Asset Finance That Keeps Your Business Moving

Summary: Asset finance helps UK SMEs acquire vehicles, machinery, plant and equipment without large upfront capital. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend — we match your company with the lenders and brokers who specialise in hire purchase, leasing, refinance and asset-backed working capital. Complete a short, no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll connect you with the best partners for deals from around £10,000 upwards. Start Your Free Eligibility Check: Get Quote Now.

Contents

• How asset finance works for UK businesses
• Asset finance solutions you can compare
• Who we help secure asset finance
• Eligibility snapshot & what lenders look for
• Our fast match process
• Costs, terms & responsible borrowing
• Asset finance vs alternative funding
• Preparing for a successful application
• Success stories & use cases
• Why choose Fast Business Loans
• Frequently asked questions
• Next steps — get your free quote

How asset finance works for UK businesses

Asset finance covers a suite of products that fund the purchase or use of business assets — from vans and HGVs to CNC machines, production lines or commercial kitchen equipment. Instead of paying cash up front, you spread the cost over an agreed term while using the asset to run and grow the business.

Common advantages: preserve working capital, match payments to asset life, possible tax benefits, and quicker access than many traditional commercial mortgages. It’s ideal where equipment is central to operations but cash is limited.

Not sure which option fits? We’ll match you to brokers and lenders experienced in your sector — start a Free Eligibility Check: Get Quote Now.

Asset finance solutions you can compare through Fast Business Loans

We connect you to lenders and brokers who offer the main asset finance routes. Use our no‑cost enquiry to compare options and get a tailored quote.

Hire Purchase (HP)

• Best for: Businesses that want to own the asset at the end of the term.
• Typical term: 1–7 years
• Ownership: Ownership transfers after the final payment.
• Notes: Often requires an initial deposit; predictable monthly payments.

Finance Lease

• Best for: Businesses that need long-term use but not ownership.
• Typical term: 2–7+ years
• Ownership: Remains with the lessor; option to purchase may exist.
• Notes: Good for high-value machinery where tax/treatment differs from HP.

Operating Lease / Contract Hire

• Best for: Companies wanting off-balance-sheet rental and simple upgrades.
• Typical term: 1–5 years
• Ownership: Returned to the leasing company at term end.
• Notes: Often includes maintenance and replacement options.

Asset refinance (Sale & Leaseback)

• Best for: Businesses needing to unlock cash from owned assets.
• Typical term: Flexible
• Ownership: Asset sold to a lender and leased back for continued use.
• Notes: Improves liquidity without losing access to essential equipment.

Asset-based lending (ABL) & working capital lines

• Best for: Firms needing revolving finance secured against stock, plant or receivables.
• Typical term: Revolving lines or medium-term facilities
• Ownership: Asset remains with the business but is used as security.
• Notes: Flexible for seasonal or growth-driven cash needs.

For a full guide to how these options work and which suits different scenarios, see our detailed asset finance overview: asset finance.

Who we help secure asset finance

We specialise in matching UK limited companies and growing SMEs (minimum enquiries typically start from around £10,000) with lenders who understand their sector and assets. Examples:

Ready to be connected to a sector specialist? Start your Free Eligibility Check: Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Eligibility snapshot & what lenders look for

While criteria vary by lender, the following gives a clear snapshot.

• Trading history: Many lenders prefer 12+ months trading; some specialist funders accept less.
• Turnover & cashflow: Evidence of ability to service payments (management accounts, bank statements).
• Asset type & condition: New and used assets can be financed; condition affects terms.
• Deposit: 0–20% is typical depending on asset and lender risk appetite.
• Director credit profile: Adverse credit doesn’t always rule you out — panel includes flexible funders.

Unsure whether you qualify? Submit a Free Eligibility Check — it won’t affect your credit score and it’s not an application.

Our fast match process

1. Complete a short enquiry — takes under 2 minutes; ask about the asset, amount and trading details.
2. We match you — our platform connects you with lenders/brokers suited to your sector and asset.
3. Receive rapid responses — partners typically contact you within hours to discuss terms and next steps.
4. Compare & decide — review quotes with no obligation and proceed with the provider you prefer.

Begin now: Get Quote Now.

Costs, terms & responsible borrowing

Costs depend on lender, asset age, security and business health. Typical features to expect:

• Repayment periods from 12 months up to 7+ years
• Deposit requirement varies (0–20% commonly)
• Fees: arrangement, documentation, and potential early settlement fees
• Interest: fixed or variable; APR or equivalent figures supplied by lenders

Important: all rates and fees are illustrative until assessed by the lender. Always check total cost, early repayment rights and maintenance responsibilities before signing.

Asset finance vs alternative funding routes

Compare options by submitting one quick enquiry: Free Eligibility Check.

Preparing for a successful application

Having the right documents speeds up outcomes. Typical checklist:

• Company registration and director details
• Recent management accounts or 12–24 months bank statements
• Quotes or specifications for the asset (make, model, serial numbers)
• Evidence of VAT status if applicable and details of existing secured borrowing

Pro tip: include maintenance records for used equipment to support valuation and lending terms.

Success stories & use cases (illustrative)

Case studies are illustrative; individual results depend on lender assessment and business circumstances.

Why choose Fast Business Loans for asset finance

• Free, no‑obligation service — we introduce you to lenders/brokers best suited to your needs.
• Sector-aware matching — we work with partners experienced in construction, transport, hospitality and more.
• Fast turnaround — many businesses receive initial contact within hours of enquiry.
• We simplify comparison — one short form connects you to multiple providers saving time and effort.

Get matched quickly: Start Your Free Eligibility Check.

Frequently asked questions about asset finance

Are you a lender or a broker?

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we connect your business with lenders and brokers. We do not provide loans directly and we do not charge business owners for making enquiries.

How soon can I receive funds?

Times vary by product and lender. Some asset finance deals complete in days; others, especially those requiring valuations or larger facilities, can take several weeks. Once matched, your chosen provider will advise expected timelines.

Can I finance new and used assets?

Yes. Many lenders finance both new and used equipment; terms and rates depend on age, condition and resale value of the asset.

Do I need a deposit or personal guarantee?

Some lenders require a deposit; others offer 0% deposit deals for strong borrowers. Personal guarantees are sometimes requested for smaller businesses — details will be disclosed by the lender.

What if I have adverse credit?

Adverse credit does not automatically exclude you. We work with a broad panel that includes funders offering flexible underwriting. Submit a Free Eligibility Check to explore options tailored to your situation: Get Quote Now.

Can I settle early or upgrade assets mid-term?

Most agreements allow early settlement (may incur fees). Upgrades depend on the contract — operating leases often make upgrades easier than hire purchase. Always check terms before signing.

How is an asset valued?

Lenders consider purchase price, residual value, age, usage and market resale. For used items, independent valuations or photos/specs may be requested.

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Individual lenders may perform credit checks later in the process with your consent.

Next steps — get your free asset finance quote

Ready to fund vehicles, machinery or other business assets? Complete one short enquiry now and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector. It’s quick, free and non‑binding.

Get Quote Now

• Secure form — your details only shared with relevant partners
• Typical responses within hours
• Funding from around £10,000 upwards

Fast Business Loans (fastbusinessloans.net) acts as an introducer and does not provide financial advice. Finance is subject to status, terms and affordability checks by the lender or broker we introduce you to. Ensure you assess repayment capacity before committing. See our Privacy Policy and Terms.

– What is asset finance and how does it work for UK SMEs?
Asset finance lets you fund vehicles, machinery, plant and equipment over time via hire purchase, leasing or refinance rather than paying upfront.

– Are you a lender and does using your service cost anything?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects you with UK lenders and brokers, and submitting an enquiry is free and without obligation.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score or count as an application?
No—our enquiry is not an application and won’t impact your credit score; any credit checks happen later with your chosen provider and consent.

– What asset finance options can I compare through you?
You can compare hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease/contract hire, asset refinance (sale and leaseback), and asset-based lending/working capital lines.

– What amounts and terms are typical for asset finance?
Facilities generally start from around £10,000 with terms commonly 1–7+ years depending on the asset, lender and your business profile.

– Can I finance new and used equipment, and will I need a deposit?
Many lenders fund both new and used assets, with typical deposits ranging from 0–20% based on risk and asset type.

– How quickly could funding be arranged?
Straightforward deals can complete in days, while larger or valuation-heavy facilities may take a few weeks.

– What information do I need to provide to get started?
Begin with a 2‑minute enquiry, and lenders typically ask for basic company details, recent accounts/bank statements, and asset quotes/specs.

– Can I get asset finance with adverse credit or limited trading history?
Yes—while many lenders prefer 12+ months trading, our panel includes flexible funders who consider adverse credit and younger businesses.

– What costs and contract features should I expect?
Expect interest plus possible arrangement/document fees, deposits and early settlement charges, and check terms for ownership, maintenance and upgrade options.