Recommended by the government’s development bank, which helps SMEs get finance
Compare Asset finance
Connect with 120+ UK lenders to explore asset finance options in minutes. Discover tailored solutions for business asset finance and flexible funding—all in one place.
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- Borrow up to £20m from 80+ lenders
- Expert guidance throughout your asset finance journey
- Applying won’t affect your credit score
- Apply in minutes and compare SME asset finance options
Compare 120+ Lenders for the Best Asset Finance Deals to Suit Your Circumstances
What is Asset Finance?
Asset finance is a type of funding that helps businesses acquire or release value from essential assets such as vehicles, equipment, and machinery. Instead of paying the full cost upfront, companies spread the expense over time through manageable repayments.
This form of finance is widely used by startups, SMEs, and growing businesses because it supports cash flow, preserves working capital, and makes it easier to invest in growth-critical assets without large initial outlays.
With asset finance, you can:
- Spread the cost of equipment, vehicles, or technology
- Preserve cash flow and working capital
- Upgrade or replace assets without heavy upfront payments
Asset finance gives businesses a flexible way to access the tools and equipment they need to operate, expand, and stay competitive—while keeping financial resources free for other priorities.
Benefits of Asset Finance
Asset finance allows businesses to access vital equipment, vehicles, and technology without heavy upfront costs. Here are the key benefits that make asset finance an effective option for startups and SMEs:
Preserve Cash Flow
Spread the cost of assets over time, keeping working capital free for day-to-day operations.
Access Latest Equipment
Upgrade machinery, vehicles, or technology without large upfront investments.
Flexible Finance Options
Choose hire purchase, leasing, or refinancing to suit your business needs and budget.
Maintain Ownership or Access
Decide between eventual ownership (hire purchase) or flexible access (leasing).
Support Business Growth
Expand operations with the right assets in place to increase productivity and revenue.
Tax Advantages
Benefit from potential tax relief on leasing and capital allowances on purchased assets.
About Funding Options
Funding Options is our UK partner that makes it simple for SMEs to access tailored finance. With one quick application, their Funding Cloud technology matches your business profile with 120+ lenders, helping you explore real-time decisions on asset finance, business loans, and wider SME funding—without affecting your credit score.
Whether you’re looking for asset finance to invest in equipment or vehicles, need flexible funding to manage cash flow, or want startup finance to launch your business, you can compare multiple options in one place. Alongside SME asset finance, you’ll also see solutions including unsecured and secured lending, revolving credit, invoice finance, merchant cash advance, bridging loans, and commercial property finance.
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How to Compare Asset Finance in Minutes
StartupDeals.co.uk has partnered with Funding Options to give SMEs fast access to over 120 UK lenders through one simple form. Their Funding Cloud technology reviews your business profile and returns tailored matches across asset finance and wider business funding products, so you can compare options quickly and with confidence. It’s free to apply and initial checks will not affect your credit score.
Tell us about your business
Share how much you need, what it’s for, and key details so we can compare asset finance quotes.
Compare asset finance quotes instantly
Funding Options compare your details against 120+ lenders so you can see tailored asset finance quotes in seconds.
Apply and get your asset finance funding
Apply for asset finance and initial checks won’t affect your credit score. Receive funds into your account.
Choosing the right loan type
Your goals, cash flow and security available will shape the best fit. Use the tiles below to compare loan types and to explore wider business finance options.
Unsecured Business Loans
Borrow without collateral. Quick decisions; may require a personal guarantee.
Secured Business Loans
Backed by assets for lower rates and larger amounts.
Working Capital / Short-Term Finance
Cover day-to-day costs and short cash-flow gaps.
Revolving Credit Facility
Flexible line of credit — pay interest only on what you use.
Asset Finance
Hire purchase or leasing for vehicles, machinery and equipment.
Invoice Finance
Release cash tied up in invoices (factoring & discounting).
Merchant Cash Advance
Repay via a % of future card sales — flexible with turnover.
Commercial Property Finance
Commercial mortgages & development finance.
Bridging Loans
Short-term funding to bridge a purchase, sale or refinance.
Growth Guarantee Scheme
Government-backed lending via accredited providers.
Bad-Credit Business Loans
Options for thinner files or weaker credit profiles.
Startup Business Loans
Funding to launch or grow a new business—often unsecured, with flexible criteria for early-stage companies.
Who can take out asset finance
- Business types
- Sole traders, partnerships/LLPs, limited companies, and some nonprofits/social enterprises can apply for asset finance.
- Stage of business
- Trading 6–24+ months: Widest choice and sharper pricing.
- New/pre-revenue: Fewer options, smaller amounts; some startup-focused asset finance products exist.
- Financial profile
- Lenders look for affordability—steady cash flow, sensible debt levels, and cleaner bank activity. Adverse credit isn’t an automatic “no,” but it can limit asset finance options or raise pricing.
- Directors & owners
- ID and address checks, UK residency in many cases, and credit checks on directors/major shareholders. Personal guarantees are common for SMEs, especially on unsecured loans.
- Security & guarantees
- Unsecured: Faster, simpler, usually requires a personal guarantee.
- Secured: Uses assets (equipment, vehicles, property, receivables) as security; can unlock larger amounts and lower rates but puts the asset at risk if repayments aren’t met.
- Use of funds
- Purchase of equipment, vehicles, machinery, technology, or other business-critical assets. Some restricted uses may apply depending on the lender.
FAQs: Asset Finance
What is asset finance?
Asset finance is a type of business funding that allows SMEs to acquire vehicles, equipment, or machinery without paying the full cost upfront, spreading payments over time.
How does asset finance work for SMEs?
A lender buys the asset you need and leases or loans it to your business. You then repay the asset finance companies in regular instalments, often with the option to own the asset at the end of the agreement.
Who can apply for asset finance?
Sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, and some nonprofits/social enterprises can apply, provided they meet affordability checks.
Can startups get asset finance?
Yes, but options may be more limited. Startup-focused asset finance products exist, usually for smaller amounts or with stronger personal guarantees.
What types of assets can be financed?
Assets can include vehicles, equipment, IT systems, machinery, furniture, and other business-critical tools that support operations or growth.
Is asset finance only for large businesses?
No, there is finance for business types of all shapes and sizes. Widely used by SMEs to fund essential purchases without draining cash flow.
What’s the difference between secured and unsecured asset finance?
Secured asset finance uses the asset itself (or other collateral) as security, while unsecured asset finance relies on creditworthiness and often requires a personal guarantee.
How much can I borrow with asset finance?
Amounts vary depending on the asset type, lender, and your financial profile. Some lenders offer up to £20m, but smaller SME agreements are common.
Will applying for asset finance affect my credit score?
Initial eligibility checks are usually soft searches that don’t affect your credit score. A full application may involve a hard search.
Can asset finance help with cash flow?
Yes, by spreading the cost of assets over time, SMEs can preserve working capital and manage cash flow more effectively.
How long are asset finance agreements?
Typically between 1–7 years, depending on the asset type and lender terms.
Is asset finance cheaper than a business loan?
It may be cheaper in some cases, as the asset itself reduces risk for the lender, leading to better rates than unsecured loans.
What happens if I can’t make repayments on asset finance?
The lender may repossess the asset or pursue guarantees or repayment plans.
How do I compare asset finance options in the UK?
Platforms like Funding Options match your profile to 120+ UK lenders, allowing you to compare finance deals, terms, and costs in minutes.
FAQs: About Funding Options
Is Funding Options a lender or a broker?
Funding Options are a broker. Funding Options help you compare business loans UK from multiple providers and match you to suitable lenders; they don’t lend directly.
Does using Funding Options affect my credit score?
The comparison uses a soft search so there’s no impact. A lender may run a hard search if/when you proceed with a full application.
How does Funding Options match my business to lenders?
Via one application that assesses turnover, time trading, sector, credit profile, security, and purpose of funds—then matches you to business finance offers that fit.
Are there any fees for using Funding Options?
It’s typically free for applicants; they’re usually paid by lenders. Always check any broker/arrangement fees shown before accepting an offer.
Can startups use Funding Options?
Yes—there are startup business loans UK options. Lenders may lean on your personal credit and business plan, with smaller amounts to begin.
How fast can Funding Options help me secure funding?
Some unsecured or revolving options fund in 24–72 hours once approved; asset or property-backed deals take longer.
Is Funding Options safe to use?
Generally, yes. Funding Options is a UK credit broker (not a lender) that matches businesses to finance options and typically uses soft-search eligibility checks first, so your credit score isn’t affected until you proceed with a full application. You contract and share full documents with the chosen lender, and applying is usually free (brokers are typically paid by lenders).
To stay safe and confident:
Verify the firm on the FCA Register (search for the company name before applying).
Make sure you’re on the official website (HTTPS, correct domain) and read the privacy policy to see how your data is shared with lenders.
Avoid any upfront fees; reputable brokers disclose commissions instead.
Review terms carefully—especially any personal guarantees or security required by the lender.
Only upload documents through the broker’s or lender’s secure portal; never via unsolicited links or email attachments.
Can I compare asset finance providers through Funding Options?
Yes. Funding Options connects you with over 120 UK lenders, including banks and specialist providers, to help you compare tailored asset finance deals in minutes.
How does Funding Options help SMEs with asset finance?
Funding Options uses its Funding Cloud technology to assess your business profile and instantly match you with asset finance lenders that fit your needs.
Does applying for asset finance via Funding Options affect my credit score?
No — the initial checks are soft searches, so exploring asset finance options through Funding Options won’t impact your credit score.
FAQs: About Startup Deals
Do StartupDeals provide business loans directly?
No — StartupDeals does not lend money directly. We work as an introducer partner with Funding Options, who connect UK businesses to more than 120 lenders through their regulated platform.
Is StartupDeals paid by Funding Options?
Yes — if you are successfully matched with a lender and take out finance, StartupDeals may receive a commission from Funding Options. This comes at no extra cost to you as the customer.
Can I trust StartupDeals when applying for a business loan?
Yes — StartupDeals is a trusted affiliate partner of Funding Options. Funding Options is FCA-regulated, and all loan applications are handled securely by them, ensuring compliance and transparency.
Why does StartupDeals recommend Funding Options?
At StartupDeals, our goal is to help startups, sole traders, and SMEs access the tools and services they need to grow. We recommend Funding Options because they provide access to a wide network of over 120 UK lenders — from high street banks to specialist and alternative finance providers. This means that instead of applying to lenders one by one, businesses can complete a single application and quickly see tailored funding options side by side.
Funding Options also uses secure technology to match businesses with lenders most suited to their profile, making the process faster and more efficient. For startups, this can be particularly valuable, as many lenders on the platform specialise in supporting early-stage businesses.
By partnering with Funding Options, we can introduce our audience to a trusted, FCA-regulated broker where they can explore some of the best business loan options in the UK, compare rates and terms, and find funding that may fit their circumstances — all in one place.
Does StartupDeals decide if my business loan is approved?
No — StartupDeals does not make lending decisions. All applications are assessed by Funding Options and their panel of lenders. Approval depends entirely on the lender’s criteria.
Is StartupDeals regulated to provide credit?
StartupDeals does not provide credit directly and is not a lender. We act as an introducer to Funding Options, who are FCA-regulated and work only with authorised UK lenders.
Will it cost me extra to use StartupDeals?
No — you won’t pay any additional fees by applying through StartupDeals. If you proceed with a loan, StartupDeals may receive a commission from Funding Options, but this does not affect the cost of your finance.
Who handles my data if I apply for a loan?
Your loan application and personal data are handled securely by Funding Options, not StartupDeals. They use regulated systems and strict data protection measures to keep your information safe.
Does StartupDeals provide financial advice?
No — StartupDeals does not provide personalised financial or lending advice. We introduce businesses to Funding Options so they can compare loan options. All content on StartupDeals.co.uk is created to be impartial and informative. It is designed to help startups and SMEs explore tools, services, and funding options available in the UK. The information is not intended as financial advice. For tailored guidance, you should seek advice from a qualified financial professional.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication, please be aware that regulations and circumstances may change. We recommend consulting with a qualified professional for personalised guidance specific to your situation. Additionally, some links on this website may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. Please ensure you read and understand all terms and conditions before making any decisions.