Top 10 Lenders to Secure £500,000 Plant Finance in the UK (2026)



Compare plant finance lenders for £500,000
| Rank | Lender | Best for | Published loan range | Loan rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reward Funding | Established construction businesses funding plant machinery at £500,000 | £100,000 to £5,000,000 | interest 0.99% to 3% monthly |
| 2 | Liberty Leasing | Construction firms needing competitive annual rates on plant finance | £10,000 to £2,000,000 | interest 11% to 16% annually |
| 3 | Lombard | Construction operators seeking plant finance through an established lender | Up to £5,000,000 | interest 4% to 11.5% monthly |
| 4 | Time Finance | Mid-market construction businesses funding specialist plant equipment | Up to £5,000,000 | interest 5.5% to 13.5% annually |
| 5 | Admiral leasing | Construction firms comparing lease options for plant and machinery | From £1,000 | interest 5.5% to 13.5% annually |
| 6 | Barclays | Construction businesses wanting plant finance from a major bank | £1,000 to £25,000,000 | interest 8.5% to 14.9% annually |
| 7 | Acorn Business Finance | Established construction companies seeking asset finance for plant | £15,000 to £5,000,000 | interest 8% to 15% annually |
| 8 | PEAC Solutions | Included for comparison: construction plant and equipment finance | Not published | interest 7% to 14.5% annually |
| 9 | Aldermore Asset finance | Construction firms needing flexible plant finance across a wide range | £1,000 to £10,000,000 | interest 5% to 15% annually |
| 10 | Close Brothers | Larger construction businesses funding high-value plant acquisitions | £25,000 to £100,000,000 | bespoke 3.5% to 10% monthly |
Asset finance lets construction businesses acquire plant and machinery by spreading the cost over time while the equipment itself serves as security for the funding. This approach suits established UK construction firms because it preserves working capital and aligns repayments with project cashflow. For a £500,000 plant investment, asset finance enables operators to secure excavators, crushers, telehandlers or fleet vehicles without a large upfront outlay.
Comparing plant finance lenders involves more than headline rates. Construction businesses should weigh the total cost across the agreement term, including any balloon payment or residual value options. Deposit requirements vary between lenders and can affect upfront cashflow. Funding speed matters when equipment is needed for imminent contracts. Some lenders specialise in specific plant types, from heavy earthmoving gear to mobile cranes, while others offer broader asset coverage. Lender appetite for construction sector exposure can also influence the terms offered.
Important note:
Funding Agent
Published loan rangeFrom £10,000 to up to £1,000,000
Rate typeInterest from 6.8% annually
Why it is included:It is included because many business owners need to compare several finance routes before choosing where to apply.
Funding Agent can help businesses compare suitable options across a lender panel, especially when eligibility depends on turnover, sector, trading history, credit strength and available documents.
Best use case: When the borrower wants to avoid applying to one lender at a time.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Why it stands out
- Useful when a business wants to compare lender fit rather than guess which lender to apply to first.
- Can help position the application around the funding purpose, trading profile and available documents.
- Works well as a conversion route for readers who are unsure whether a direct lender will approve a larger unsecured facility.
Need to know
- Funding Agent is a broker, not a lender.
- The lender, not Funding Agent, sets the final rate, term, fees and approval decision.
- The best match may be unsecured, secured, revolving credit, invoice finance or another product depending on the case.
Expert take
Funding Agent is a useful honourable mention for business owners who want to compare lender options before submitting a full application. A larger unsecured loan is not always approved by the first lender a business finds, so understanding lender fit early can reduce wasted time and avoid unnecessary declines.

Reward Funding
Published loan range£100,000 to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 0.99% to 3% monthly
Overview: Monthly rates from 0.99% keep costs predictable when financing heavy plant at this scale. The revolving facility suits construction firms that acquire machinery in phases across multiple contracts. Lends £100,000 to £5,000,000 against productive assets. Approval requires suitable security and may involve valuation or legal costs.
Best next step: Check eligibility for plant finance
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Low monthly rates from 0.99%
- Revolving credit for phased purchases
- Funding up to £5 million available
Need to know
- Requires suitable asset security
- Valuation costs may apply
- Not for pre-revenue businesses
Expert take
A secured-asset lender with a revolving model that matches how construction firms actually buy plant — in stages, not all at once. Works well for established contractors funding multiple machines across live projects.
Source:https://rewardfunding.co.uk/

Liberty Leasing
Published loan range£10,000 to £2,000,000
Rate typeinterest 11% to 16% annually
Overview: Funding decisions within 24 hours help construction firms secure plant before another buyer does. Fixed-rate terms from 11% to 16% annually give clarity on repayments across the facility. Lends £10,000 to £2,000,000 through hire purchase or lease agreements. The asset itself serves as security, so cash flow stays intact for project running costs.
Best next step: Compare plant finance rates
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Same-day decisions in many cases
- Asset secures the borrowing
- Preserves working capital for projects
Need to know
- Rates fixed at 11% to 16% annually
- Deposit may be required
- Asset eligibility checks apply
Expert take
A straightforward asset lender that moves quickly — useful when a construction firm has identified a specific machine and needs to act before it is sold elsewhere.

Lombard
Published loan rangeUp to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 4% to 11.5% monthly
Overview: One of the UK's longest-standing asset finance names, with deep experience funding plant and heavy machinery for construction businesses. Facilities reach £5,000,000 with monthly rates between 4% and 11.5%. Decisions typically land within a day. The lender understands construction asset lifecycles, which can smooth the approval process for familiar equipment types.
Best next step: Explore Lombard plant finance
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Deep construction sector experience
- Facilities up to £5 million
- Fast decisions on plant assets
Need to know
- Rates vary by equipment type
- Established trading history needed
- Asset valuation is required
Expert take
A familiar high-street name in asset finance whose underwriting understands construction plant. Plant acquisitions at this level rarely faze them if the business has a solid track record.
Source:https://www.lombard.co.uk/
Time Finance
Published loan rangeUp to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 5.5% to 13.5% annually
Overview: Combines asset finance with invoice discounting, giving construction firms a way to fund plant while also unlocking cash from unpaid applications for payment. Annual rates start at 5.5% and facilities can reach £5,000,000. This dual approach helps contractors who need both equipment funding and working capital to keep sites running between valuations.
Best next step: See combined finance options
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Asset plus invoice finance available
- Annual rates from 5.5%
- Facilities up to £5 million
Need to know
- Suited to B2B contractors
- Invoice quality affects pricing
- Deposit may be needed on assets
Expert take
A blended lender that can fund the plant and the cash-flow gap in one relationship — practical for construction firms juggling equipment purchases and slow-paying main contractors.
Source:https://www.timefinance.com/
Admiral leasing
Published loan rangeFrom £1,000
Rate typeinterest 5.5% to 13.5% annually
Overview: Equipment leasing from just £1,000 makes this an accessible route for construction firms adding smaller plant items alongside larger machinery. Annual rates of 5.5% to 13.5% and decisions in four hours keep the process swift. The leasing structure means the asset can be upgraded at end of term without tying up capital in depreciating equipment.
Best next step: Request a rapid plant finance quote
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding decisions in 4 hours
- Competitive annual rate structure
- Leasing preserves capital reserves
Need to know
- Strong trading history expected
- Personal guarantee may apply
- Asset type affects approval
Expert take
A quick-acting leasing house that suits construction businesses needing an urgent yes on plant. The four-hour turnaround holds up when paperwork and trading records are in order.
Barclays
Published loan range£1,000 to £25,000,000
Rate typeinterest 8.5% to 14.9% annually
Overview: Lends from £1,000 to £25,000,000 in asset finance, making it a capable partner for construction firms upgrading entire plant fleets or funding single high-value machines. Annual rates range from 8.5% to 14.9%. As a mainstream bank, Barclays can bundle plant finance with broader banking facilities — useful for contractors wanting one relationship across all borrowing.
Best next step: Check Barclays plant finance terms
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Massive lending capacity up to £25M
- Single banking relationship possible
- Wide asset type acceptance
Need to know
- Bank underwriting can be slower
- Strong financials typically required
- May need existing banking relationship
Expert take
A high-street bank with the balance sheet to handle large plant facilities comfortably. Best for established construction firms with clean accounts and patience for a thorough credit process.

Acorn Business Finance
Published loan range£15,000 to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 8% to 15% annually
Overview: A broker-led approach means Acorn can match construction plant purchases to the most suitable funding structure across multiple lenders. Annual rates between 8% and 15% reflect the range of funders on panel. Hire purchase, lease, and refinance options give contractors flexibility in how they own and repay the equipment over time.
Best next step: Explore Acorn plant finance routes
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Access to multiple funding sources
- Wide construction asset experience
- Hire purchase and lease options
Need to know
- Broker model may add complexity
- Rates depend on funder chosen
- Trading history will be assessed
Expert take
A broker-style asset funder that can shop terms across lenders — helpful when a construction firm wants to compare structures without approaching each funder individually.

PEAC Solutions
Published loan rangeNot published
Rate typeinterest 7% to 14.5% annually
Overview: A pure equipment finance specialist, PEAC focuses on plant and vehicles — construction machinery is core business, not a sideline. Annual rates from 7% to 14.5% are competitive. The underwriting team structures terms around how long the equipment actually works in the field, which can mean repayments that track real asset life rather than a fixed template.
Best next step: Get a PEAC plant finance quote
More info
Company stats
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Competitive annual rate range
- Specialist equipment lender
- Terms aligned to asset life
Need to know
- Loan range not publicly listed
- Asset valuation required
- Limited public information available
Expert take
A pure equipment finance specialist — construction plant is not an afterthought with a lender that focuses solely on equipment. A direct enquiry is the best way to confirm terms.

Aldermore Asset finance
Published loan range£1,000 to £10,000,000
Rate typeinterest 5% to 15% annually
Overview: Broad asset acceptance sets Aldermore apart — the lender funds everything from single plant items to full fleet replacements, lending £1,000 to £10,000,000. Annual rates between 5% and 15% remain competitive for established construction firms. Decisions land within 48 hours. The wide range means contractors can return for additional plant funding without starting a new relationship.
Best next step: See Aldermore asset finance terms
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Wide lending range up to £10M
- Broad asset type appetite
- Competitive annual rate band
Need to know
- Decisions take around 48 hours
- Established business focus
- Asset security will be required
Expert take
A generalist asset lender with deep pockets — the £10 million ceiling and broad asset acceptance make this a reliable route for construction firms with varied plant needs.
Source:https://www.aldermore.co.uk/business/business-finance/asset-finance/
Close Brothers
Published loan range£25,000 to £100,000,000
Rate typebespoke 3.5% to 10% monthly
Overview: Close Brothers is a familiar name in construction asset finance, lending £25,000 to £100,000,000 with bespoke monthly rates from 3.5% to 10%. The lender targets established mid-market firms with turnover above £500,000. Underwriters who understand construction machinery can shape terms around how the equipment earns, rather than treating it as generic collateral.
Best next step: Check Close Brothers plant terms
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Bespoke rates for large facilities
- Deep construction sector knowledge
- Massive lending headroom available
Need to know
- Minimum £500k turnover required
- Mid-market businesses preferred
- Bespoke pricing means variable terms
Expert take
A lender that genuinely knows construction — their underwriting reflects decades of funding heavy plant. Established firms with turnover above £500,000 will find a receptive ear from underwriters who understand how plant assets earn on site.
Asset Finance Calculator
How asset finance works for £500,000 of construction plant
Asset finance lets your construction business acquire heavy machinery without paying the full £500,000 upfront. The equipment itself acts as security for the lender, which typically makes the finance easier to arrange than an unsecured loan of the same value.
You will generally choose between hire purchase and a finance lease. With hire purchase, you own the asset after the final payment. A lease keeps ownership with the lender, but you use the equipment throughout the term and may benefit from off-balance-sheet treatment.
Lenders on this page offer facilities large enough to cover £500,000. Reward Funding and Lombard both lend up to £5,000,000, while Close Brothers can fund up to £100,000,000 for major plant acquisitions. The asset is the cornerstone of the deal, so its age, condition and resale value all influence the terms you will be offered.
Types of plant equipment you can finance at £500,000
At the £500,000 level, asset finance covers a broad range of construction and industrial equipment. Lenders assess each asset type on its own merits, but most heavy plant holds strong residual value, which works in your favour.
| Equipment category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Earthmoving | Excavators, bulldozers, dump trucks |
| Lifting | Mobile cranes, telehandlers, access platforms |
| Processing | Crushers, screeners, concrete plants |
| Agricultural | Tractors, combines, sprayers |
| Industrial | CNC machines, presses, production lines |
Most asset finance lenders are comfortable with both new and used equipment. The key is that the asset has a clear valuation and a measurable useful life that extends beyond the finance term.
Deposit requirements and repayment costs on £500,000 plant finance
Lenders typically expect a deposit of between 10% and 15% on high-value plant finance, though this varies. Aldermore Asset Finance can fund up to 100% of asset value in some cases, while Reward Funding caps its lending at 85% loan-to-value and Close Brothers at 90%.
On a £500,000 asset, a 15% deposit means putting down £75,000. The remaining £425,000 is repaid over one to seven years depending on the lender. Spreading the cost over a longer term reduces monthly payments but increases total interest.
Rates vary by lender and asset. Liberty Leasing publishes annual rates from 11% to 16%. Time Finance and Aldermore both sit in the 5% to 15% annual range. Reward Funding and Lombard quote monthly rates, from 0.99% to 3% and 4% to 11.5% respectively. Always confirm whether a rate is monthly or annual when comparing offers.
Improving your chances of approval for £500,000 plant finance
Lenders take a closer look at your business when the facility reaches £500,000. Strong trading history, healthy accounts and a clear plan for the equipment all help your case.
Minimum requirements differ across the panel. Lombard asks for at least one year of trading and £25,000 in turnover. Close Brothers sets a higher bar at one year of trading and £500,000 minimum turnover. Aldermore is more flexible, accepting businesses with six months of trading and no minimum turnover.
Most lenders at this level will ask for a personal guarantee from directors. Reward Funding, Liberty Leasing, Close Brothers and Aldermore all require one. This is standard practice on asset-backed facilities of this size.
To strengthen your application, have up-to-date management accounts ready. Provide asset quotes or invoices so the lender can value the equipment. If you have existing plant on your balance sheet, it demonstrates sector experience and asset management capability, which lenders view favourably.
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