Asset Finance for UK Businesses

Beacon Finance Brokers helps businesses explore suitable asset finance for vehicles, machinery, equipment and other business assets across Scotland and the UK, with access to 200+ lenders and a whole-of-market approach.

Discuss Your Finance

What Is Asset Finance?

Asset finance allows a business to spread the cost of acquiring or using equipment, vehicles, machinery and other business assets rather than funding the full purchase from available cash.

Depending on the circumstances, different asset-finance structures may be available. The appropriate option can depend on the asset, how it will be used, the business and the lender's criteria.

Because lender appetite varies significantly between asset types and businesses, the right structure needs to be considered alongside the wider funding requirement.

What Can Asset Finance Be Used For?

Asset finance can potentially be used across a wide range of business assets. The assets a lender will consider depend on the type of asset, its use, the business and the lender's criteria.

Commercial Vehicles

Finance options for vans, HGVs, trailers, coaches, buses and other vehicles used for business purposes.

Construction & Plant

Funding options for construction machinery, plant, cranes and materials-handling equipment.

Manufacturing & Engineering

Finance for machinery, engineering equipment, production equipment and tooling.

Agricultural & Forestry

Finance options for agricultural machinery, forestry equipment and other specialist business assets.

Catering & Hospitality

Funding for commercial kitchen equipment, ovens, bakery equipment and other hospitality assets.

Retail & Shop Equipment

Finance options for refrigeration, EPOS systems, shop equipment and other identifiable business assets.

Technology & Office Equipment

Funding options for IT hardware, office equipment, telephone systems and other business technology.

Medical, Dental & Specialist Equipment

Finance options for specialist equipment used by medical, dental and other professional businesses.

Gym & Beauty Equipment

Funding options for suitable gym, beauty and specialist equipment used by businesses.

Garage & Automotive Equipment

Finance options for garage, servicing, MOT and other automotive business equipment.

Print & Production Equipment

Funding options for printing and other production equipment used by businesses.

Other Specialist Business Assets

Other identifiable business assets may also be considered depending on the asset, its use and lender appetite.

If you don't see your asset listed, it may still be worth discussing. Different lenders have different appetites and the available options depend on the specific asset and circumstances.

Types of Asset Finance

Hire Purchase

Hire Purchase can allow a business to spread the cost of an asset over an agreed period, with the structure designed around eventual ownership of the asset, subject to the agreement terms.

Finance Lease

A Finance Lease allows a business to use an asset under a lease structure, with the terms and end-of-agreement options depending on the arrangement and lender.

Asset Refinance

Asset Refinance may allow a business to release capital from suitable assets it already owns, subject to the asset, valuation, existing finance and lender criteria.

The most suitable structure depends on the asset, the business, how the asset will be used and the funding objective.

Who We Help

Established Businesses

Asset finance for established businesses looking to acquire equipment, vehicles or machinery without necessarily funding the full purchase from cash.

Growing Businesses

Finance options for businesses investing in additional equipment, vehicles or machinery as they expand.

Businesses Replacing Assets

Funding options where existing vehicles, machinery or equipment need to be replaced or upgraded.

Businesses Releasing Capital

Asset refinance options where a business is considering releasing capital from suitable assets already owned.

Why Asset Finance Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Asset finance is assessed around both the asset and the business. The appropriate finance can depend on factors including:

  • The type of asset
  • Whether the asset is new or used
  • The purchase price
  • The age and condition of the asset
  • The supplier and transaction
  • How the asset will be used
  • The business's trading history
  • Business performance and affordability
  • Existing borrowing
  • The asset's resale or recoverable value
  • The proposed finance structure
  • The overall circumstances of the business

The lender with the most attractive headline terms is not necessarily the lender best suited to the specific asset or business. The structure, lender criteria and overall suitability need to work for the funding requirement.

What Asset Finance Lenders Look At

  1. The Asset - The type, specification, value and intended use of the asset can influence the available finance options.
  2. New or Used - Lender appetite can differ depending on whether the asset is new or previously owned.
  3. Business Performance - Turnover, profitability and the underlying performance of the business may form part of the assessment.
  4. Trading History - Lenders may consider the length and consistency of the business's trading history.
  5. Affordability - Existing commitments and the ability of the business to support the proposed finance may be considered.
  6. Asset Value & Resale - The value, condition and ability to identify or recover the asset can be relevant to lender appetite.
  7. Borrower's Circumstances - Directors' or owners' circumstances may be relevant depending on the lender and type of finance.
  8. Finance Structure - The proposed structure, term and repayment position need to work alongside the asset and the business's requirements.

200+ Lenders. A Whole-of-Market Approach.

We have access to 200+ lenders through our established panel. Where appropriate, we can also approach lenders outside our established panel to explore suitable finance options for your circumstances.

How It Works

1. Discuss Your Requirement

Tell us what you're trying to achieve and we'll talk it through.

2. Understand the Deal

We look at the details of your situation and the finance required.

3. Explore Suitable Options

We research relevant lending options and explain them in plain English.

4. Progress the Application

If you decide to proceed, we help in managing the application process to completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is asset finance?

Asset finance is a form of business finance used to acquire or use vehicles, machinery, equipment and other business assets, allowing the cost to be structured over an agreed period rather than necessarily paid in full upfront.

What types of assets can be financed?

Potentially a wide range of business assets can be considered, including vehicles, machinery, construction equipment, manufacturing equipment, agricultural equipment, catering equipment, IT equipment and other specialist business assets. Availability depends on the asset, business and lender criteria.

What is the difference between Hire Purchase and Finance Lease?

Hire Purchase and Finance Lease are different finance structures. Hire Purchase is generally structured around acquiring an asset, while a Finance Lease provides use of the asset under a lease arrangement. The terms and end-of-agreement options depend on the specific agreement and lender.

Can I finance used equipment?

Some lenders provide finance for used vehicles, machinery and equipment. The options can depend on the asset, its age, condition, value, supplier and the lender's criteria.

Can I refinance an asset I already own?

Asset refinance may allow a business to release capital from suitable existing assets. Availability depends on the asset, its value, existing finance and the lender's criteria.

Can start-ups get asset finance?

Some lenders may consider newer businesses, although the available options depend on the asset, the business, the owner's circumstances, affordability and the lender's criteria.

How much can I borrow for asset finance?

There is no single borrowing amount that applies to every asset-finance transaction. The amount available depends on the asset, its value, the business, affordability and the lender's criteria.

Speak to a Broker

Tell us about your asset or equipment requirement and we'll come back to you to discuss your options.

Discuss Your Finance