Equipment finance for UK businesses — quick summary

Equipment finance helps businesses acquire essential kit (machinery, vehicles, IT, medical devices, catering equipment) without paying the full capital cost up-front. Fast Business Loans does not lend; we introduce limited companies and growing businesses seeking finance of approx. £10,000 and above to specialist lenders and brokers who can provide hire purchase, leases, refinance and short-term loans. Submitting a short enquiry is not an application — it’s a no-obligation way to receive matched quotes and a free eligibility check. Start your free eligibility check (takes under 2 minutes • no impact on credit score).

What is equipment finance?

Equipment finance is an umbrella term for funding solutions that let businesses acquire tangible assets and spread the cost. Common approaches include hire purchase (ownership at the end of the term), finance leases (use the asset for agreed term), operating leases (off‑balance-sheet rental-style arrangements) and refinance (replacing an existing asset finance agreement). Providers also offer short-term loans for smaller purchases and specialist structures for bespoke assets.

Why consider equipment finance?

• Preserve cash flow: spread capital cost into predictable monthly payments.
• Access the latest equipment: avoid obsolescence and keep productivity high.
• Flexible terms: match repayments to asset life or seasonal income.
• Tax and VAT planning opportunities: depending on structure, there can be accounting and cashflow benefits — seek tax advice for specifics.

Individual circumstances vary. The precise benefits and tax treatment depend on the structure chosen and your business situation — your matched lender or broker will explain options and implications.

How Fast Business Loans can help

We connect — you choose

Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We do not provide finance or give regulated financial advice. Instead we match your business to brokers and lenders in our UK network who specialise in equipment finance for limited companies and growing SMEs. Our partners are selected for their sector knowledge and transparency.

Our simple 4-step matching process

1. Complete a short enquiry — basic business details and the equipment you want to fund.
2. We match you with suitable lenders/brokers from our panel.
3. Matched partners contact you with initial terms and questions.
4. Compare offers and decide — proceed directly with the lender/broker you prefer.

Ready to compare tailored options? Get Equipment Finance Quotes.

Equipment finance options we can introduce

We introduce businesses to providers offering a range of solutions. Below is an overview of common options — your matched partner will recommend what suits your asset, cashflow and ownership preferences.

1. Hire Purchase (HP)

Overview: You hire the asset and own it after the final payment. HP is widely used for machinery, vehicles and high-value plant.

• Typical terms: 12–60 months (sometimes longer for expensive machinery).
• Who it suits: companies wanting ownership at the end of the term.
• Benefits: fixed payments, potential for capital allowances.

2. Finance lease & operating lease

Finance lease gives long-term use with an option to purchase; operating lease is closer to rental and may keep the asset off your balance sheet. VAT handling differs — get professional advice.

3. Equipment refinance

Refinance (also called asset refinance or refinance and release) can free up capital tied in existing equipment by replacing an old agreement with a new facility, improving cashflow or consolidating terms.

4. Short-term equipment loans

Designed for smaller ticket purchases or urgent replacements. These can be unsecured up to lender limits, or secured against the asset. Terms are typically shorter with slightly higher rates.

What types of equipment can be financed

Lenders and brokers in our panel work with many industries. Typical funded assets include:

• Construction plant and machinery (excavators, diggers, compressors)
• Manufacturing equipment (CNC machines, presses)
• Commercial vehicles and fleets
• Catering and hospitality equipment
• Medical and dental equipment
• IT equipment and servers
• Renewable energy equipment (PV, EV chargers, heat pumps)

Want to fund a specific item? Free Eligibility Check.

Eligibility snapshot: are you a good fit?

What lenders commonly look for

• Company type: limited companies and established SMEs (we do not handle sole traders or professional loans).
• Minimum amounts: our partners typically consider equipment finance from around £10,000 upwards.
• Trading history: many lenders prefer 6–12 months trading but specialist panel members support newer businesses too.
• Credit profile: options exist for standard and adverse credit, but terms vary by provider.

Documents to prepare

• Recent business bank statements (3–6 months)
• Management accounts or latest accounts
• Supplier quote or invoice for the equipment
• Business plan or cashflow forecast for newer businesses

Exact requirements vary by lender; your matched broker will confirm what’s needed.

Costs, rates & terms explained

Pricing depends on asset value, term length, deposit, the asset’s residual value, and the business’ credit profile. Some illustrative guidance:

• Rates vary widely — indicative APRs depend on many factors; matched lenders will provide personalised quotes.
• Potential fees: arrangement fee, documentation fee, early settlement charges; always ask for a full breakdown.
• Security: many asset finance deals are secured against the equipment; unsecured options may be available for smaller amounts.

To get accurate pricing for your situation, complete a quick enquiry and receive tailored offers. Get Quote Now.

Example scenario: SME upgrading machinery

A mid-sized manufacturer needed a £150,000 CNC machine to increase capacity. Using hire purchase with a 4-year term and a 10% deposit, the matched broker negotiated seasonal repayment flexibility that aligned with the client’s sales cycle. The process: enquiry submitted → matched to specialist broker → indicative terms within 48 hours → documents exchanged → funding in 10 working days. Result: improved production without depleting cash reserves and predictable monthly costs.

Frequently asked questions

Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans

• Speed: quick matching to specialist lenders and brokers.
• Choice: access to a wide panel to increase the chance of suitable terms.
• Transparency: clear process — your enquiry is not an application and there’s no obligation to proceed.
• Security: we only share your details with selected partners relevant to your request.

Read more about equipment finance on our pillar resources about equipment finance.

Get started with your equipment finance enquiry

Ready to compare quotes from lenders and brokers who specialise in the assets your business needs? Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you quickly so lenders can prepare personalised offers. Our service is free, takes under two minutes, and your enquiry does not affect your credit score.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. Submitting an enquiry is not a loan application or financial advice. Exact terms, rates and eligibility depend on the lender you choose. Always consider independent financial or tax advice where appropriate.

1) What is equipment finance and how does it work?
Answer: Equipment finance lets UK businesses acquire machinery, vehicles, IT and other assets via hire purchase, finance or operating leases, or short-term loans, spreading the cost over fixed repayments.

2) Is Fast Business Loans a lender or broker, and is my enquiry an application?
Answer: Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches you with UK lenders and brokers, and your enquiry is not a loan application and carries no obligation.

3) What types of equipment can I finance?
Answer: You can finance new or used assets such as construction plant, manufacturing machinery (e.g., CNC), commercial vehicles, catering and hospitality kit, medical/dental devices, IT and servers, and renewable energy equipment.

4) What’s the difference between hire purchase, a finance lease and an operating lease?
Answer: Hire purchase ends with ownership after the final payment, a finance lease provides long-term use with an option to purchase, and an operating lease is rental-style without ownership and may be off balance sheet.

5) How much can I borrow and what are typical terms?
Answer: Partners typically fund from around £10,000 with terms usually 1–7 years (longer possible for high-value assets), subject to asset type, deposit and credit profile.

6) Who is eligible for equipment finance?
Answer: UK limited companies and established SMEs (not sole traders) are the main focus, with many lenders preferring 6–12 months’ trading but start-ups and businesses with mixed credit considered by specialists.

7) Do I need a deposit, and how much?
Answer: Deposit requirements vary, with some lenders offering 100% finance and others asking for roughly 5–20% depending on the asset and your credit.

8) Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
Answer: No—your initial enquiry is a soft, no-obligation introduction that doesn’t affect your credit file; lenders may run checks only if you proceed.

9) How quickly can equipment finance be approved and funded?
Answer: Indicative terms often arrive within 24–48 hours, with completion typically in a few days to a couple of weeks depending on documents and asset delivery.

10) Can I refinance existing equipment to release cash or lower payments?
Answer: Yes, equipment refinance can unlock capital tied up in assets or consolidate and reprofile repayments, subject to asset value and lender criteria.