Introduction & value proposition

Running a print or packaging business is capital‑intensive: presses, finishing lines and packaging kit cost tens or hundreds of thousands, and margins can be squeezed by paper and energy price swings. Whether you’re upgrading to digital presses, retrofitting for sustainability, or covering seasonal peaks in orders, the right finance keeps production moving.

Fast Business Loans does not provide loans. We’re an introducer: you tell us what you need via a short enquiry (this is not a loan application) and we match your business to lenders and brokers who specialise in print and packaging finance. There’s no fee to you and no obligation to proceed.

Get Started – Free Eligibility Check (takes under 2 minutes; does not affect your credit score).

Why printing businesses seek finance

• Equipment upgrades: Replace ageing litho or digital presses, add wide-format or label presses, and purchase finishing/packaging machinery.
• Working capital: Bridge long customer payment terms or seasonal demand when raw material (paper/inks) costs rise.
• Refurbishment & expansion: New production lines, additional shifts or relocation to larger premises.
• Sustainability & efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient curing, LED ovens, or recyclable substrates to reduce running costs and win contracts.
• Staffing & training: Hire specialist press operators and fund training to operate new kit.

Many lenders appreciate the cyclical nature of print work and are comfortable structuring facilities around seasonal cash flow. If you want to explore options, Free Eligibility Check.

Popular printing finance solutions we can introduce

Unsecured Business Loans

Short to medium-term loans for working capital, refurbishment or smaller equipment purchases. Typically quicker decisions than asset-backed products, for borrowing needs from around £10,000 upwards. Available terms and rates depend on lender criteria and business profile.

Asset & Equipment Finance (Hire Purchase & Leasing)

Common for purchasing presses, packaging lines and finishing equipment. Hire purchase lets you own equipment at the end of the term; leasing conserves capital and can include maintenance. Useful for financing new or, in some cases, well-specified used equipment.

Invoice Finance & Factoring

Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices so you can pay suppliers and staff while waiting for customer payments. Particularly effective for print firms supplying large retailers with long payment terms.

Refinance & Debt Consolidation

Combine multiple facilities to reduce monthly payments or secure better terms. Refinancing can improve cashflow management, but suitability depends on outstanding balances and lender appetite.

Sustainability & Energy‑efficiency Funding

Specialist lenders and green finance options support investments such as LED curing systems, solar PV, or low‑emission inks. These can reduce operating costs and help secure eco-conscious contracts.

These are illustrative options — availability is subject to lender criteria. To compare solutions tailored to your business, Get Matched with a Printing Finance Expert.

Who can apply?

Typical lender requirements for business finance in the printing sector include:

• UK-registered trading business (limited company, LLP, etc.).
• Minimum trading history often expected (varies by lender — some accept newer businesses with strong forecasts).
• Turnover, profitability and director credit profile all influence terms.
• For asset finance, lenders will assess the asset’s age, condition and valuation.

Submitting an enquiry on our site is a soft first step and does not trigger a hard credit search. Lenders may carry out credit checks later as part of underwriting. If you’re unsure whether you meet criteria, complete a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to partners who fit your situation.

How Fast Business Loans works: our 4-step matching process

1. Complete a short enquiry — tell us the amount you need (we typically handle loans from roughly £10,000 and up), the purpose, and basic business details (under 2 minutes).
2. We match your request — your enquiry is routed to a selection of lenders/brokers who specialise in printing and packaging finance.
3. Receive contact quickly — one or more partners will call or email to discuss options and next steps; you remain under no obligation to proceed.
4. Compare offers and decide — review proposals and choose the lender/broker that best matches your goals.

We handle your information securely and only share details with partners likely to help. Start the process with a Free Eligibility Check.

Specialist support for print & packaging

Our network includes brokers and lenders experienced in funding:

• Lithographic, digital and wide-format presses
• Label and flexible packaging converters
• Die-cutting, folding and finishing equipment
• Sustainability retrofit projects (energy efficiency and waste reduction)

If you’d like broader sector advice and use-case examples, see our dedicated resource on printing business loans, which explains typical lender approaches and common finance structures for printers and packagers.

Real‑world printing finance scenarios

1. Digital press upgrade

A regional print shop wanted a new digital press to expand short-run capabilities. We introduced them to an asset finance broker who arranged a hire purchase deal, spreading payments to match project cashflow while the machine generated additional revenue.

2. Packaging firm with retailer terms

A packaging converter faced 60–90 day retailer payment terms. Invoice finance freed up working capital so the business could buy materials promptly and take on larger contracts without cashflow strain.

3. Energy‑efficiency retrofit

A litho plant invested in LED curing and energy monitoring. A green finance solution reduced capital outlay and delivered predictable energy savings; the lender’s terms were aligned to the projected cost reductions.

Outcomes vary by business — results are indicative, not guaranteed. To discuss similar scenarios for your company, Get a No‑Obligation Quote.

Understanding costs & borrowing responsibly

Costs depend on product type, term, security, and your business credit profile. Typical influencers:

• Interest rate / APR and whether the rate is fixed or variable.
• Fees: arrangement, valuation, or early repayment fees.
• Security: unsecured borrowing usually costs more than secured lending backed by assets.
• Asset condition: older equipment can attract higher margins or shorter terms.

Always compare total cost of credit, not just headline rates. Read provider terms carefully and check repayment affordability against realistic forecasts. Our service is free for businesses — to explore costed options, Start Your Printing Finance Enquiry.

Documents that help speed up approval

• Company registration and VAT details
• Identification for directors (passport/driving licence)
• Business bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
• Management accounts and P&L / balance sheet
• Quotes or proforma invoices for equipment
• Debtor ledger (for invoice finance/factoring)
• Business plan and forecasts (useful for newer businesses)

How quickly could funding land?

Timescales vary by product:

• Quick decisions (same day to a few days): unsecured loans and some invoice finance arrangements.
• Asset finance: typically a few days to a few weeks depending on valuation, delivery and documentation.
• Complex refinance or larger facilities: several weeks while due diligence and legal checks complete.

Some lenders can complete funding within 24–48 hours for straightforward cases — but this is subject to completing underwriting and paperwork. To begin and get an expected timeline for your situation, Get Quote Now.

Printing business finance FAQs

Can I finance second‑hand printing equipment?

Yes. Many asset finance lenders will consider used presses if age, condition and valuation are acceptable. Provide clear equipment details and photos to speed assessment.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — completing the Fast Business Loans enquiry is not a credit application and does not trigger a hard search. Lenders may carry out checks later when you apply for a specific product.

What loan amounts are typical for print businesses?

We work with partners offering funding from around £10,000 upwards — from small equipment purchases to multi‑hundred‑thousand‑pound presses and packaging lines.

Can I get finance after a previous decline?

Possibly. Different lenders use different underwriting models; our matching process can surface providers that consider a wider range of credit profiles. Be transparent about past issues so partners can assess appropriately.

How do sustainability projects affect lender appetite?

Green or energy‑saving projects can improve lender interest where projected savings are credible. Some lenders offer preferential terms for verified sustainability investments.

What happens after I submit the form?

We match your details to relevant lenders/brokers. Expect contact by email or phone from partners to discuss options — you decide whether to proceed.

Important information & disclaimers

Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice — we connect businesses with lenders and brokers who may contact you about finance options. Completing our enquiry is not a loan application and does not commit you to proceed. All finance decisions are subject to lender terms, status and underwriting.

Borrowing costs money — make sure any repayment plan is affordable. If unsure, consider seeking independent financial or tax advice.

Ready to explore finance for your print business? Complete a short, no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll match you to specialist lenders and brokers: Get Your Free Eligibility Check (under 2 minutes).