Best Asset Finance Providers for Small Businesses in the UK

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 2025-10-09.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent provides comprehensive asset finance solutions to small businesses, offering flexibility and competitive rates. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 8.9%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Invoice Finance, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Quick approval
• No setup fees

Cons

• Limited to smaller loans

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/top-asset-financing-lenders-for-small-businesses

2. Aldermore

Aldermore Aldermore Bank offers innovative finance solutions tailored for small businesses in the UK, delivering asset finance and invoice finance. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 12–84 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Real Estate, Transportation, Agriculture

Pros

• Competitive rates
• Tailored solutions

Cons

• Strict lending criteria

Sources: https://www.aldermore.co.uk/business-finance/asset-finance/

3. Lombard

Lombard Lombard is the UK's largest asset finance provider offering a broad range of solutions to help businesses acquire the assets they need. It focuses on flexible options, collateral security, and suitable repayment structures for various business needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,000
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 24–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Hire Purchase, Finance Lease
• Industries: Automotive, Technology

Pros

• Largest UK provider
• Long history

Cons

• May have higher requirements for approval

Sources: https://www.lombard.co.uk/finance-options/hire-purchase.html

4. BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas BNP Paribas offers a range of asset-based lending options that serve various sectors in the UK. They focus on flexible structures for purchase and refinance, often secured on collateral, with options for different security arrangements. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Based Lending, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Construction, Manufacturing, Retail

Pros

• Large loan amounts possible
• Flexible lending

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://commercialfinance.bnpparibas.co.uk/en

5. Close Brothers

Close Brothers Close Brothers Asset Finance offers flexible funding options, focusing on supporting growth and investment for SMEs. They provide secured and unsecured solutions suited to a range of business needs. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £100,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 12–60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Transport, Manufacturing

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Wide range of services

Cons

• Higher interest for smaller loans

Sources: https://www.closeassetfinance.co.uk/s

6. HSBC

HSBC HSBC Business Banking provides a broad range of asset finance options suitable for various business needs. They offer flexible repayment terms and security solutions for different industries and size requirements. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £25,000,000
• Min APR: 5.8%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 12–120 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Equipment Leasing
• Industries: Energy, Technology

Pros

• Large international network
• Variety of products

Cons

• Stringent approval process

Sources: https://creditindication.business.hsbc.co.uk/

7. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers a comprehensive asset finance division providing flexible options for small businesses. They support purchase and lease structures with a range of security and repayment plans. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £25,000,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 14.9%
• Loan Duration: 24–300 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Loan Leasing
• Industries: Health, Retail

Pros

• Flexible repayment options
• Strong customer service

Cons

• Higher rates for unsecured loans

Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/borrow/

8. Investec

Investec Investec offers specialized asset finance solutions tailored for growing UK businesses, with options for secured loans, leasing, and flexible repayment structures. They focus on long-term client relationships and tailored financing. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £3,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1–5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Business Loans
• Industries: Financial Services, Retail

Pros

• Strong client relationships
• Wide range of options

Cons

• Higher APR for unsecured loans

Sources: https://www.investec.co.uk/assetfinance

9. Societe Generale

Societe Generale Societe Generale provides asset finance services suited for a range of industries across the UK. They focus on structured finance and asset-backed solutions. Their offerings include flexible repayment options and international support for businesses looking to acquire or refinance assets. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1–24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Leasing
• Industries: Banking, Automobile

Pros

• International expertise
• Broad industry support

Cons

• Shorter loan durations

Sources: https://www.societegenerale.co.uk/en/about/our-businesses/

10. ABN Amro

ABN Amro ABN Amro offers strategic asset finance solutions focusing on corporate clients, particularly those seeking structured finance, refinancing, and asset-backed portfolios. They support flexible security arrangements and target growth sectors in the UK. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 6.5%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Commercial Loans
• Industries: Real Estate, Food Industry

Pros

• Strategic partnerships
• Wide coverage

Cons

• Focus on larger clients

Sources: https://www.abnamro.com/uk/en/client-solutions/uk-markets

How to choose

Matching the right provider involves considering your loan purpose and capacity. For quick funding, brokers and specialised lenders may be best. Larger firms often offer more flexibility and higher limits. Always check the costs, fees, and early repayment options before committing. Evaluating your needs against lender offerings helps ensure you select the most suitable option for your small business.

Conclusion

Matching your finance needs with the appropriate provider type is important. Banks tend to offer higher loan amounts and structured products. Brokers and specialised lenders can provide quicker access and tailored solutions. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Other providers suit larger amounts, asset-backed needs, or sector specialisms. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.