March 13, 2026
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Best Asset Finance Lenders for the Manufacturing Industry

Discover the best asset finance lenders tailored for the manufacturing industry in the UK. Compare options to fund your machinery, equipment, and growth plans with ease.
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Best Asset Finance Lenders for the Manufacturing Industry
James Laden
Co-founder and CEO

8 years of experience working with major financial companies in the UK, and now focuses on making business funding simpler for SMEs through a faster, technology-led application journey.

Best Asset Finance Lenders for the Manufacturing Industry

For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan periods and amounts, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Amounts that could not be verified are left blank, prices accurate as of 2026-03-13.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on providing UK SMEs with quick comparisons of business finance options via a streamlined application process. It is typically suitable for franchise buyers and operators seeking straightforward lending with predictable terms and no collateral. The service benefits those valuing speed, transparency, and a hassle-free eligibility check.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 4%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 3–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, MCA Loans, Working capital
  • Industries: UK SME's

Pros

  • fastest and easiest application process
  • No collateral required

Cons

  • lower track record, only trading 1 year

Sources: Funding Agent

2. Novuna

Novuna specialises in asset finance solutions aimed at manufacturing firms looking to unlock value in their equipment. It suits UK SMEs needing reliable funding with fast processing times and clear terms. Options include flexible repayment types and access to specialist asset finance products.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6.1%
  • Max APR: 6.7%
  • Loan Duration: 24–72 hours processing

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Equipment Finance
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Retail

Pros

  • Fast processing
  • High loan amounts

Cons

  • Limited transparency on terms

Sources: Source

3. Paragon Bank

Paragon Bank provides financial services tailored for the manufacturing sector, focusing on asset acquisition. This lender is suited for businesses seeking large loan amounts with defined durations and low APRs. It offers predictable repayment schedules, typically appealing to established SMEs requiring secured asset finance.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £100,000
  • Max Amount: £60,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 12–36 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Development Finance
  • Industries: Manufacturing

Pros

  • Large loan amounts
  • Specialist in asset finance

Cons

  • APR details not transparent

Sources: Source

4. Lombard

Lombard is the UK's largest asset finance provider, specialising in a wide range of finance options for manufacturing businesses. It is typically suited for SMEs looking for flexible loans with varied product choices and brokered access. Lombard supports both secured and unsecured lending with adaptable repayment arrangements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £65,000
  • Max Amount: £5,000,000
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Flexible

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Vehicle Finance
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Automotive

Pros

  • Largest asset finance provider
  • Comprehensive product range

Cons

  • Limited APR information

Sources: Source

5. Portman Finance

Portman Finance provides a variety of finance products focusing on SMEs within manufacturing and service sectors. It suits borrowers seeking diverse options with relatively fast approval and structured repayment plans. Portman offers access to tailored loans including asset-backed finance.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 7.2%
  • Loan Duration: 3–72 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Business Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Services

Pros

  • Fast approval
  • Diverse finance solutions

Cons

  • Strict eligibility requirements

Sources: Source

6. Millbrook Business Finance

Millbrook Business Finance focuses on delivering bespoke financing solutions for manufacturing businesses in the UK. It is suited to SMEs requiring flexible loans with options for secured finance and tailored repayment structures. Millbrook emphasises personalised service and adaptability to client needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £1,500,000
  • Min APR: 5%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Secured Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing

Pros

  • Bespoke solutions
  • High customer service

Cons

  • APR can be high

Sources: Source

7. Reality Finance

Reality Finance offers adaptable finance specifically for manufacturing equipment and asset needs. This provider suits businesses that require tailored solutions with flexibility in terms and repayment. It supports a broad range of lending structures without fixed APR or amount limitations.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £0
  • Max Amount: £0
  • Min APR: 0%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: Tailored solutions available

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Equipment Leasing
  • Industries: Manufacturing

Pros

  • Flexible terms
  • Quick decisions

Cons

  • Some terms unclear

Sources: Source

8. Union Business Finance

Union Business Finance operates as a finance broker specialising in tailored funding for SMEs, including manufacturing clients. This approach suits businesses looking for personalised service, fast funding and a range of loan types. It provides options with varied collateral requirements and repayment flexibility.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £5,000,000
  • Min APR: 7%
  • Max APR: 0%
  • Loan Duration: 24–48 hours

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing

Pros

  • Personalised service
  • Fast funding

Cons

  • APR details not provided

Sources: Source

9. Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance specialises in tailored finance for manufacturing and property sectors across the UK. Its products cater to businesses seeking high loan amounts with varied repayment options. This lender often serves clients requiring bridging and asset finance with flexible security options.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £50,000
  • Max Amount: £100,000,000
  • Min APR: 7%
  • Max APR: 30%
  • Loan Duration: 3–72 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Bridging Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Property

Pros

  • Wide range of loans
  • High amounts available

Cons

  • High interest rates

Sources: Source

10. White Oak UK

White Oak UK supports manufacturing companies by providing a range of finance products aimed at equipment acquisition and growth. The lender is suited to businesses needing flexible loan options with multiple finance solutions. Speed and approachability are key features of their service offering.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £75,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 7.5%
  • Max APR: 25%
  • Loan Duration: 6–60 months

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Business Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing

Pros

  • Comprehensive support
  • Multiple finance options

Cons

  • Higher APR for lower amounts

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting the best asset finance lenders for the manufacturing industry, consider the size and type of loan that matches your business needs. Evaluate the APR and loan duration in relation to your cash flow and repayment capability. Look for lenders offering flexibility in security requirements and repayment options. Speed of funding can be critical, especially for equipment purchases, so factor in processing times. Consider whether a broker or a direct lender suits your preferences for personalised service or wider product access. Always review eligibility and applicable fees before committing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your funding needs. Banks typically provide competitive rates for large asset-backed loans while brokers may offer broader access to finance options. Specialists focus on nuanced manufacturing finance solutions that can suit specific asset types or business situations. Funding Agent is a solid starting point for SMEs seeking quick and clear finance comparisons. Align the lender choice with loan size, speed, and security to optimise your finance strategy for manufacturing growth.

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FAQs

What is asset finance in the manufacturing industry?
Which lenders offer the best asset finance deals for manufacturers?
How does asset finance benefit manufacturing businesses?
What types of asset finance are available for manufacturers?
Can new manufacturing businesses access asset finance easily?
What should manufacturers consider when choosing an asset finance lender?

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1Funding AgentFunding Agent helps UK SMEs compare business finance options fast, with a simple application journey and quick eligibility matching.£10,000–£1,000,000; 4%–20% APR; 3–60 months
2NovunaNovuna offers innovative asset finance solutions for manufacturing firms, helping them unlock the value in their assets.£10,000–£500,000; 6.1%–6.7% APR; 24–72 hours processing
3Paragon BankParagon Bank provides comprehensive financial services to the manufacturing sector, helping businesses acquire necessary assets.£100,000–£60,000,000; 0%–0% APR; 12–36 months
4LombardLombard is the UK's largest asset finance provider, offering support to manufacturing businesses through various finance options.£65,000–£5,000,000; 0%–0% APR; Flexible
5Portman FinancePortman Finance offers a variety of finance solutions tailored to the needs of SMEs, including those in the manufacturing sector.£10,000–£2,000,000; 6.9%–7.2% APR; 3–72 months
6Millbrook Business FinanceMillbrook Business Finance is a leading provider of bespoke financing solutions to the UK manufacturing industry.£5,000–£1,500,000; 5%–20% APR; 12–60 months
7Reality FinanceReality Finance provides adaptable finance solutions for manufacturing equipment and asset finance needs.£0–£0; 0%–0% APR; Tailored solutions available
8Union Business FinanceUnion Business Finance is a finance broker offering tailored funding solutions to SMEs across a range of sectors, including manufacturing.£10,000–£5,000,000; 7%–0% APR; 24–48 hours
9Clifton Private FinanceClifton Private Finance specializes in providing tailored finance solutions for the UK's manufacturing and property sectors.£50,000–£100,000,000; 7%–30% APR; 3–72 months
10White Oak UKWhite Oak UK supports manufacturing businesses with various finance products, helping them secure the necessary equipment to grow.£75,000–£500,000; 7.5%–25% APR; 6–60 months