What is asset finance?
Asset finance allows businesses to acquire the equipment, vehicles or machinery they need by spreading the cost over time — rather than paying a large upfront capital outlay. The asset itself typically serves as security for the funding, making it one of the most accessible forms of finance even with adverse credit.
Hire Purchase (HP)
You pay in instalments and own the asset outright at the end of the agreement. The asset appears on your balance sheet. Best for long-term use assets.
Finance Lease
You use the asset for its working life and pay instalments. At the end, you can extend the lease, return it, or sell it and keep most of the proceeds.
Operating Lease
Lower monthly payments. You use the asset for a fixed term and return it at the end. Avoids ownership risk on depreciating assets.
Sale & Leaseback
Sell an asset you already own to a finance company and lease it back. Releases capital while retaining full use of the asset.
What affects asset finance pricing?
New commercial vehicles
New assets attract the most competitive pricing — lower depreciation risk for the lender. HP and finance lease options available.
Used commercial vehicles
Used assets are fundable with most specialist lenders. Age and condition affect pricing — newer, lower-mileage assets attract better terms.
Manufacturing / plant
Specialist plant and machinery funded based on asset type and useful life. Indicative terms provided at enquiry stage.
Green / EV assets
Electric vehicles and green energy assets may attract preferential pricing from lenders with sustainability targets. Ask about green asset options.
What assets can be funded?
Asset finance covers a very wide range of business assets including: commercial vehicles and HGVs, construction plant and machinery, agricultural equipment, manufacturing machinery, restaurant and catering equipment, IT and technology equipment, electric vehicle fleets (with preferential green rates), and medical and dental equipment.
Sale and leaseback can be particularly useful for businesses with adverse credit — you unlock equity from assets you already own, releasing immediate capital without additional property security or unsecured borrowing. UK asset finance new business grew 11% in March 2025 vs. March 2024, showing lenders are actively writing this business.
Can I get asset finance with a CCJ or bad credit?
Yes. Because the asset itself is the primary security — and the lender can repossess and sell it if payments stop — many asset finance lenders are more flexible on credit history than unsecured lenders. The age and condition of the asset, the deposit amount, and your trading history are all factored into the assessment alongside your credit profile.