Asset finance

COMPARE RATES WITH OUR SPECIALIST PARTNER CORNERSTONE FINANCE^[1]

Two van drivers are laughing while wearing high vis vests

What is asset finance?

It’s a type of loan or a way of funding that allows a business to obtain equipment for it to operate, improve and grow.

Depending on what sort of business you run, you could use asset finance to fund the purchase or leasing of things like vehicles, office equipment and computers, construction equipment and tools.

With this type of funding solution, businesses don’t have to pay for expensive purchases upfront, but can instead spread the cost, helping to protect cash flow and capital.

Woman looking over her plants in the back of her van before closing the trunk

Types of asset finance

There are a few types of asset finance including:

Hire purchase

This type of finance allows you to buy an asset, usually by paying a deposit and then making regular instalments for it over an agreed time period. When repayments are refinished, you own the asset.

Leasing agreement

You make regular rental payments to use an asset over a set period. When the contract ends, depending on the type of leasing agreement you have, you usually have the option to continue to rent the equipment, buy it, or to return it and rent replacement, updated or more technologically advanced equipment instead.

There are two main types of leasing agreements:

Finance lease

A finance company purchases the business equipment you need and you pay the company monthly lease payments for its use over an agreed term.

You’re responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment.

The payments you make will cover the cost of the asset, plus interest.

At the end of the lease period, you can usually either extend the lease to carry on using the equipment or give it back and upgrade to lease newer equipment.

Operating lease

With an operating lease, you make regular rental payments for use of equipment, usually over a short-term period.

The equipment remains the property of the leasing company and it’s their responsibility to maintain and repair the equipment.

At the end of the agreement, the asset is returned with no option for the business to buy and keep it.

Advantages and disadvantages of asset financing

Advantages

Depending on the type of asset finance you choose, it can bring benefits to your business in all sorts of ways.

You get access to expensive business equipment without having to take large amounts of cash out of the business or which you wouldn’t be able to afford to buy in one go
Helps your business access the latest technology and most up-to-date models of equipment by renting or leasing for short periods rather than for the whole of a product’s life
Helps you keep cash in the bank, or working capital, to fund the day-to-day running of your business
New assets can enable your business to work more efficiently, make savings for your business and increase profitability
In some instances, the leasing company is responsible for maintaining, servicing and repairing the business equipment
Even businesses with a poor credit history may be considered for asset finance · Fixed payments mean you know what you’re paying every month, so you can budget accordingly · It could be a better option than other high-interest types of finance, like an overdraft or bank loan

Disadvantages

Asset finance usually ends up being more expensive than using your own funds to purchase equipment outright because you’re charged interest
Your asset(s) will be repossessed if you fall behind on repayments, which could make it difficult to run your business
You’ll usually need to pay a deposit or up-front fee
Certain types of asset finance mean you’ll never own the equipment and have to return it at the end of your lease period
Ending a contract early can result in penalty fees

Is asset financing right for my business?

It depends on a lot of things. But, in general, if you want to grow your business and need access to specialist, expensive and cutting-edge technology without taking a hit financially and paying for it in one go (or can’t afford to pay for it upfront), then it could be a good option.

You’ll need to compare different types of asset finance to decide which suits you best and make sure that you can afford the repayments comfortably.

Frequently asked questions

What sort of equipment can I finance?

You can use asset finance for all sorts of business equipment, including:

Cars, trucks, vans and other vehicles for your business fleet
Computers and office equipment
Agricultural and plant equipment
Furniture and catering equipment for restaurants, hotels and pubs
Tools and construction equipment

Can I refinance an existing asset?

Yes, asset refinance is a particular type of asset finance where you secure a loan against a business asset you already own - like a van, building or other business equipment. You can raise money even if you partially own the asset. The lender will base the amount of cash they offer to loan you on the amount of equity you hold in the asset.

What’s the difference between asset finance and a business loan?

Asset finance is a term that encompasses a range of funding solutions for businesses to acquire equipment for their business and to spread the cost over time, including leasing or hiring the equipment.

A business loan allows you to borrow money and put it towards any purpose in the business, not just assets and equipment. For example, you can use the money you borrow to purchase stock, hire new staff or even pay off business debts.

Can I get short-term asset finance?

Most types of asset finance arrangements last for a year or more because of the high-value assets involved. But you can get a short-term loan of less than a year if, for example, you refinance an asset, or opt for a short-term operating lease where you lease equipment your business needs for only a short amount of time.

Can I get asset finance with bad credit?

There are companies that will consider offering you asset finance if you have a poor credit rating, but it’s important that you’re certain that you’d be able to make your repayments.

What’s the minimum amount you can get through asset finance?

You can get asset finance for just a few thousand pounds. It depends on the type you choose and the provider you decide on.

What’s the maximum amount you can get through asset finance?

There are lenders who’ll offer companies millions of pounds through asset finance. Applications for any type of asset finance will be considered based on the finances of the business and the repayments the business could afford.

What happens if my assets are stolen or damaged?

It depends on what sort of asset finance you have. In some cases - for example if you have an operating lease - it’s usually the responsibility of the provider to repair assets that are broken.

If not, then upkeep and repair is your responsibility and it’d be wise to take out comprehensive insurance on the equipment.

Can I finance second-hand assets?

Yes, there are lots of companies that will fund finance for second-hand equipment, like machinery and vehicles.