Asset finance to fund the equipment and vehicles your business relies on
Whether you need new machinery, vehicles, technology, or specialist equipment, asset finance allows you to spread the cost over time rather than tying up cash reserves. It's a well-established route for SMEs that need to invest in the tools of their trade without disrupting working capital.
Quick overview
Used for
Asset finance is commonly used to fund vehicles, plant and machinery, construction equipment, IT and office technology, and other essential business equipment. It can also be used to release capital from assets your business already owns through refinancing.
Suitable for
Suitable for businesses of most sizes that need to acquire, replace or upgrade equipment without a large upfront cost. This includes manufacturers, contractors, hauliers, healthcare providers, hospitality businesses and many other sectors where specialist equipment is essential.
Clearpath helps you choose between the available structures - including hire purchase, leasing, and refinancing of existing assets - and identifies lenders who understand your sector and the assets involved.
Typical benefits
- Spreads the cost of equipment over its useful life, helping to protect cash flow
- Repayments can often be aligned with the income the asset helps generate
- A choice of ownership structures, from hire purchase through to operating leases
- Potential to refinance existing assets to release working capital
Key considerations
- The asset itself usually provides security for the lender, which can make approval more straightforward than for unsecured borrowing
- Different structures have different implications for ownership, maintenance responsibility, and how the asset appears in your accounts - worth discussing with your accountant
- Costs and terms vary depending on the type, age and value of the asset
- Early settlement terms differ between lenders, so it's worth understanding these if your plans may change
Clear advice on asset finance, from first call to completion
Whole-of-market comparison
We compare asset finance across our panel of mainstream and specialist lenders to find options that genuinely fit your circumstances.
Plain-English guidance
We explain the costs, terms and trade-offs clearly, so you can make a confident, informed decision without the jargon.
A managed process
We prepare your case, liaise with lenders and keep you updated throughout - so you can stay focused on running your business.
Common questions about asset finance
With hire purchase, you typically take ownership of the asset once all payments are complete. With leasing, the finance provider usually retains ownership and you pay to use the asset over an agreed term. Which is more suitable depends on your plans for the asset, your tax position, and how you want it to sit in your accounts - we'll talk this through with you.
You might also consider
Many businesses use a combination of finance types depending on what they're trying to achieve.
Talk to Clearpath about asset finance
Call for a clear, no-obligation conversation about whether asset finance is the right route - and what's realistically available to you.