March 17, 2026
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Best Equipment Finance Lenders for the Manufacturing Industry

Discover the best equipment finance lenders tailored for the manufacturing industry in the UK. Compare options and find the right finance solution for your manufacturing business.
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Best Equipment Finance Lenders for the Manufacturing Industry
Abdus-Samad Charles
Finance Writer

Head of Content at Funding Agent, with four years’ experience creating practical, easy-to-follow, SEO-informed guidance for UK small and medium-sized businesses.

Best Equipment 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 2026-03-16.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent focuses on helping UK SMEs quickly compare a range of business finance options through a streamlined application process. It is suitable for SMEs seeking straightforward finance choices with fast eligibility checks. The platform emphasises speed and simplicity without requiring collateral, offering clear terms tailored to business needs.

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. Close Brothers Asset Finance

Close Brothers Asset Finance offers tailored lending solutions primarily through hire purchase and leasing for a range of industries, including manufacturing. It suits businesses needing flexible, asset-backed finance with various repayment options. The provider is known for customised deals and accepts different levels of collateral based on client needs and sector requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 18%
  • Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Hire Purchase, Leasing, Refinancing
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Construction, Engineering

Pros

  • Customizable finance solutions
  • Strong industry reputation

Cons

  • Higher APR for lower loan amounts

Sources: Source

3. Lombard

Lombard specialises in asset finance for sectors including manufacturing and technology, offering various options such as hire purchase and leasing. Its loans suit businesses looking for comprehensive, flexible finance solutions with competitive terms. Lombard’s options typically allow for different repayment types and LTV bands tailored to industry standards.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £25,000
  • Max Amount: £5,000,000
  • Min APR: 4.5%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 12–84 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Hire Purchase, Leasing
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Technology, Transport

Pros

  • Extensive industry experience
  • Comprehensive range of solutions

Cons

  • Interest rates may vary based on creditworthiness

Sources: Source

4. Portman Asset Finance

Portman Asset Finance focuses on delivering equipment finance and leasing solutions to SMEs, especially within manufacturing and engineering. It serves businesses seeking flexible loan terms and various finance structures. Clients benefit from a relatively quick approval process with adaptable repayment options based on their sector and needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £2,000,000
  • Min APR: 5.9%
  • Max APR: 13.9%
  • Loan Duration: 3–72 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Leasing, Commercial Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Engineering, Healthcare

Pros

  • Fast approval process
  • Flexible term options

Cons

  • Limited online presence for customer support

Sources: Source

5. Iwoca

Iwoca provides fast, flexible business finance for UK SMEs across various sectors including manufacturing. It is appropriate for companies seeking quick decisions and straightforward revenue-based loans without extensive collateral. Its products support short-term financing needs with simplicity in application and repayment.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £1,000
  • Max Amount: £1,000,000
  • Min APR: 49%
  • Max APR: 49%
  • Loan Duration: 1–24 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Revenue Based Loans
  • Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services

Pros

  • Rapid decision-making
  • No early repayment fees

Cons

  • Higher APR for smaller loans

Sources: Source

6. Paragon Bank

Paragon Bank provides asset finance solutions with a focus on supporting UK manufacturing businesses in acquiring new equipment. Their finance options typically include structured lending with fixed interest rates. It is suitable for SMEs seeking secure lending with clear repayment terms and industry-specific expertise.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £150,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Equipment Leasing, Structured Lending
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Engineering, Agriculture

Pros

  • Strong support for SMEs
  • Fixed interest rates

Cons

  • Limited to UK-based SMEs

Sources: Source

7. Rangewell

Rangewell acts as a business finance broker that aggregates lending options throughout the UK market, aiding SMEs in manufacturing and other sectors to find tailored equipment finance. It is well-suited to businesses wanting broad market access and customised finance solutions. The service helps navigate options including asset finance and unsecured loans with various security requirements.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 6%
  • Max APR: 19.9%
  • Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

  • Comprehensive market coverage
  • Tailored solutions

Cons

  • Brokerage fees may apply

Sources: Source

8. Funding Circle

Funding Circle operates as a peer-to-peer lending platform offering fixed-rate loans ideally suited for manufacturing businesses requiring equipment finance. It is suitable for companies comfortable with transparent, peer-based lending models seeking predictability and straightforward repayments. The platform caters to borrowers looking for competitive rates on equipment purchases and upgrades.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £10,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 6.9%
  • Max APR: 20%
  • Loan Duration: 6–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Business Loans, Equipment Finance
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Retail, Construction

Pros

  • Peer-to-peer model
  • Transparent terms

Cons

  • Not suitable for all borrower profiles

Sources: Source

9. Johnson Reed

Johnson Reed specialises in equipment finance tailored to UK businesses, notably in manufacturing and food processing sectors. It is suited to SMEs requiring lease-based finance and asset funding with a fast application process. Their offerings typically involve sector-focused support and flexible repayment structures.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £750,000
  • Min APR: 4%
  • Max APR: 15%
  • Loan Duration: 12–60 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Leasing, Asset Finance
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Food Processing

Pros

  • Specialist in SME equipment finance
  • Fast application process

Cons

  • Higher APR for less established businesses

Sources: Source

10. Novuna Business Finance

Novuna Business Finance focuses on financing larger equipment purchases with flexible leasing and loan options, primarily supporting manufacturing businesses. It is well suited to companies requiring tailored solutions backed by customer service. The provider typically offers competitive APR rates and adaptable term lengths to meet varied business needs.

Loan Details

  • Min Amount: £5,000
  • Max Amount: £500,000
  • Min APR: 4%
  • Max APR: 12.5%
  • Loan Duration: 12–72 months ⌛

Services & Industries

  • Finance Types: Asset Finance, Lease Purchase, Business Loans
  • Industries: Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology

Pros

  • Competitive APR rates
  • Flexible leasing options

Cons

  • Geared towards larger loan amounts

Sources: Source

How to choose

When selecting the best equipment finance lender for the manufacturing industry, consider your loan size and repayment capacity first. Assess APRs in relation to your budget and check lender eligibility requirements carefully. Balance fast approval times against flexibility in terms and repayment options. Also, review whether the finance requires collateral and understand any broker commissions if applicable. Finally, evaluate early repayment conditions and fees to ensure they align with your cash flow and seasonal business cycles.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lender depends on your specific business needs. Banks often provide secure, structured loans suited to larger or asset-backed financing, while brokers like Rangewell can offer access to wider market options. Specialists tend to focus on tailored lending for specific sectors. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Understanding your financing priorities helps you select the best fit for a loan around 200 thousand pounds or more.

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FAQs

What is equipment finance in the manufacturing industry?
Which lenders offer the best equipment finance options for manufacturers in the UK?
How does equipment leasing differ from equipment hire purchase?
What factors affect eligibility for equipment finance in manufacturing?
Can small manufacturing businesses access equipment finance easily?
What are the benefits of equipment finance for the manufacturing sector?

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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
2Close Brothers Asset FinanceClose Brothers Asset Finance provides tailored financial solutions across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, to facilitate equipment acquisition through hire purchase and leasing.£10,000–£1,000,000; 6%–18% APR; 6–60 months
3LombardLombard is a major asset finance provider in the UK, specializing in equipment finance across sectors like manufacturing and technology, offering diverse financing options including hire purchase and leasing.£25,000–£5,000,000; 4.5%–15% APR; 12–84 months
4Portman Asset FinancePortman Asset Finance provides a range of financial products for SMEs, focusing on equipment finance and asset leasing solutions tailored to the manufacturing and engineering sectors.£10,000–£2,000,000; 5.9%–13.9% APR; 3–72 months
5IwocaIwoca offers quick, flexible business finance for SMEs in the UK, supporting industries including manufacturing with their equipment finance needs through streamlined application processes.£1,000–£1,000,000; 49%–49% APR; 1–24 months
6Paragon BankParagon Bank offers specialized financial services to businesses, providing asset finance solutions to support the manufacturing sector in acquiring new equipment and technology.£10,000–£150,000; 6%–15% APR; 6–60 months
7RangewellRangewell is a UK-based business finance broker that maps the entire lending market, helping SMEs in sectors like manufacturing to find the best equipment finance solutions available.£5,000–£500,000; 6%–19.9% APR; 6–60 months
8Funding CircleFunding Circle is a peer-to-peer lending platform offering competitive fixed-rate loans for manufacturing businesses to finance equipment purchases and upgrades.£10,000–£750,000; 6.9%–20% APR; 6–60 months
9Johnson ReedJohnson Reed specializes in providing equipment finance to UK businesses, offering tailor-made leasing solutions for the manufacturing and food processing sectors.£5,000–£750,000; 4%–15% APR; 12–60 months
10Novuna Business FinanceNovuna Business Finance supports large-scale equipment acquisitions for the manufacturing sector with flexible leasing and loan options, backed by top-tier customer service.£5,000–£500,000; 4%–12.5% APR; 12–72 months
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