Asset Finance for your business.

Asset financing enables you to acquire a new asset whilst preserving working capital. Instead of having to pay the full amount for the machinery up front, the finance agreement involves manageable monthly payments over an agreed term, giving you more flexibility to purchase new machinery as and when required, rather than waiting until you have sufficient cash flow to buy the machinery outright. New machinery can increase the capacity and output of your business.

This type of financing is also popular because of the flexibility it offers, particularly as asset finance providers tend to be much more flexible than other lenders such as banks. If you would like the option to own the asset at the end of the agreed term, you can choose hire purchase finance. If you do not want to own the asset, and just replace it every few years, leasing finance is usually the best option. You can rely on the fact that you’re dealing with someone who has a strong understanding and interest in your business, and will become a partner in your growth.

There are a number of other benefits of asset financing, including capital allowances, meaning you can recover some of your costs through tax deductions.

Here at County we love equipment, from plant and engineering to forestry, printing and vehicles of all types. Whether it’s new or used, refinance or acquisition, we are keen to help UK SME’s to grow and develop their business.

Read more about Equipment Financing or Business Vehicle Financing.

We offer simple clear competitive Lease and Hire Purchase terms on a very wide variety of equipment from all industries:

Hire Purchase

  • Title of Ownership Passes at the end of the Agreed Term
  • Advantage of Tax Relief on Capital Purchases
  • Good if Cash Flow is Strong
  • Regular Monthly Payments Makes it Easier to Budget
  • VAT can be Re-claimed on Cost of Asset

Leasing Financing

  • The Customer (Lessee) chooses the Asset and rents it from the finance company (Lessor)
  • VAT is paid on the monthly rentals,  not on the Cost of the Asset
  • No restrictions on hours, mileage for usage
  • Asset forms part of Balance Sheet Fixed Assets
  • Beneficial on Cash Flow
  • Rentals are Tax Allowable

Re-Financing

  • Introduces Working Capital back into your Business
  • Can be Fast and Efficient
  • Can Reduce Monthly Outgoings
  • Enables you to have continued use of the Assets being Re-financed
  • Is a good option to raise money for deposits on new assets, or to purchase items that may not be desirable to finance eg. Software/IT Equipment

What is asset finance?

In short, asset finance provides you with the capital required to finance an asset. Instead of having to pay the whole amount in one go, you usually pay back the amount in monthly payments, which frees up working capital. The different options available will depend on a number of factors, including the capital you have available. The two main types of asset finance are hire purchase finance and leasing finance.

What is hire purchase?

In the case of hire purchase, the title of ownership passes to you once the end of the contract has been reached. If cash flow is not an issue, hire purchase may be the more appropriate option, as an initial deposit is normally required, plus another key difference is that the full VAT element on the purchase price must be paid at the beginning of the contract also. However, this can be reclaimed as input vat on your next vat return.

What is leasing?

There are a couple of key differences between leasing and hire purchase. Firstly, with leasing you do not own the asset that you have financed at any point. Secondly, a deposit is not normally required but this means that you cannot claim the VAT on the cost of the asset. Instead, you will pay VAT on the monthly cost of the rental. Rentals are tax allowable. When cash flow is more of an issue, companies tend to choose the leasing option.

What is re-financing?

As the name suggests, asset re-financing is when you take out additional financing on an asset that is already being financed. This is normally done to free up working capital and can often be an efficient way to reduce your monthly outgoings.

How long does it take you to make a decision?

We pride ourselves on our fast response, and most decisions are made on the same day, sometimes in just a few hours. However, if you are a new customer to us, there may be a number of additional items of information that we may require to complete our due diligence, and therefore may take slightly longer

What businesses do you lend to?

We lend to a variety of businesses, both in terms of size and industry. We most commonly provide asset finance on industrial equipment and machinery, although we do provide other types of finance too. As an independent finance house, we pride ourselves on our flexible and creative approach to finding finance for you. Please get in touch to find out more about how we can help.

What information will you require before you approve finance?

We will require details about the business as well as undertaking a credit report to obtain information on your financial situation and history. We appreciate that not everyone has a ‘squeaky-clean’ credit history and understand that each situation is unique, and therefore judge each introduction on its own merit. We’d love to hear from you.

Who will be my key point of contact?

As an independent finance house, we do not operate credit departments and believe in a much more personal approach. Throughout the process you’ll be dealing with the person who makes the decision regarding your finance, and, if we provide you with financing, you’ll often deal with that same person throughout the term of the agreement too. We find that this makes things easier and clearer for our clients, and also leads to stronger working relationships.
When you call us, you will be answered promptly by one of our small team, so will never be listening to an automated call waiting to press 1 for this and 2 for that, which we believe is becoming unique.

Can I keep the assets on my company’s balance sheet?

Yes, there are options available that enable you to do this. However, the financing option will depend on a number of different factors, which we’ll be happy to talk through with you, but it is important that you seek independent advice from your accountants in relation to this.

Why is this different to a bank loan?

As banks have strict lending conditions, it is still proving difficult for many businesses to acquire financing through a bank. Additionally, banks will often lack flexibility if you do not meet their criteria. As we lend all of our own money, we can be much more flexible in our approach. You pay your finance monthly over an agreed term.

How do I apply for finance?

You can apply for finance in a number of different ways, either by calling us on 01455 200 150 or by filling in our online form. You can also email us on sales@countyfinancegroup.co.uk.