Kennet Equipment Leasing Limited, established in 1990 and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 676024), specialises in asset finance and equipment leasing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. The firm offers asset-backed finance including leasing, hire purchase, refinance, and business loans through both its own funds and a panel of partner lenders. Kennet is suitable for UK-registered businesses seeking quick and tailored equipment finance rather than unsecured working capital loans. For a broader understanding of asset finance options, see asset finance for small businesses and asset finance.
Key Features of Kennet Equipment Leasing Limited
Kennet offers a mix of practical features designed to accommodate the diverse needs of SMEs requiring asset-backed finance. These include fast credit decisions and flexible repayment options, supported by sector-specialist account management.
- Credit decisions typically within 2–4 business hours, providing quick access to funds (quick business finance).
- Flexible repayment structures such as seasonal and deferred profiles to match cash flow cycles (which financing is best for short-term business needs).
- Dedicated account managers and specialist teams focusing on sectors including agriculture, construction, and IT (asset financing for IT support companies).
Funding Eligibility
To qualify for finance with Kennet, businesses generally need a minimum trading history of 12 months, although start-ups may be considered case-by-case. Applicants must be registered in the UK and demonstrate reasonable affordability. Certain high-risk sectors such as arms manufacture and gambling are typically excluded. Personal guarantees are usually required for directors or partners, reflecting industry standard risk controls. For more on eligibility requirements and personal guarantees, see how to qualify for a business loan in the UK, understanding personal guarantees in business loans, and guarantor.
Loan Options
Kennet Equipment Leasing offers a spectrum of loan types mainly focused on asset-backed finance, catering to different business asset needs and investment horizons.
- Finance Lease: Loans from £5,000 to £2,000,000 with terms of 1 to 7 years. Fixed rental profiles agreed upfront. Features include 100% financing of asset costs and VAT spread across rentals. Personal guarantees and asset debentures typically required. Early termination fees apply. See asset finance.
- Hire Purchase: Amounts between £5,000 and £2,000,000 repayable over 1 to 7 years. Ownership transfers to the customer at term end. Fixed or variable rates apply, with personal guarantees required. Early repayment may involve fees. See term loans.
- Operating Lease: Available from £10,000 to £1,000,000 over 2 to 5 years, requiring generally 2 years’ trading history. Off-balance-sheet treatment is possible but less suited to start-ups. Personal guarantees often required. See asset finance.
- Asset Refinance / Sale & Leaseback: Loans between £25,000 and £1,500,000, typically up to 80% of the asset’s forced-sale value for 1 to 5 years. This unlocks capital tied up in owned equipment. Personal guarantees and debentures are standard. See asset finance.
- Vendor / Dealer Finance Facility: Per transaction amounts of £1,000 to £500,000, with terms of 12 to 60 months. Offers dealer finance programmes and joint marketing support. End-customer personal guarantees required. See asset finance for small businesses.
- Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS): Loans from £25,001 to £2,000,000 under government-backed schemes for businesses affected by COVID-19. Interest rates capped at 14.99%. Personal guarantees waived below £250,000. See term loans.
How to Apply
The application process with Kennet involves a mix of online and human contact. Proposals under £100,000 often receive decisions in 2 to 4 hours, with funding typically within two days after documentation submission.
- Submit an online enquiry form, email, or telephone call to start (online application form).
- Provide required documents including proof of ID, recent bank statements, supplier quotations, and accounts where necessary (application documents needed).
- Await review and credit checks, typically completed within a few hours for standard loans (loan approval timeline).
- Sign agreements digitally and receive funds within 24 to 48 hours (digital document signing).
Funding Agent's view on Kennet Equipment Leasing Limited
Kennet is well-positioned for SMEs needing fast access to asset-backed finance in the UK, combining sector experience with multi-lender reach. It is less suited to those seeking unsecured working capital loans or fully digital onboarding. Businesses should review personal guarantee obligations and fees as part of their decision. For broader financing comparisons and eligibility tools, visit business loans, loan eligibility requirements, and use the asset finance calculator.



