosure.

For a reliable comparison, request quotes via our short enquiry and our matched partners will provide transparent cost breakdowns tailored to your situation. If you need tax guidance on how finance impacts your accounts, consult your accountant.

What to expect after you enquire

After you submit the enquiry form you’ll typically hear from matched brokers or lenders within hours during business days. Expect:

• A quick phone call or email to confirm asset details and documentation required.
• Tailored quotes or indicative pricing.
• Help preparing the information lenders need to complete a formal decision.

Take your time to compare offers — ask about fees, early settlement, maintenance responsibilities and end-of-term options. You decide which quote to accept; we only introduce you to potential providers.

Submit Your Asset Finance Enquiry

Asset finance vs alternative funding routes

When considering funding, think about these comparisons:

• Bank loans — may be suitable for general capital but often require security and longer approvals.
• Invoice finance — best for unlocking working capital tied up in invoices; not for buying assets.
• Commercial mortgages — for property, not equipment or vehicles.
• Asset-backed lending — can be used for large or specialist assets where lenders take security over the equipment.

If you’re unsure whether asset finance is the right route, our matching service can also introduce providers who specialise in alternative solutions so you can compare.

Success story snapshot

An anonymised example: A Midlands engineering company needed a £250,000 CNC machine to meet a new contract deadline but wanted to avoid large capital expenditure. We matched them with a broker specialising in manufacturing equipment; the broker arranged a tailored hire purchase package with a structured payment profile. The company secured the machine, met the contract, and increased production — outcome and terms vary per case and are not guaranteed.

Why choose Fast Business Loans for asset finance introductions

Fast Business Loans helps you:

• Save time — one short form connects you with multiple relevant partners.
• Get better matches — we align your enquiry with lenders and brokers who understand your sector.
• Compare offers quickly — receive tailored quotes and choose the best fit.
• Keep control — free, no obligation and you only proceed if you want to.

We do not provide lending or financial advice; we introduce you to finance providers who can.

Get Started in Under 2 Minutes

Learn more about specific asset finance arrangements on our detailed resource about asset finance.

Get your asset finance match today

No cost. No obligation. Rapid response. Complete the short form and we’ll match you with asset finance specialists who can provide quotes tailored to your business and the equipment you need.

Ready to Compare Asset Finance Options? Start Here

We handle your data securely and only share it with partners relevant to your request. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score; lenders or brokers may perform credit checks only with your consent if you proceed.

Frequently asked questions

How fast can asset finance be arranged through Fast Business Loans?

Complete our enquiry form in under 2 minutes. We typically introduce you to suitable brokers or lenders within a few business hours; time to funding depends on lender assessment and the documents you supply.

Can I finance used equipment or second‑hand vehicles?

Yes. Many of our partners finance used assets subject to age, condition and residual value criteria. Include asset age and photos in your enquiry where relevant.

Will applying through Fast Business Loans affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry is a soft introduction and does not impact your credit score. Formal credit checks are performed by lenders or brokers only with your consent.

What asset values do your lender partners typically consider?

We commonly handle enquiries from £10,000 upwards. Our network also supports larger facilities into the millions depending on asset and business strength.

Is there a minimum trading history required for asset finance?

Requirements vary by lender. Many lenders prefer businesses with 6+ months trading, but there are options for newer companies depending on directors’ experience and the asset itself.

Do you help businesses with adverse credit histories?

Yes — we work with brokers experienced in finding solutions for businesses with credit challenges, though approval depends on the lender’s policies and the overall application.

What fees should I expect from the lender or broker?

Lenders may charge arrangement, documentation or valuation fees; brokers may charge brokerage fees (which should be disclosed). Ask your matched partner for a full fees schedule before committing.

How do I provide asset quotations for the application?

Attach supplier quotes, pro‑forma invoices or web links in your enquiry and have recent bank statements and management accounts ready for larger requests.

Who regulates the lenders Fast Business Loans works with?

Lenders and brokers operate under their own regulatory and compliance regimes. Fast Business Loans is an introducer and not a lender; you should check regulation and terms with any provider you engage.