Summary: Equipment finance helps UK companies fund machinery, vehicles, IT, catering and medical kit without a large upfront cost. Fast Business Loans connects businesses (minimum enquiries from about £10,000) with specialist lenders and brokers so you can compare options quickly. Completing our short enquiry is a soft, no‑obligation check — not a loan application — and lets us match you to the providers most likely to help. Ready to start? Get Your Free Eligibility Check.

Equipment Finance for UK Businesses Made Simple

Buying or upgrading essential equipment ties up capital. Equipment finance spreads the cost while keeping your cashflow flexible. At Fast Business Loans we don’t lend — we match limited companies and growing businesses (typical enquiries from £10,000+) with lenders and brokers who offer hire purchase, leases, refinance and asset-backed loans. Your enquiry is a soft eligibility check only — not an application — and has no immediate effect on credit files.

What is equipment finance and how does it work?

Equipment finance is a broad term for funding that lets businesses acquire assets (machinery, vehicles, IT, catering, medical devices) while repaying over time. Common structures include:

• Hire Purchase (HP): you pay monthly and own the asset once the agreement completes.
• Finance lease: long-term hire with potential purchase options but usually the lender retains ownership during the term.
• Operating lease: similar to renting — lower monthly cost, no ownership at the end unless an option is agreed.
• Refinance / sale & leaseback: unlock cash by using existing equipment as security.

Typical scenarios: manufacturers replacing CNC machines, restaurants buying kitchen fit-out equipment, healthcare clinics purchasing diagnostics kit, hauliers upgrading fleets.

Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans for equipment funding

• Quick matching to lenders and specialist brokers who understand your sector.
• Short enquiry (takes around 2 minutes) — no obligation and a soft check only.
• Access to multiple solutions: HP, leasing, refinance and asset-backed loans.
• Helpful guidance on what lenders look for and what to prepare.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Step-by-step — From enquiry to equipment on site

1. Complete a quick enquiry: basic business details, amount required and what you want to finance (takes ~2 minutes).
2. We match you: your details go to selected lenders/brokers who specialise in your sector and size.
3. Contact & proposal: a broker or lender usually contacts you quickly to discuss options and request documents.
4. Agreement & delivery: finance terms are agreed, paperwork completed and equipment is delivered or paid for.

Remember: Fast Business Loans is an introducer only. The enquiry is not an application and does not guarantee an offer.

Get Matched in Minutes

Eligibility snapshot and what lenders look for

While underwriting criteria vary, lenders commonly assess:

• Minimum facility size — we typically handle enquiries from about £10,000 upwards.
• Trading history and turnover — many funders expect at least 12 months trading, though some specialist lenders consider younger companies.
• Financials — management accounts, bank statements and asset invoices.
• Credit profile — initial matching is a soft search; full credit checks come later with your consent.

Documents to have ready

• Latest management accounts and recent bank statements
• Quotes or invoices for the equipment to be financed
• Company registration details and director information
• Information about any existing asset finance or business loans

Improving your chances

Provide clear, accurate paperwork, show consistent trading and maintain healthy bank balances; a sensible deposit can also improve terms for some products.

Equipment we commonly help finance

We match businesses across many sectors. Typical assets include:

• Construction: excavators, loaders, telehandlers
• Manufacturing & engineering: CNC machines, presses, tools
• Healthcare: scanners, dental chairs, sterilisation equipment
• Hospitality & catering: ovens, refrigeration, fit-out equipment
• Technology & office: servers, desktops, specialist software systems
• Transport & logistics: commercial vans, trucks and trailers

Talk to a Specialist Broker

Comparing equipment finance options

Choosing between purchase, lease or refinance depends on cashflow, tax position and long-term plans.

Cost considerations: APR/interest, fees, deposit and any balloon/residual payments. Cashflow example: financing a £50,000 machine over 48 months vs buying outright — discuss both monthly cost and total finance cost with your matched broker.

Benefits of using a broker network for equipment funding

• Access to niche lenders that specialise in particular asset types.
• Better negotiation power and multiple quotes to compare.
• Time saved — one enquiry reaches several relevant providers.
• Guidance through documentation and completion.

Case snapshot — real outcomes for UK SMEs

Below are anonymised examples to illustrate typical outcomes (results vary):

• Manufacturing SME: replaced two ageing CNC machines using hire purchase — improved throughput, positive cashflow from staggered payments.
• Restaurant group: leased kitchen equipment across three sites to spread costs and keep upgrade flexibility.
• Logistics business: refinancing ageing vans released capital used to hire additional drivers and win new contracts.

Costs, risks & responsible borrowing

Finance can be an effective growth tool, but be clear on the obligations:

• Rates and fees vary — compare total cost of credit and monthly commitment.
• Missing payments can lead to late fees and, for secured finance, asset repossession.
• Consider maintenance and insurance costs for financed equipment.

Fast Business Loans does not give financial advice and is not a lender. Always consider independent professional advice if you are unsure about the right product for your business.

Ready to explore equipment finance?

If your business needs new or replacement equipment, the quickest way to see options is to submit a short enquiry. We match you to specialist lenders and brokers who will contact you with tailored quotes — there’s no obligation and no initial credit hit.

Get Quote Now — the enquiry takes about 2 minutes.

For a broader overview of asset funding options you may also find our detailed guide on equipment finance helpful.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get equipment finance for a business under 12 months old?

Some lenders consider younger businesses; specialist panels may require director guarantees, a clear business plan and financial projections. Submit an enquiry to explore options.

How quickly can funds be released?

Times vary by lender and the complexity of the deal. Many straightforward asset finance arrangements complete within days once paperwork is provided; others take longer for larger or bespoke deals.

Will my enquiry affect my credit score?

Initial matching is a soft eligibility check and does not impact credit scores. Lenders may perform full credit checks later with your consent.

Is a deposit usually required?

Some agreements require a deposit or initial rental; others offer 0% deposit options depending on the lender and asset type.

Can existing equipment be refinanced?

Yes — sale & leaseback or refinance products can free up capital by using existing assets as security.

What happens if I miss a repayment?

Missed repayments can result in fees, affect your credit profile and for secured agreements may lead to asset recovery. Speak to your lender early if you have payment difficulties.

Footer disclaimer: Fast Business Loans connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers for equipment and asset finance. We are an introducer only and do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Enquiries are used to match you with suitable providers — submitting an enquiry is not a loan application. Data you provide is shared securely with selected partners so they can respond with quotes. Expect a call or email after submitting your enquiry.