Business Asset Finance UK: Best Providers
Asset finance is product-by-product not lender-by-lender; the right specialist depends on the asset class. These are the strongest UK options across vehicles, plant, machinery and IT.
Director, BestBusinessLoans
Oliver leads BestBusinessLoans's editorial reviews and methodology. With a background in UK commercial finance, he oversees lender research, rate verification and review independence.
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026
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SME term loan + commercial mortgage · £150k to £5m · 5 to 10 business days
Strongest mainstream asset finance for £150k+ SMEs; PRA bank.
Read full Allica Bank review → -
Asset finance, invoice finance, commercial mortgages · £25k to £5m · 5 to 10 business days
Established broker-channel asset finance with deep sector specialisms.
Read full Aldermore review → -
Asset finance, invoice finance, vehicle finance · £10k to £2m · 2 to 5 business days
AIM-listed alternative-finance specialist; mid-ticket sweet spot.
Read full Time Finance review → -
Term loans, asset finance, commercial property · £25k to £25m · 7 to 14 business days
Bespoke deals for £100k+ tickets and complex assets.
Read full Shawbrook Bank review → -
SME term loan + bridging · £500k to £50m+ · 7 to 14 business days
Top-end asset-backed deals £500k+ via bespoke structuring.
Read full OakNorth review →
Side-by-side comparison
| Lender | Typical rate | Ticket | Decision | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allica Bank | From 7.99% APR | £150k to £5m | 5 to 10 business days | Strongest mainstream asset finance for £150k+ SMEs; PRA bank. |
| Aldermore | From 7.5% APR equivalent | £25k to £5m | 5 to 10 business days | Established broker-channel asset finance with deep sector specialisms. |
| Time Finance | Bespoke | £10k to £2m | 2 to 5 business days | AIM-listed alternative-finance specialist; mid-ticket sweet spot. |
| Shawbrook Bank | Bespoke | £25k to £25m | 7 to 14 business days | Bespoke deals for £100k+ tickets and complex assets. |
| OakNorth | Bespoke | £500k to £50m+ | 7 to 14 business days | Top-end asset-backed deals £500k+ via bespoke structuring. |
What is asset finance for UK SMBs?
A loan secured against a specific asset: vehicle, plant, machinery, IT or fit-out. Three structures: hire purchase (you own at end), finance lease (you rent), operating lease (lender takes residual risk). The asset is the primary security, which lowers eligibility hurdles versus unsecured term debt.
How does hire purchase differ from leasing for UK businesses?
Hire purchase: pay deposit and monthly instalments, own the asset at end of term. Best for assets you keep long term. Leasing: pay monthly, lender owns the asset, you return or buy at end. Best for assets you replace on a cycle (vehicles, IT). Tax and accounting differ.
What rate should I expect on UK asset finance in 2026?
For new assets with established Ltd companies, 6% to 10% APR. Used assets and weaker credit profiles, 10% to 18%. Specialist deals (rare or high-residual-value assets) bespoke. Asset finance prices below unsecured term debt for the same borrower because the asset is security.
Can a UK sole trader get asset finance?
Yes, but options are narrower. Most asset finance lenders prefer Ltd-co structures. Sole traders carry personal liability through structure, which substitutes for the PG requirement. Vehicle finance and small-ticket plant finance are the most accessible asset classes for sole traders.
What is sale and leaseback in UK asset finance?
You sell an existing owned asset to a finance lender at market value, then lease it back on a fixed term. Releases tied-up balance-sheet cash. Useful for established manufacturers and contractors with paid-down plant. Allica, Aldermore and most asset-finance specialists offer this.
How we ranked these
Weighted on asset-class coverage (30%), rate transparency (20%), decision speed (20%), eligibility clarity (15%), Trustpilot record (15%).
Methodology weights
Weights specific to "Business Asset Finance UK: Best Providers":
- Asset-class coverage30%
- Rate transparency20%
- Decision speed20%
- Eligibility clarity15%
- Trustpilot record15%
Full methodology.
Also considered
- BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions
- Close Brothers Asset Finance
- Hitachi Capital (MUFG)
Not for
Sole traders requiring sub-£10k tickets; IT-software-only deals where mainstream lenders are cautious.
Apply
Use our /get-quotes/ form to be matched across these lenders and apply with the ones most likely to approve your business.
Open our /get-quotes/ form →Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-04-26.