
Obtaining asset finance for a new business can be a straightforward process with the right guidance.
You can choose from various asset finance options, including hire purchase, leasing, and loans.
A hire purchase agreement allows you to pay for the asset in installments, with the option to purchase the asset at the end of the agreement.
Asset finance can be used to purchase a wide range of assets, such as equipment, vehicles, and even property.
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What is Asset Finance?
Asset finance is a way to get the equipment you need to make business happen faster. It makes equipment financing more affordable by spreading the cost over an agreed period.
With asset finance, you can secure funds using your assets as collateral, such as equipment, vehicles, or machinery. This can be a popular option for new businesses because it allows them to obtain expensive equipment without making large upfront payments.
Asset finance protects your cashflow, giving you the freedom to grow your business at your own pace. It's a flexible way to acquire the resources you need to operate and succeed.
Types of Asset Finance
Asset finance can be a game-changer for new businesses, providing the necessary funds to purchase vital equipment and machinery without breaking the bank. There are various types of asset finance options available, each with its own benefits and features.
One popular option is leasing, which allows businesses to use an asset for a specified period without actually owning it. Leases can be drafted to resemble a long-term purchase of capital equipment, with the lessee paying insurance and taxes on the asset. The lessee may also have the option to purchase the asset at the end of the lease.
Sale and leaseback options are another type of asset finance, where a business sells its valuable assets to a financier who then leases them back to the seller. This arrangement can generate cash for short-term needs, allow continued use of the asset, and create a tax deduction for rental expense.
Here are some key features of different asset finance options:
Types of
Asset Finance is a flexible way to help businesses acquire the equipment they need to grow and succeed. Our team offers a specialized finance solution that suits the unique needs of each business.
We can fund a variety of assets, including equipment and machinery, to help businesses achieve their next phase of growth. Whether your client is a sole trader or a small-to-medium sized organization, we have a finance solution that can help.
Hire Purchase is a type of Asset Finance that allows businesses to acquire an asset from the lender over a specified period of time. This means your client can own the item at the end of the contract.
Our experience in sourcing equipment and packaging finance solutions means we can quickly find the right equipment for your client's business and create a plan that suits their affordability requirements.
We take into account a range of factors when creating an Asset Finance plan, including the equipment your client is looking to invest in, their background and history, and the affordability and term length that works best for them.
Here are some of the key factors we consider:
- What equipment they are looking to invest in
- Background to the business
- Affordability and term length
Leasing
Leasing is a type of asset finance that allows you to rent an asset for a fixed or minimum term, making regular payments over an agreed period of time. This can be a great option for businesses that want to free up cash for other expenses.
You can lease equipment and other business assets from leasing companies, banks, and some suppliers and vendors. Some manufacturers even have leasing agents who can arrange lease terms or a credit arrangement with the manufacturer.
Leasing avoids the large down payment required for asset purchases and frees up funds for other business expenditures. However, traditional lenders may require an operating history from prospective lessees, making it difficult for startup businesses to lease from conventional lenders.
Leasing offers several advantages, including:
- Freeing up cash for other business expenses and investments
- Reducing debt on your financial statements
- Enjoying more flexibility for equipment changes and upgrades
- Reducing tax liability
- Receiving assistance from your landlord
A purchase option at the end of the lease period allows the original owner to reacquire title to the asset at a later date. This is a key consideration when deciding whether to lease or purchase an asset.
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Leases can be drafted to resemble a long-term purchase of capital equipment, with the lessee paying insurance and taxes on the asset. The lessee may be required to purchase the asset at the end of the lease, or a purchase option may be available at the end of the lease or for a stated price during the term of the lease.
Leasing can be a creative and effective way to finance your business, but it's essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.
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Asset Finance Options
Asset finance options offer flexibility to small businesses, allowing them to spread the cost of assets over several months or years. This can help keep cash on hand for day-to-day operational costs.
You can choose from various finance options, such as hire purchase and finance lease. These options allow businesses to gain full ownership of the asset at the end of the agreement or return it to the lessor.
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Leasing companies, banks, and suppliers can provide equipment and business assets to small businesses through leasing agreements. Some manufacturers have leasing agents who can arrange lease terms or credit arrangements.
With leasing, you can free up cash for other business expenses and investments. Leases often require little or no down payment, allowing you to direct cash towards other business needs.
Some common types of assets that can be financed through asset finance include office furniture, commercial kitchens, software, shop fit-outs, and audio visual & IT hardware.
Here are some areas where asset finance solutions can help small businesses in their growth journey:
- Sourcing equipment for new businesses or expanding into new markets
- Assisting with day-to-day business requirements
- Updating technology and equipment to improve production processes and efficiencies
- Easier access to new technology and equipment
- Improving product and service quality
- Increasing product and service quantity
- Assisting with premises refurbishment or modernisation
- Scaling business operations
Advantages and Benefits
Asset finance offers numerous advantages for new businesses. It allows you to spread the cost of acquiring new equipment into manageable monthly payments. This can be a huge relief for start-ups with limited cash flow.
You can choose from a range of term lengths, from six months to five years, to suit your business needs. This flexibility is especially helpful for start-ups with unpredictable income.
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By leasing, you can keep valuable working capital in the business and maintain a positive cash flow. Having predictable monthly costs makes it easier to plan ahead financially and protects your business from surprise costs.
Leasing also allows you to access better, more expensive equipment more easily. This can give your business a competitive edge in the market.
Here are some key benefits of asset finance:
- Cost of leasing is deductible as a business expense, reducing your tax bill.
- Depreciation of the asset is not your responsibility, making it a hassle-free option.
- You can purchase, upgrade, or refinance assets at the end of the lease term.
- Asset finance is suitable for a wide range of assets, including new and used equipment.
By using asset finance, you can see the cost-saving benefits and return on investment (ROI) of your new equipment from the very start. This can help you make informed decisions about your business and stay ahead of the competition.
Getting Started
Asset finance can be a game-changer for new businesses, allowing you to acquire the assets you need to get started without breaking the bank. With asset finance, you can access the funds you need to purchase equipment, vehicles, or other assets that will help your business grow.
You can expect to pay back the loan over a set period of time, typically between 2-5 years, depending on the type of asset and the lender's requirements. This can be a more affordable option than traditional loans or credit cards.
By using asset finance, you can free up your cash flow to focus on other areas of your business, such as marketing and hiring new staff. This can be especially helpful for new businesses that are still finding their feet.
What Is New Business?
Starting a new business can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming. A new business is essentially a venture that is created to produce goods or services that can be sold to customers.
You'll need to consider how to fund your business, and one option is asset finance, which allows businesses to purchase equipment and machinery without paying a large upfront sum.
New businesses often require a significant amount of money to get off the ground, but with careful planning, you can make the most of your resources.
Hard
Construction is a significant category of hard assets, often used in building and infrastructure projects.
You can find construction equipment in various forms, from heavy machinery like cranes and excavators to smaller tools like drills and saws.
Construction projects can be costly, but with the right equipment, you can complete them efficiently and effectively.
Here are some examples of construction equipment:
- Crane
- Excavator
- Drill
- Saw
Printing equipment is another type of hard asset, commonly used in offices and commercial settings.
It's essential to maintain your printing equipment regularly to ensure it functions properly and efficiently.
Manufacturing and engineering machinery are also types of hard assets, often used in industrial settings.
These machines can be complex and require regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns and ensure productivity.
Tractor units, trailers, and LCVs are types of hard assets used in transportation and logistics.
They can be expensive to purchase or lease, but they are essential for many businesses.
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Agricultural and forestry equipment are used in farming and logging operations.
They can be heavy-duty and require regular maintenance to prevent damage and ensure efficiency.
Cars and vans are also types of hard assets, often used for personal or commercial transportation.
They can be a significant investment, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last for many years.
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Talk to Team Today
Talk to the team today about Asset Finance. Time Finance offers a swift-decision making, flexible, and relationship-driven approach to business.
We work closely with our brokers to ensure that access to finance for their clients is easy. In fact, we can help you secure Asset Finance for your clients in just 5 simple steps.
Here's a quick overview of the process:
- You submit your client’s Asset Finance proposal
- We collect any additional information and underwrite the deal
- We will confirm if the deal has been accepted and issue documentation
- You return the documentation and any additional information to us
- We purchase the equipment on the client’s behalf
As a thank you for your business, we offer commission for the successful introduction. We're committed to building long-term relationships based on communication, trust, and a service your clients will love.
Latest News

Time Finance has expanded its services to include a new virtual asset inspection platform, making it easier for SMEs to access finance solutions.
This platform is a result of a partnership with verifi, a company that specializes in asset inspection.
The new platform aims to improve the finance solutions for SMEs, which is a key goal for Time Finance.
Time Finance is also growing its presence in the materials handling market with a specialist team headed by Phil Blea, the newly appointed regional sales manager.
The company is committed to reaching more SMEs with business finance, with a goal of growing its book lending to £300m.
For more insights, see: How Does a Business Finance Its Operations and Expansion
Requirements
To get started, you'll need to meet some basic requirements. 504 loans are available exclusively through Certified Development Companies (CDCs).
First, find a CDC in your area to ensure you're dealing with a qualified lender. They're uniquely qualified to understand 504 loan program regulations.
A CDC will help you navigate the lender channels to create your project financing. This is crucial in getting your project off the ground.
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Using a 504 Loan
Using a 504 Loan can be a game-changer for new businesses looking to grow and create jobs. The maximum loan amount is $5.5 million, which is a significant amount of capital for entrepreneurs to tap into.
A 504 loan can be used for a range of assets that promote business growth and job creation, including the purchase or construction of existing buildings or land, new facilities, and long-term machinery and equipment with a useful remaining life of a minimum of 10 years.
These assets can also include project-related AI-supported equipment or machinery for manufacturing products, which is a great way to invest in the latest technology.
Here are some specific examples of how a 504 loan can be used:
- Purchase or construction of existing buildings or land
- New facilities
- Long-term machinery and equipment with a useful remaining life of a minimum of 10 years, including project-related AI-supported equipment or machinery for manufacturing products
- Consolidating debt under specific conditions
- Repaying or refinancing debt defined as "qualified debt"
It's also worth noting that a 504 loan can be used for working capital or inventory, but only under certain conditions.
Potential Drawbacks
Asset finance can be a great option for new businesses, but it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks. Higher interest rates can be a significant concern, particularly for start-ups with limited credit history, which can result in higher borrowing costs.

One of the biggest risks is asset repossession, where the lender seizes the collateral if you fail to make payments. This can leave your business without crucial equipment, disrupting operations.
Asset-based lending is tied to specific assets, limiting your financial flexibility. If your start-up needs working capital for other purposes, such as hiring or marketing, asset finance may not provide the flexibility you require.
The cumulative cost of asset finance, including finance charges over the term of the agreement, can be higher than purchasing the asset outright. This is because the lender retains ownership of the asset until the end of the financing term or until the final payment is made.
Fixed payments over several years can become a burden if your business's financial situation changes. This is particularly true for assets that depreciate over time, such as technology and vehicles.
Here are some key potential drawbacks to consider:
- Higher interest rates and borrowing costs
- Risk of asset repossession
- Limited financial flexibility
- Cumulative cost may be higher than purchasing outright
- Fixed payments can become a burden
- Assets may depreciate in value
When to Consider Asset Finance
If your business relies on specialized equipment to operate and you don't have the cash on hand to make a large purchase, asset finance can help you get what you need without delay. This is especially true for start-ups with relatively steady cash flow, as they can more easily manage the repayment terms.
Asset finance can improve cash flow management by allowing businesses to acquire high-value assets without depleting their cash reserves. By spreading the cost over time through regular payments, businesses can manage their cash flow more effectively.
If establishing credit is one of your start-up's goals, asset financing can be an effective way to build a positive credit history. Successfully managing an asset financing agreement can open doors to future funding opportunities with more favourable terms.
Businesses that need to keep pace with technological advancements will find asset finance beneficial, as it enables them to upgrade their equipment regularly without significant upfront investment. This access to the latest technology can enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
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Asset finance agreements typically involve fixed monthly payments, making it easier for businesses to forecast expenses and budget accordingly. This certainty helps in financial planning and reduces the risk of unexpected costs.
If your business needs essential equipment quickly and has a predictable cash flow, asset financing may be the solution. But if flexibility or lower costs are your priority, consider exploring other options.
Here are some key benefits of asset finance:
- Improved cash flow management
- Access to up-to-date equipment
- Fixed payments and budgeting
- Preservation of existing credit lines
- Capital raising
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