Equipment Finance for UK Businesses: Compare Lenders Fast
Summary: Equipment finance helps UK companies buy, lease or refinance machinery, vehicles, IT and specialist assets from £10,000 upwards. Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches businesses with brokers and lenders so you can compare tailored offers quickly. Completing our enquiry is not an application — it’s a free, no‑obligation way to check eligibility and get matched with providers who understand your sector. Get Quote Now.
What is equipment finance?
Equipment finance covers funding solutions that let businesses acquire or refinance capital assets such as production machinery, catering equipment, medical devices, IT hardware, commercial vehicles and fleet. Instead of paying a large upfront sum, asset finance spreads the cost over a term that suits cashflow and operational needs.
Common reasons companies use equipment finance:
- Preserve working capital and maintain cashflow
- Upgrade technology to stay competitive
- Expand capacity quickly without major capital outlay
- Release equity from underused assets via refinance
Fast Business Loans can match businesses looking for equipment finance with specialist lenders and brokers who handle deals from around £10,000 up to multi‑million requirements.
How Fast Business Loans works
We make finding equipment finance straightforward. Our process focuses on speed, relevance and confidentiality.
- Quick enquiry: Complete a short, secure form with basic business details and the asset you want to fund (takes under 2 minutes). Get Started – Free Eligibility Check.
- Targeted matching: We match your enquiry to lenders and brokers on our panel who specialise in your sector and asset type.
- Rapid responses: Matched partners typically contact you quickly to request documents, provide indicative pricing and discuss options.
- Compare and decide: Review tailored offers, choose the best solution, and proceed directly with the lender or broker. Submitting an enquiry is not an application and does not commit you to any contract.
Average initial matching time: often within 24–72 hours, depending on complexity and documentation provided.
Why use our introducer service instead of searching alone?
Finding the right finance partner takes time. Our introducer service saves you work while improving the chance of a suitable match.
- Save time — we shortlist lenders and brokers experienced in your sector.
- Better fit — matched partners understand industry nuances and asset values.
- Confidential & no obligation — enquiring won’t commit you or affect your credit score.
- Support for larger deals — we focus on funding needs from £10,000 and upwards.
Example: a Midlands food manufacturer was matched with two brokers within 24 hours and secured a plan for new packaging lines that preserved cashflow. “Matched quickly and saved weeks of calls,” they said.
Types of equipment finance (what’s right for your business?)
Hire Purchase
Pay fixed instalments; ownership transfers after final payment. Good when you want to own the asset.
Finance Lease
Lease the asset with ownership typically retained by the funder; options at term end include renewal, return or purchase (often via a balloon payment).
Operating Lease
Off‑balance-sheet option for businesses that prefer to lease without taking ownership; maintenance can be included.
Asset Refinance
Release cash from existing owned assets to improve liquidity or consolidate debt.
Short-term loans & bridging
Temporary funding for urgent purchases or to cover supplier lead times until longer-term finance is arranged.
| Option | Ownership | Typical term | Deposit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Purchase | Ownership at end | 2–7 years | 0–20% | Businesses wanting ownership |
| Finance Lease | Funder owns | 2–7 years | Usually 0–10% | Preserve cash, flexible end options |
| Operating Lease | Funder owns | 1–5 years | Often none | Short-term use, off-balance-sheet |
| Refinance | Owner retains | Varies | N/A | Release equity, consolidate debt |
Note: Terms and deposit requirements vary by lender and asset. Use our free enquiry to get options tailored to your needs — Free Eligibility Check.
Learn more about specialist asset funding for particular equipment types on our dedicated equipment finance pillar: equipment finance.
Eligibility & application essentials
While requirements differ between lenders, these are commonly requested items:
- Basic company information and registered number
- Recent business bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
- Management accounts or statutory accounts
- Details and quotes for the asset(s) to be purchased
- Director ID and sometimes a personal guarantee for smaller businesses
Typical lender checks include trading history, turnover, cashflow and the asset’s valuation. Start-ups and recently incorporated companies can still be considered if supported by realistic projections and supplier quotes — brokers on our panel can advise on viable routes.
Get Quote Now — remember, the enquiry is for matching and eligibility checking only, not an application.
Industry-specific use cases
Manufacturing & Engineering
CNC machines, presses and conveyors — finance can modernise production without disturbing working capital.
Food & Beverage
Catering lines, ovens, packaging and cold rooms — short lead times often mean leasing or quick bridging is ideal.
Healthcare & Dental
Imaging equipment and practice fit-out — lenders will consider asset life and maintenance contracts.
Construction & Plant
Excavators, lifts and site equipment — flexible terms available to match project cashflows.
Technology & IT
Servers, workstations and telecoms — upgrade cycles make lease structures attractive for regular refreshes.
Transport & Logistics
Vans, HGVs and refrigerated units — fleet finance and hire purchase are common solutions.
“We needed new packers and were matched to a broker who arranged a 5‑year HP — cashflow stayed healthy.” — Anonymous, food production business
Costs, tax and risk considerations
Rates depend on product type, asset age, security and business profile. Illustratively, equipment finance deals can range widely — discuss exact pricing with matched lenders.
Tax considerations (general guidance only):
- Certain capital allowances may be available for owned assets.
- Lease payments can often be treated as a business expense (check with your accountant).
Risk management tips: review maintenance obligations, residual/balloon payments, and any early termination fees before signing.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Prepare clear supplier quotes and asset specifications.
- Keep business bank accounts tidy — consistent cashflow helps decisions.
- Provide up-to-date management accounts and VAT returns where applicable.
- Explain one-off events (e.g. COVID impacts) with supporting notes.
- Consider eco-friendly equipment — some lenders offer preferential terms for green investment.
Ready to check eligibility? Start your free eligibility check — it’s quick and there’s no obligation.
Why choose Fast Business Loans to find equipment finance?
We are a UK introducer that connects businesses with a vetted panel of lenders and brokers. Our advantages:
- Sector-aware matching — increases the chance of relevant offers
- Fast turnaround — matched partners often respond within 24–72 hours
- Human support — we help you understand next steps after matching
- Secure and confidential — your details are only shared with selected partners
We only get paid when business owners complete the enquiry — so our priority is arranging high‑quality matches that can progress to funding.
Ready to explore equipment finance?
Three quick reassurances:
- Free, no‑obligation enquiry — it’s not an application.
- Eligible for deals from £10,000 and above.
- Submitting an enquiry does not affect your business credit score.
Get Quote Now — complete a short form and we’ll match you to the best lenders and brokers for your asset and sector.
Frequently asked questions
Can I finance used or refurbished equipment?
Yes. Many lenders and brokers will finance used or refurbished assets subject to valuation and condition. Submit a free enquiry to be matched with partners who handle second‑hand equipment.
How fast can equipment finance be approved?
Initial responses from matched partners often arrive within 24–72 hours. Full approval depends on documentation, asset valuation and lender checks and can take longer for complex cases.
Do I need a deposit?
Some products require a deposit (commonly 5–20%); others may offer 100% funding. Your matched broker will outline options based on asset type and your profile.
Will an enquiry affect our credit score?
No — submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not impact your credit score. Lenders may run credit checks only if you decide to proceed with an application.
What finance amounts do you support?
Our panel handles equipment finance from approximately £10,000 upwards — from single machines to multi‑unit fleet or large industrial investments.
Can start-ups get equipment finance?
Yes — some brokers specialise in helping newer businesses. Strong supplier quotes, realistic forecasts and appropriate security can help secure offers.
– What is equipment finance and how does it work?
Equipment finance lets UK businesses acquire or refinance assets like machinery, vehicles, and IT by spreading payments over time via hire purchase, leases, or refinance.
– Are you a lender and how does Fast Business Loans work?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer that matches your free enquiry with trusted UK lenders and brokers so you can compare tailored offers quickly.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score or commit me to anything?
No—the enquiry is a free, no‑obligation matching request and not an application; credit checks only occur if you choose to proceed with a lender.
– How much can I finance and what terms are available?
Our partners typically fund from around £10,000 upwards with terms commonly 1–7 years, depending on the asset and product.
– What equipment can I finance, including used items?
You can fund new or used/refurbished machinery, vehicles, medical devices, catering kit, and IT/tech subject to valuation and condition.
– What types of equipment finance can I compare?
You can compare hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease, asset refinance, and short‑term loans/bridging options.
– How fast can I get matched and approved?
Matches often happen within 24–72 hours, while full approval depends on documents, asset valuation, and lender checks.
– What will lenders look for and what documents do I need?
Expect to provide company details, 3–6 months’ bank statements, accounts/management figures, supplier quotes, and director ID; start‑ups can be considered with solid projections.
– Do I need a deposit or personal guarantee?
Some deals require a 5–20% deposit and many smaller businesses may be asked for a personal guarantee, depending on profile and asset.
– What rates and costs should I expect, and are there tax benefits?
Pricing varies by product, asset, and risk with tailored quotes from matched lenders, and you may benefit from capital allowances or deduct lease payments—seek accountant advice.
