Printing Business Loans
Summary: If you run a UK printing or packaging business and need funding of £10,000 or more—for new presses, retrofit for sustainability, or working capital—Fast Business Loans can rapidly match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in the sector. We don’t lend; we introduce you to the right partners so you can get tailored quotes quickly. Start with a Free Eligibility Check to see which options suit your business.
Why printing firms need tailored finance
Printing and packaging companies operate on tight margins, capital-intensive kit, and often long production cycles. Common commercial pressures include rising substrate and energy costs, the need to keep up with digital press innovation, seasonal order peaks, and late-paying customers. One-size-fits-all finance rarely fits these realities.
That’s why lenders with sector experience matter: they understand equipment life cycles, second‑hand values, and how production contracts affect cashflow. If you want help to find suitable lenders and brokers who understand your market, Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.
Common funding use cases for print & packaging
Digital press upgrades
- Buying high-speed digital presses to take larger contracts.
- Solution: equipment finance or asset finance to spread cost while retaining working capital.
Wide‑format expansion
- Adding wide-format capabilities for signage and POS work.
- Solution: leasing or hire-purchase allowing access to new tech with predictable monthly costs.
Eco-friendly retrofits
- Replacing old presses with energy-efficient models or installing recycling systems.
- Solution: sustainability-linked asset finance or green-specific lenders that reward efficiency plans.
Working capital for seasonal runs
- Cover raw materials and labour ahead of large seasonal orders.
- Solution: invoice finance or short-term business loans to bridge gaps between production and payment.
Want to compare options quickly? Check Your Options in Minutes.
Finance options we can introduce
| Finance type | Typical amounts | Typical terms | Ideal when | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured business loans | £10k–£250k+ | 1–5 years | Fast cash for working capital or smaller equipment | Subject to credit checks; usually quicker to access |
| Asset finance | £10k–£2m | 2–7 years | Buying presses, finishing kit, or print lines | Loan secured against the equipment |
| Equipment leasing | £10k–£2m | 2–7 years | Want to preserve capital or upgrade regularly | Operational leases keep balance sheet lighter |
| Invoice finance | Variable (based on ledger) | Facility-based | Improve cashflow against unpaid invoices | Flexible for seasonal demand |
| Refinance / consolidation | £50k–£5m | Dependant on lender | Lower monthly repayments or simplify debt | Can improve cashflow, subject to assessment |
| Project finance | £50k–£multi‑million | Project-based schedules | Large expansions or multiple-site upgrades | Often bespoke lending structures |
All introductions are subject to lender assessment and terms vary by provider. Fast Business Loans does not lend or provide regulated financial advice; we introduce you to suitable brokers and lenders so you can compare quotes.
How our matching process works
- Tell us about your business — complete a short enquiry with basic business details and funding needs.
- We match you — our platform selects brokers and lenders experienced in printing and packaging finance.
- Receive personalised contact — matched partners will contact you by email or phone to clarify and provide quotes.
- Compare and decide — review offers and choose the provider that best fits your goals. There’s no obligation to proceed.
Enquiries don’t affect your credit score and typically produce responses within hours during business days. Start Your Enquiry – Takes 2 Minutes.
Eligibility snapshot
Each lender has its own criteria, but here’s what most will consider:
- Time trading (often 12–24 months minimum for many lenders).
- Annual turnover and profitability trends.
- Value and condition of existing equipment (for asset finance).
- Order book and contract visibility.
- Director/company credit history.
Typically needed documents: recent management accounts, bank statements, equipment list/specs, and copies of major contracts or purchase orders. If you’ve been declined elsewhere, some specialist lenders on our panel may still be able to help.
Please borrow responsibly — only take finance you can afford to repay.
Benefits of using Fast Business Loans
- Sector-aware matching: we connect you with partners who understand printing and packaging.
- Speed: quick introduction means faster quotes and decisions.
- Free and no obligation: using our service costs you nothing.
- Multiple options: compare lenders and products tailored to your needs.
- Secure handling: your data is only shared with suitable partners to help with your enquiry.
Compare Lenders Now and get matched to providers who can discuss your options.
Real-world printing finance examples
Case study: Digital print SME
Challenge: A Midlands-based digital print shop needed a new high-speed press to win a multi-year contract but didn’t want to exhaust cash reserves.
Solution: Matched with an asset finance broker who arranged a hire-purchase over 5 years, with a balloon payment option aligned to contract revenue.
Outcome: Press installed within 6 weeks, contract fulfilled, and monthly cashflow improved. Time to funding: 4–6 weeks from enquiry.
Case study: Packaging converter
Challenge: A packaging converter needed working capital to buy substrates for a large seasonal run.
Solution: Introduced to invoice finance providers who released cash against confirmed invoices.
Outcome: Immediate liquidity, reduced supplier pressure, and improved margins. Facility set up in under 10 days.
Preparing your printing business for funding
Make the process quicker by gathering the right information:
- Recent management accounts and bank statements (3–6 months).
- Equipment inventory with ages, values and serial numbers.
- Sales pipeline and copies of significant contracts or POs.
- Cashflow forecast showing proposed use of funds.
- Details of any existing finance or security on assets.
Emphasise sustainability or efficiency improvements where relevant—many lenders favour projects that lower running costs or support ESG goals.
FAQs on printing business loans
Can I finance a new digital press if my credit history isn’t perfect?
Yes — some lenders and brokers specialise in non-standard credit profiles and focus on business viability and security. Submit an enquiry to see who may consider your case.
How quickly can funds be released?
Timescales vary: unsecured loans can be within days, equipment finance often within 2–6 weeks, and larger project finance takes longer. Your matched partner will give an estimated timeline.
Do lenders cover consumables or just equipment?
Certain products (e.g., invoice finance or cashflow loans) can cover consumables or bulk stock purchases; asset finance usually covers kit. Brokers will clarify what each lender can finance.
What rates can I expect?
Rates depend on product, loan size, term and business profile. After you submit an enquiry, matched lenders will provide personalised quotes so you can compare.
Is there support for eco-friendly upgrades?
Yes. Several lenders have appetite for energy-efficiency upgrades and sustainability projects—highlighting expected savings and certification helps your case.
If you’d like a tailored answer, Free Eligibility Check and a specialist will be in touch.
Start your Free Eligibility Check
Ready to explore options? Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match your printing business to lenders and brokers who can help. The service is free and there’s no obligation to proceed.
- Fast responses from matched partners
- Quotes tailored to your business needs
- Funding options for £10,000 and up
Disclaimer: Fast Business Loans is a broker-matching platform and does not lend. Finance is subject to status, affordability and lender terms. Terms and conditions apply.
Ready to get matched?
Find the right finance partner fast—complete a short enquiry and we’ll introduce you to lenders and brokers who specialise in printing and packaging finance.
For more sector-specific reading see our guide to printing business loans which explains typical lender preferences and equipment finance structures for the industry.
– What finance options are available for UK printing and packaging businesses? Answer: We introduce you to lenders offering asset finance, equipment leasing, unsecured business loans, invoice finance, refinance and project finance tailored to printers and converters.
– Will submitting a Free Eligibility Check affect my credit score? Answer: No—the enquiry is not a loan application and won’t affect your credit score; checks only occur if you proceed with a lender.
– How fast can printing businesses get funding? Answer: Unsecured loans can fund in days, invoice finance facilities in under two weeks, and equipment finance typically in 2–6 weeks depending on documents.
– Do you support eco-friendly printing upgrades or sustainability projects? Answer: Yes—our panel includes green-focused lenders funding energy‑efficient presses, retrofits and recycling systems where savings and ESG benefits are clear.
– Can I get printing business finance with less‑than‑perfect credit? Answer: Potentially—specialist lenders may consider imperfect credit if the business case, security and affordability stack up.
– What are typical amounts and terms for printing business finance? Answer: Unsecured loans are commonly £10k–£250k+ over 1–5 years, while asset finance or leasing is usually £10k–£2m over 2–7 years, subject to assessment.
– Can finance cover consumables like substrates and inks, or just machinery? Answer: Yes—invoice finance or short‑term cashflow loans can cover consumables and bulk stock, whereas asset finance typically funds equipment.
– What documents will lenders usually need from a printing firm? Answer: Most ask for recent management accounts, 3–6 months’ bank statements, equipment specs/values, key contracts or POs, and details of any existing finance.
– What interest rates can I expect on printing business loans? Answer: Rates vary by product, amount, term and trading profile, so matched lenders will provide personalised quotes after reviewing your enquiry.
– How does Fast Business Loans work for the print sector? Answer: You complete a short, free enquiry and we match you with UK lenders and brokers experienced in print and packaging who provide no‑obligation quotes.
