Summary: Asset finance helps UK companies fund or refinance business equipment and vehicles without large upfront cash outlays. Fast Business Loans is an introducer (not a lender) that matches limited companies and incorporated businesses seeking finance of £10,000+ with specialist brokers and lenders. Complete a short, no‑obligation enquiry (this is not a loan application) and we’ll match you to the best partners for hire purchase, leasing or asset refinance. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.
Asset Finance for UK Businesses: Compare the Right Funding Partner Fast
Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and incorporated businesses with lenders and brokers specialising in asset finance. We do not provide loans or financial advice — we introduce you to providers who can offer hire purchase, leasing or asset refinance solutions for assets valued from around £10,000 upwards.
- Fast matching to specialist brokers and lenders who understand your sector
- No obligation — your enquiry is not a loan application, and it won’t affect your credit score
- Free eligibility check and quick responses — typically within hours on business days
Get Started – Free Eligibility Check
We are an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice.
What is asset finance?
Asset finance is a group of funding solutions that help businesses acquire, lease or refinance tangible assets such as machinery, vehicles, plant and specialist equipment. Rather than paying the full purchase price up front, a business spreads the cost over a set term while using the asset to generate revenue.
Asset finance can be used to:
- Fund the purchase of new or used equipment
- Refinance existing assets to release working capital
- Upgrade or replace plant, vehicles or technology with minimal upfront cash
Common sectors using asset finance include manufacturing, construction, transport & logistics, healthcare and agriculture.
Why businesses choose asset finance
Protecting cash flow
Asset finance lets companies preserve cash for operations, payroll and growth. Instead of tying up capital in a lump-sum purchase, monthly payments can be aligned to the asset’s useful life.
Flexible structures & terms
Different products (hire purchase, leasing, refinance) offer flexibility over ownership, term length and end-of-term options. The structure can often be tailored to match revenue cycles.
Tax and budgeting benefits
Depending on the structure, businesses may benefit from more predictable budgeting and potential tax treatments — your chosen lender or broker will explain specifics for your circumstances.
Asset finance options we can introduce
Hire Purchase
Hire purchase (HP) lets your business spread the cost in instalments and take ownership at the end of the agreement once the final payment is made.
Equipment Leasing
Leasing keeps the asset off your balance sheet in many cases (operating lease) or is treated more like a hire purchase (finance lease). Leasing may include maintenance packages and upgrade options.
Asset Refinance
Lease or asset refinance (also called re‑advance) enables a business to release cash secured against owned assets to improve working capital or consolidate higher‑cost debt.
| Product | Ownership | Typical deposit | Balance sheet impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | Owned at end | Often 0–20% | Shown as an asset and liability |
| Operating Lease | Rented (no ownership) | Usually none | Often off-balance-sheet (depending on accounting rules) |
| Asset Refinance | Asset used as security | Not applicable | Can reduce net debt or improve cashflow |
Typical assets we help finance
- Commercial vehicles, vans, HGVs and fleets
- Construction plant and yellow goods
- Manufacturing and production machinery
- Medical and dental equipment
- IT, servers and specialist technology
- Food production lines and catering equipment
- Renewable energy equipment and EV chargers
Our panel includes brokers and lenders experienced across many industries who can propose structures that suit your sector needs.
How Fast Business Loans works
Here’s how we introduce your business to asset finance partners in 4 simple steps.
- Complete a short enquiry: Tell us about your company, the asset, the value (from £10,000) and contact details. This is a quick information form — not a loan application.
- We match your request: Our matching engine and specialists select lenders or brokers from our network who are most likely to consider your case.
- Partners contact you: Selected lenders/brokers will typically contact you by phone or email to discuss terms, checks and documentation.
- Compare offers & decide: Review the options, ask questions and choose the provider that suits your needs. There’s no pressure to proceed.
Expected response time: most enquiries receive an initial contact within hours during business days. Complete the short form to get started: Get Quote Now.
Eligibility snapshot
Business profile considerations
Typical factors lenders and brokers consider include:
- Trading history (many lenders expect established trading, but options exist from start-ups to mature businesses)
- Turnover and profitability
- Credit history and director records
- Type, age and value of the asset
Information that speeds decisions
Having recent management accounts, quotes/invoices for the asset, and vehicle or equipment details helps partners respond faster. Your initial enquiry is a soft check and will not impact your credit score.
Cost factors & representative example
Costs vary by lender, product and risk profile. Key variables include deposit, term, interest rate, fees, residual value and VAT treatment. Below is an illustrative example — not an offer.
Illustrative example (not an offer)
Asset value: £75,000 | Deposit: 10% (£7,500) | Term: 60 months | Representative APR: 8.9% (example only) | Approx. monthly payment: £1,400 | Approx. total repayable: £84,000.
Actual rates depend on lender assessment, company circumstances, asset type and the chosen product. Fast Business Loans does not set pricing; lenders and brokers will provide formal quotes.
Benefits of using Fast Business Loans as your introducer
Save time
We match your enquiry to a short list of partners who specialise in your asset and sector — no need to research dozens of lenders.
Sector-specific matching
Our introductions aim to increase the chance of a competitive response by choosing brokers and lenders with relevant industry experience.
No obligation & data security
Your enquiry is free and you’re under no obligation to accept any offer. We only share your details with selected partners to whom you consent.
Sample feedback (anonymised): “Fast Business Loans put us in touch with a broker who understood our equipment needs and delivered a better plan than we’d found alone.”
Compare asset finance to alternative funding
- Business loans: Unsecured or secured cash for general use — may have different costs and terms to asset finance.
- Invoice finance: Unlocks cash from unpaid invoices rather than securing against equipment.
- Commercial mortgage: Suitable for property purchase — not typically used for equipment.
Which route is best depends on purpose, cost, credit profile and balance sheet considerations — partners we introduce will explain options relevant to your business.
Read more about specific equipment funding structures on our pillar guide to asset finance.
Compliance & transparency promise
Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer. We do not give regulated financial advice and we do not lend. Final terms, affordability assessments and any formal credit checks are carried out by the lender/broker you choose to work with.
We aim to present clear, fair and non-misleading information. Your data is handled securely and shared only with partners who can assist with your enquiry.
Step-by-step: Start your asset finance enquiry
- Click Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.
- Complete the short enquiry form (under 2 minutes) with business and asset details.
- We match and introduce you to relevant brokers/lenders who will contact you with quotes.
Remember: the enquiry is not an application and will not affect your credit score.
Asset finance FAQs
What deposit is usually needed for asset finance?
Deposits vary by product and lender. Some hire purchase deals require 0–20% deposit; leasing often has no deposit. Your matched brokers will outline typical deposit requirements for your situation.
Can I finance used equipment?
Yes — many lenders and brokers finance good-quality used equipment. Age, condition and resale value will influence terms and pricing.
What credit checks are carried out?
Initial enquiries do not affect your credit rating. Lenders/brokers typically perform credit or affordability checks before offering formal terms; these may be soft or hard checks depending on the provider and stage of the process.
How quickly can asset finance be arranged?
Timescales vary. Some straightforward deals can be completed in days; more complex transactions may take several weeks. Expect an initial contact quickly after your enquiry.
What happens at the end of a lease?
End-of-term options depend on the product: return the asset, purchase it at an agreed residual, or upgrade into a new agreement. Your broker/lender will explain available choices.
Do I need security beyond the asset?
Often the asset itself is the primary security. In some cases lenders may ask for additional guarantees or director security — this depends on credit profile and deal size.
How is VAT handled on hire purchase vs leasing?
VAT treatment depends on the product and the nature of the asset. For example, VAT on hire purchase is usually paid on the purchase price (often via the deposit and instalments), while leasing VAT may be charged on rental payments. Always check with your accountant and the lender/broker.
Ready to explore your options?
If you need equipment, vehicles or want to refinance existing assets for working capital, Fast Business Loans can introduce you to the best brokers and lenders for your needs. Complete a quick, no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll match you fast.
Get Your Free Eligibility Check
Important: Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice. Submitting an enquiry is information-only (not an application) and will not affect your credit score. We typically assist with finance requests of £10,000 and above.
– What is asset finance and how does it work?
Asset finance lets UK businesses spread the cost of equipment, vehicles or machinery over a fixed term—via hire purchase, leasing or asset refinance—so you can use the asset while paying for it.
– Who is eligible to apply?
We match UK limited companies and incorporated businesses, from start-ups to established firms, looking to fund assets typically valued from around £10,000+.
– What amounts can I finance?
Introductions generally start from about £10,000 and can scale much higher depending on the asset, sector and lender criteria.
– Is Fast Business Loans a lender and will my enquiry affect my credit score?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer (not a lender) and your enquiry is information-only, so it won’t affect your credit score; formal checks happen later with your chosen provider.
– How quickly can I get finance?
You’ll usually hear from matched brokers or lenders within hours on business days, with straightforward cases sometimes completing in a few days.
– Do I need a deposit?
Deposits vary by product and lender, with hire purchase often requiring 0–20% and many leases needing no deposit.
– Can I finance used equipment or refinance assets I already own?
Yes—many partners fund quality used assets and can refinance owned equipment to release working capital, subject to age, condition and resale value.
– What will it cost and how are VAT/tax handled?
Pricing varies by deposit, term, rate, fees and asset type, and VAT/tax treatment differs between hire purchase and leasing, so your matched lender/broker and accountant will confirm the exact costs for your circumstances.
– Do I need additional security or a personal guarantee?
The asset is often the primary security, though some lenders may request additional guarantees depending on your credit profile and deal size.
– What happens at the end of the agreement?
With hire purchase you typically own the asset after the final payment, while leases usually offer return, upgrade or purchase options at an agreed residual.
