What is Asset Finance?

Asset finance is a group of lending products that allow businesses to acquire or release value from physical assets — such as machinery, vehicles, IT systems or medical equipment — without paying the full purchase price upfront. It’s designed to preserve working capital and match payments to the useful economic life of the asset.

Common approaches include purchase-based options (e.g., hire purchase), leasing, and refinance arrangements. Products can be used to buy new or second‑hand equipment, upgrade fleets, or unlock cash from machinery already owned.

Who it’s for: SMEs and larger companies across sectors that need equipment or vehicles and want predictable monthly funding from around £10,000 upwards.

Why Work with Fast Business Loans for Asset Finance?

A fast bridge to trusted brokers

We connect your business to brokers and lenders with expertise in your industry and asset type, reducing time spent searching and increasing the chance of a suitable match.

Free, no-obligation service

Tell us about your needs and we’ll make introductions at no cost. Completing our enquiry won’t affect your credit score — only lenders may run credit checks later if you choose to proceed.

Sector-specific expertise

Our panel includes partners experienced in construction, transport, manufacturing, agriculture and hospitality, among others. That sector knowledge means proposals are more likely to fit your cashflow and equipment plans.

Get Quote Now — we’ll match you to specialists who can provide tailored options quickly.

Asset Finance Options Available

• Hire Purchase (HP) — You pay monthly instalments and own the asset after the final payment. Good for businesses that want to acquire ownership.
• Finance Lease — You have the benefits of use; the asset remains on the lender’s balance sheet. Often used for equipment with predictable lifecycle.
• Operating Lease — A rental-like arrangement with no ownership; suitable for short-life assets or when you prefer off‑balance-sheet treatment.
• Asset Refinance / Sale & Leaseback — Release cash from owned assets by selling them to a funder and leasing them back.
• Specialist Equipment Finance — Tailored deals for IT, medical, agricultural, construction plant and commercial vehicles.

Terms, deposit levels and eligibility vary by lender and asset. Our introductions will help you compare which structure works best for your balance sheet and tax position.

Learn more about asset finance types and use cases on our detailed guide to asset finance.

Asset Finance vs Other Funding Routes

How asset finance compares to alternative funding:

• Unsecured business loan — Can be quicker but may have higher rates and limits; doesn’t tie repayments to an asset.
• Invoice finance — Unlocks cash from invoices, ideal for working capital but not for buying equipment.
• Commercial mortgage — Suitable for property purchase; not suitable for equipment or fleet funding.

Choose asset finance when you want to spread equipment costs, preserve capital, or refinance existing assets. If unsure, submit a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll point you to the most relevant options.

How Our Asset Finance Matching Process Works

1. Complete the quick enquiry — tell us basic business details and the asset/funding you need (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We shortlist partners — your details are matched to brokers and lenders experienced in your sector and asset type.
3. Receive a rapid response — expect a call or email from matched partners, often within hours on business days.
4. Compare offers — review terms, ask questions, and decide without obligation.

We handle data securely and only share information with partners who can help with your request. Submitting an enquiry does not commit you to accept any offer.

“A manufacturing client secured equipment funding within two weeks after a single enquiry.” — anonymised case example

Start My Asset Finance Enquiry

Eligibility Factors & Documentation Checklist

Lenders typically assess:

• Trading history and company structure
• Annual turnover and profitability
• Type, age and condition of the asset
• Business and director credit profiles

Useful documents to prepare:

• Latest annual accounts or management accounts
• Recent business bank statements (3–6 months)
• Supplier quotes or invoices for the asset
• Details of existing finance arrangements

Start-ups may still be eligible if they can show contracts, purchase orders or a strong business plan. For funding bands — our partners typically handle deals from £10,000 upwards.

Request a Free Asset Finance Review

Use Cases Across UK Industries

Manufacturing — New machinery

Challenge: Replace ageing CNC machines without dipping into cash reserves. Solution: Hire purchase or finance lease for £50k–£500k, preserving working capital and matching payments to machine life.

Construction — Plant & tools

Challenge: Rapid expansion needs extra plant and vehicles. Solution: Operating leases and fleet finance to scale quickly while controlling monthly costs.

Transport & Logistics — Fleet expansion

Challenge: Grow a delivery fleet to meet seasonal demand. Solution: Asset finance with flexible term options and potential balloon payments for lower monthly outlay.

Agriculture — Tractors & implements

Challenge: High-cost specialist equipment. Solution: Asset refinance or HP with repayment profiles aligned to seasonal income.

Each case is unique — complete a short enquiry and we’ll connect you to partners who specialise in your industry.

Costs, Rates & Terms – What to Expect

Costs depend on: asset value and age, deposit amount, loan length (typically 12–84 months), and your business profile. Deposits may be 0–30% depending on product and lender. Interest rates and fees are set by lenders; we introduce you to brokers who will outline costs and APR when they provide quotes.

If you want to compare options quickly, click Compare Asset Finance Quotes Now.

Responsibilities & Risk Considerations

Before proceeding, consider:

• Assets are often used as security — missed payments can lead to repossession.
• Maintenance and insurance responsibilities usually fall to the business using the asset.
• Early repayment or settlement fees may apply.

If you’re unsure, seek independent financial or accounting advice. Remember: Fast Business Loans introduces you to providers — we do not lend or give regulated financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is asset finance available for start-ups?

Yes — some lenders and brokers will support start-ups with strong plans, contracts or evidence of forward work. We’ll match you to suitable partners.

Can I refinance existing equipment?

Yes — asset refinance and sale & leaseback can release cash from owned assets. Our partners can advise on the best approach.

Does the enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting our enquiry doesn’t affect your business or director credit score. Lenders may run checks later if you proceed with an application.

How quickly can funding arrive?

Some straightforward deals complete in days; complex financings can take several weeks. Your matched broker or lender will provide timing estimates.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Fast Business Loans helps you save time, widen your options and get matched to partners who understand your industry. Our service is free and there’s no obligation to accept any offer.

• Fast: quick matches to specialist lenders and brokers
• Free: no cost for the introducer service
• From £10,000: suitable for medium-value and larger finance requirements

Begin Your Asset Finance Enquiry

Submitting an enquiry does not guarantee funding approval. Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender or regulated financial adviser. All finance is subject to lender assessment and status. Read our Privacy Policy to see how we handle your data securely.