Equipment Finance for UK Businesses | Fast Business Loans
Summary — Equipment finance helps UK businesses buy or lease the assets they need without a heavy upfront cost. Fast Business Loans does not lend money; we quickly match companies (minimum requests from around £10,000) to specialist lenders and brokers who can provide tailored equipment, vehicle, medical or IT funding. Our free, no‑obligation enquiry takes under two minutes and won’t affect your credit score. Get started with a Free Eligibility Check to see which partners can help your business grow.
Get Started – Free Eligibility Check
Why UK Companies Choose Fast Business Loans for Equipment Finance
Rising equipment costs and tight cash flow make funding essential for growth. Fast Business Loans helps you find the right finance partner fast — saving time and improving outcomes by matching your business with lenders and brokers who understand your sector and asset type.
Tailored lender & broker matches for your sector
We use a curated panel of specialist partners experienced in construction plant, manufacturing machinery, medical and dental equipment, catering and hospitality, logistics vehicles and IT systems. That match-focused approach increases the chance of receiving competitive, relevant quotes.
Transparent, clear process
Our enquiry is quick and clear. We share only the information required to match you, and matched partners will provide full terms and costs. You decide whether to progress.
No impact on credit score to enquire
Submitting an enquiry through us does not affect your business credit file. Lenders may run checks later if you choose to proceed.
Request Your Equipment Finance Match
What Is Equipment Finance & How Does It Work?
Equipment finance is a set of funding solutions designed to help businesses acquire or use assets without paying the full purchase price up front. It covers a wide range of assets: manufacturing machinery, commercial vehicles, IT servers and software, catering fit‑out, medical scanners and more.
Common finance types
- Hire Purchase (HP) — You repay the cost plus interest over a fixed term and usually take ownership at the end once final payment is made.
- Finance Lease — The lender owns the asset and you pay for its use; options at term vary and ownership may not transfer automatically.
- Operating Lease — Shorter-term rental-style arrangement where the asset is returned at the end of the lease or upgraded.
- Refinance / Refinance of Existing Assets — Release cash tied up in equipment by refinancing existing agreements.
Fast Business Loans connects you with brokers and lenders who specialise in these options so you can compare the right approaches for your asset and cashflow profile. For more detail about finance options for specific equipment needs visit our equipment finance guidance page on equipment finance.
Who We Help (Industry & Business Profiles)
We commonly match limited companies and incorporated businesses requiring finance from approximately £10,000 and upwards. Typical sectors include:
- Construction & plant hire
- Manufacturing & engineering
- Healthcare & dental practices
- Hospitality, catering & leisure
- Transport, fleet & logistics
- Agriculture & food production
- IT, telecoms & digital infrastructure
Start-ups, growth-stage SMEs and established companies are all supported; matched partners adapt offers to sector and scale.
Start Your Equipment Finance Enquiry
Benefits of Using Equipment Finance
Preserve cash flow & working capital
Spread the cost of essential assets so you can invest cash into operations, stock or growth.
Access modern technology without large upfront cost
Keep equipment current and productive by leasing or arranging finance that aligns with useful life.
Flexible repayment structures
Terms can match revenue cycles—seasonal businesses can choose structures that ease monthly pressure.
Potential tax efficiencies
Certain finance options may have tax benefits for businesses; speak to your accountant for personalised advice.
Ready to see if your business qualifies? Get a Free Eligibility Check
Fast Business Loans Process – Step-by-Step
- Quick Enquiry — Complete a short form (under two minutes) with basic business details and the equipment or amount required.
- Matching — We introduce your brief to specialist lenders and brokers best placed to assist.
- Response — Partners contact you with initial quotes, questions and next steps; often within hours on business days.
- Compare & Decide — Review offers, ask for full terms, then apply directly with the partner that fits your needs.
We handle introductions only — matched partners will supply detailed terms and process your application if you proceed. Data is handled securely and shared only with selected partners relevant to your enquiry.
Free Equipment Finance Eligibility Check
Eligibility Criteria & Typical Requirements
Exact criteria vary by lender, but common factors assessed include:
- Minimum finance amount (we handle from around £10,000 upwards)
- Trading history and annual turnover
- Management team and company structure
- Credit profile and existing liabilities
- Estimated asset life and supplier invoice/quote
Documents typically requested: recent management accounts or company accounts, business bank statements, proof of identity for directors, and a formal equipment quote.
Funding Scenarios & Example Outcomes
Case 1 — Midlands manufacturer
Challenge: Replace an ageing CNC with minimal cash outlay. Finance: Hire purchase over 5 years. Outcome: Equipment delivered within 4 weeks after approval; monthly repayments aligned with production ramp-up.
Case 2 — Dental clinic
Challenge: Modernise surgery chairs and imaging equipment. Finance: Finance lease blended with a service agreement. Outcome: Upgraded practice with improved patient throughput; predictable monthly cost and equipment maintenance included.
Find the Best Equipment Finance Option for Your Business
Costs, Rates & What to Expect
Costs depend on asset type, term, lender risk profile and security. Representative examples can range widely — a lower-risk, new-asset hire purchase might show competitive rates, while specialist medical equipment or used assets can attract higher costs. All figures are illustrative; matched lenders will give you exact quotes and a full breakdown of interest, arrangement fees and any early settlement charges.
Fast Business Loans does not provide financial advice; review provider documents carefully and seek professional tax or accounting advice where needed.
Preparing Your Application (Checklist)
- Recent company accounts or management accounts
- Business bank statements (typically 3–6 months)
- Equipment supplier quote or invoice
- ID and confirmation for company directors
- Brief use-case / cashflow projection for larger requests
Tip: tidy financial records and accurate supplier quotes speed approvals. When ready, Talk to a Specialist Broker via Fast Business Loans.
Comparing Equipment Finance Against Other Funding Options
| Product | Best use | Ownership & Security |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment finance (lease) | Assets with rapid obsolescence or where upgrades matter | Lessor owns asset; less security on business |
| Hire Purchase | Businesses that want ownership after term | Ownership transfers after final payment; asset often used as security |
| Business loan | Flexible use of funds across the business | Unsecured or secured against property/assets depending on size |
Discuss options with a matched broker to decide the most suitable route for your commercial and tax position.
FAQs
Is equipment finance suitable for new businesses?
Yes—many lenders and brokers consider start-ups, but criteria differ and some partners specialise in early-stage funding. Submit an enquiry to see matched options.
Can I finance used or refurbished equipment?
Often yes. Lenders assess age, condition and expected remaining life; used assets may attract different rates or terms.
How quickly can funds or equipment be provided?
Delivery timelines depend on specialist underwriting and supplier lead times. In many straightforward cases, partners can agree finance in days and arrange delivery in weeks.
Will my enquiry affect my credit score?
No—submitting a Fast Business Loans enquiry does not affect your business credit file. Lenders may run checks later if you pursue an application.
Do you support green or sustainable equipment?
Yes. Many partners offer tailored terms for energy‑efficient equipment, EV fleets, solar PV and similar assets.
What finance terms are common?
Terms vary from short operating leases (12–36 months) to longer hire purchase agreements (3–7 years) depending on asset life.
Can I refinance existing equipment loans?
Yes—several partners specialise in refinance, which can reduce monthly costs or simplify multiple agreements.
What if the equipment becomes obsolete?
Options include upgrade clauses in leases, or returning the asset under operating leases. Discuss asset lifecycle protection with matched brokers.
Do I need additional security?
Some lenders require a personal guarantee or other security for higher-risk agreements; requirements are lender-dependent.
How does Fast Business Loans get paid?
We receive a referral fee from lenders or brokers who take successful enquiries forward. Businesses pay nothing to our service.
Ready to Explore Your Equipment Finance Options?
Fast Business Loans makes it quick and simple to discover equipment finance solutions tailored to your business. Our service is free, confidential and no obligation. Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and asset type.
Compliance & Important Information
Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Examples and case studies shown are illustrative and not a guarantee of approval. All finance is subject to lender status, underwriting and approval. Consider seeking independent tax or accounting advice where appropriate.
– What is equipment finance and which assets can I fund?
Equipment finance lets UK businesses acquire machinery, vehicles, IT and specialist equipment via hire purchase, finance lease or operating lease without paying the full cost up front.
– How does Fast Business Loans work—are you a lender?
Fast Business Loans is a free introducer that matches your enquiry (not a full application) to trusted UK lenders and brokers who provide quotes and make lending decisions.
– Does the Free Eligibility Check affect my credit score?
No—submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans doesn’t affect your credit score; lenders may run checks later if you choose to proceed.
– What finance amounts can you help with?
We match equipment finance requests from around £10,000 upwards, with maximums dependent on the lender, asset type and your circumstances.
– How quickly could I get approved or receive the equipment?
You’ll typically hear back within hours on business days, and straightforward cases can move from approval to delivery in days to a few weeks.
– Can start-ups or younger businesses get equipment finance?
Yes—many of our partners consider start-ups and early-stage SMEs, though criteria and terms vary by lender and sector.
– Can I finance used or refurbished equipment and vehicles?
Yes—many lenders fund used or refurbished assets, subject to the item’s age, condition and expected remaining life.
– What documents will I need to provide?
Lenders typically request recent accounts or management figures, 3–6 months’ bank statements, director ID, and a supplier quote or invoice.
– What will my equipment finance cost?
Rates and fees depend on the asset, term and credit profile, and matched lenders will give a full breakdown of interest, arrangement fees and any early settlement charges.
– Can I refinance existing equipment finance to improve cash flow?
Yes—several partners offer refinance or consolidation of asset finance to lower monthly repayments or release cash from existing equipment.
