Top 10 Equipment Leasing Providers in the UK for 2026
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Top 10 Equipment Leasing Providers in the UK
| Rank | Lender | Best for | Published loan range | Loan rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liberty Leasing | Mid-value equipment leases for growing UK businesses | £10,000 to £2,000,000 | interest 11% to 16% |
| 2 | Lombard | Larger equipment leases with competitive interest rates | Up to £5,000,000 | interest 4% to 11.5% |
| 3 | PlayterBoost | Established firms wanting low-rate equipment finance | £30,000 to £50,000 | interest 2.5% to 4% |
| 4 | Reward Funding | High-value equipment leasing from £100,000 and above | £100,000 to £5,000,000 | interest 0.99% to 3% |
| 5 | Time Finance | Flexible asset finance for varied equipment leasing needs | Up to £5,000,000 | interest 5.5% to 13.5% |
| 6 | Admiral leasing | Smaller equipment leases starting from just £1,000 | From £1,000 | interest 5.5% to 13.5% |
| 7 | Barclays | Equipment finance through a well-known high-street bank | £1,000 to £25,000,000 | interest 8.5% to 14.9% |
| 8 | Lloyds Bank | Smaller asset finance from a familiar banking partner | £1,000 to £50,000 | interest 10.65% to 11.2% |
| 9 | Acorn Business Finance | Mid-to-large equipment leasing with specialist support | £15,000 to £5,000,000 | interest 8% to 15% |
| 10 | Aldermore Asset finance | Accessible equipment finance for startups and newer businesses | £1,000 to £10,000,000 | interest 5% to 15% |
Equipment leasing lets UK businesses acquire essential machinery, vehicles, and technology without tying up large amounts of capital. Instead of buying assets outright, you pay a fixed monthly fee to use the equipment over an agreed period. This approach preserves cash flow and can offer tax advantages, making it a practical choice for businesses of all sizes. Finding the right provider matters, so we have compared the top 10 equipment leasing providers in the UK to help you decide.
Each provider on this list offers a different mix of lease sizes, rates, and eligibility requirements. Some cater to startups and smaller businesses, while others focus on larger, more established firms. Factors such as funding speed, lease term flexibility, and sector expertise can make a real difference to your experience. Use our comparison to understand what each lender brings to the table, then choose the one that best matches your equipment needs and business profile.
Important: Funding Agent is a commercial finance broker, not a direct lender. The providers listed include listed partners we can route your enquiry to, as well as banks and other lenders included for comparison. Rates and terms depend on your business profile, the equipment being leased, and the provider's criteria. Always review the full agreement before committing.
Funding Agent
Published loan rangeFrom £10,000 to up to £1,000,000
Rate typeInterest or factor rate
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.
Liberty Leasing
Published loan range£10,000 to £2,000,000
Rate typeinterest 11% to 16%
Overview: Liberty Leasing provides asset finance from £10,000 to £2,000,000 with funding possible within 24 hours. It covers equipment, vehicles and machinery across most UK sectors.
A strong equipment leasing option for businesses that want to preserve cash flow while acquiring essential assets. Suits both established firms and younger companies looking to scale.
Best next step: See if Liberty Leasing fits your equipment needs
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding available within 24 hours
- Covers equipment, vehicles and machinery
- Loan sizes from £10,000 to £2 million
Need to know
- Rates typically fall between 11% and 16%
- Asset eligibility checks may apply
- Funding is tied to the financed asset
Expert take
Liberty Leasing works well for UK businesses needing quick equipment finance without tying up working capital. The wide loan range accommodates both small and mid-sized asset purchases.
Lombard
Published loan rangeUp to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 4% to 11.5%
Overview: Lombard offers asset finance facilities up to £5,000,000 with funding often available in 24 hours. It is one of the UK's most established equipment leasing specialists.
Well-suited to businesses needing substantial equipment leasing lines, from heavy plant to commercial vehicles. Competitive rates make it a benchmark provider in the UK market.
Best next step: Explore Lombard equipment leasing rates
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Facilities of up to £5,000,000
- Competitive rates from 4%
- Funding within 24 hours
Need to know
- Rates range from 4% to 11.5%
- Asset valuations may be required
- Deposits might apply on larger deals
Expert take
Lombard is a go-to for UK businesses seeking equipment leasing at scale. Its long track record and broad asset coverage make it a reliable choice for capital-intensive industries.
Source:https://www.lombard.co.uk/
PlayterBoost
Published loan range£30,000 to £50,000
Rate typeinterest 2.5% to 4%
Overview: PlayterBoost offers asset finance from £30,000 to £50,000 with rates starting at 2.5%. Repayments can align with trading performance, suiting businesses with fluctuating income.
An alternative equipment leasing route for card-taking or revenue-generating UK SMEs. It can work for businesses that struggle with conventional fixed-term equipment loans.
Best next step: Check PlayterBoost equipment finance eligibility
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Rates starting from 2.5%
- Repayments linked to revenue
- Funding available within 24 hours
Need to know
- Limited to £30,000 to £50,000 range
- Strong trading history usually needed
- A personal guarantee may be required
Expert take
PlayterBoost suits revenue-generating UK businesses wanting equipment finance with flexible repayments. It is less conventional than traditional leasing but works well for seasonal trading patterns.
Source:https://www.playter.co/
Reward Funding
Published loan range£100,000 to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 0.99% to 3%
Overview: Reward Funding provides asset finance from £100,000 to £5,000,000 with rates as low as 0.99%. Funding can be completed within 24 hours for eligible UK businesses.
Targets larger equipment leasing requirements with a flexible drawdown structure. Suitable for established businesses making significant capital investments in plant, machinery or fleet.
Best next step: See Reward Funding equipment leasing options
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Rates starting from 0.99%
- Facilities up to £5,000,000
- Funding within 24 hours
Need to know
- Minimum facility of £100,000
- Security arrangements are required
- Legal or valuation costs may apply
Expert take
Reward Funding is a strong pick for larger UK businesses needing high-value equipment leasing with competitive rates. The flexible drawdown structure suits phased equipment purchases well.
Source:https://rewardfunding.co.uk/
Time Finance
Published loan rangeUp to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 5.5% to 13.5%
Overview: Time Finance offers asset finance facilities up to £5,000,000 with rates from 5.5%. Funding can be arranged within 24 hours, covering a wide range of UK business assets.
A versatile equipment leasing provider that also supports invoice finance, making it useful for businesses that want to combine asset funding with working capital solutions.
Best next step: View Time Finance equipment leasing terms
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Facilities up to £5,000,000
- Rates starting from 5.5%
- Funding within 24 hours
Need to know
- Rates range from 5.5% to 13.5%
- Asset eligibility checks are required
- Deposits may apply on some deals
Expert take
Time Finance offers solid equipment leasing for UK businesses that may also benefit from invoice finance. It is a practical choice for firms wanting a multi-product relationship with one provider.
Source:https://www.timefinance.com/
Admiral leasing
Published loan rangeFrom £1,000
Rate typeinterest 5.5% to 13.5%
Overview: Admiral Leasing specialises in equipment leasing from as little as £1,000, with funding decisions possible within 4 hours. It covers a broad range of business equipment across the UK.
One of the fastest equipment leasing providers available, making it a practical choice for businesses that need to secure assets quickly. Low minimum facility suits smaller equipment purchases.
Best next step: Check Admiral Leasing for fast equipment finance
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding possible within 4 hours
- Facilities starting from £1,000
- Specialist equipment leasing focus
Need to know
- Rates estimated between 5.5% and 13.5%
- Minimum facility from £1,000
- Asset type and condition checks apply
Expert take
Admiral Leasing stands out for speed and accessibility in the UK equipment leasing market. The low entry point makes it viable for startups and sole traders needing smaller asset purchases quickly.
Barclays
Published loan range£1,000 to £25,000,000
Rate typeinterest 8.5% to 14.9%
Overview: Barclays provides asset finance from £1,000 to £25,000,000, covering equipment leasing for UK businesses of all sizes. A mainstream bank with broad product coverage and strong brand recognition.
Suits businesses that want equipment leasing from a high-street bank with an extensive lending appetite. The wide facility range accommodates everything from single assets to large-scale capital programmes.
Best next step: Explore Barclays equipment leasing options
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Facilities from £1,000 to £25 million
- Broad asset type coverage
- Trusted high-street bank backing
Need to know
- Rates range from 8.5% to 14.9%
- Bank underwriting can be slower
- Trading history may be required
Expert take
Barclays is a reliable equipment leasing choice for UK businesses wanting bank-grade finance. The huge upper limit suits major capital projects, though startups may face stricter underwriting.
Lloyds Bank
Published loan range£1,000 to £50,000
Rate typeinterest 10.65% to 11.2%
Overview: Lloyds Bank offers asset finance from £1,000 to £50,000, with funding typically within 48 hours. It also supports start-up and government-guaranteed lending schemes for newer UK businesses.
A practical equipment leasing option for smaller UK businesses and startups. Start-up and GGS scheme access makes it worth considering for younger companies that might struggle with conventional asset finance.
Best next step: See Lloyds Bank equipment leasing terms
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Start-up and GGS scheme access
- Facilities from £1,000 to £50,000
- Flexible drawdown structure available
Need to know
- Rates around 10.65% to 11.2%
- Funding may take up to 48 hours
- Bank underwriting applies
Expert take
Lloyds Bank is well-suited to UK SMEs and startups seeking equipment leasing with government scheme backing. It offers a more accessible entry point than many high-street rivals for younger businesses.
Acorn Business Finance
Published loan range£15,000 to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 8% to 15%
Overview: Acorn Business Finance provides asset finance from £15,000 to £5,000,000 with funding within 24 hours. It covers equipment leasing alongside revolving credit and acquisition finance for UK businesses.
A specialist provider that can handle niche equipment leasing scenarios, including premium finance and acquisition-linked asset funding. Suitable for businesses with more complex equipment financing needs.
Best next step: View Acorn Business Finance equipment options
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Facilities from £15,000 to £5 million
- Covers niche and specialist assets
- Funding within 24 hours
Need to know
- Rates range from 8% to 15%
- Strong trading history may be needed
- Asset eligibility checks apply
Expert take
Acorn Business Finance is a good fit for UK businesses with specialist equipment leasing requirements. Its niche expertise and revolving credit options add flexibility beyond standard asset finance.
Aldermore Asset finance
Published loan range£1,000 to £10,000,000
Rate typeinterest 5% to 15%
Overview: Aldermore Asset Finance offers facilities from £1,000 to £10,000,000, with rates between 5% and 15%. It serves a wide spectrum of UK SME equipment leasing needs.
A flexible equipment leasing provider with one of the widest facility ranges in the market. Suitable for businesses of all sizes, from sole traders buying a single asset to mid-sized firms upgrading full equipment lines.
Best next step: Check Aldermore equipment leasing eligibility
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Facilities from £1,000 to £10 million
- Rates starting from 5%
- Broad SME equipment coverage
Need to know
- Funding may take up to 48 hours
- Rate depends on asset and credit profile
- Asset condition checks may apply
Expert take
Aldermore Asset Finance offers impressive range for UK equipment leasing, from micro-facilities to multi-million-pound deals. A solid all-rounder for SMEs seeking straightforward asset finance with competitive headline rates.
Source:https://www.aldermore.co.uk/business/business-finance/asset-finance/
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Equipment leasing vs hire purchase: what UK businesses need to know
Equipment leasing and hire purchase are both popular ways to acquire assets without paying the full cost upfront, but they work very differently. With a lease, you rent the equipment for an agreed period and return it at the end unless you negotiate a secondary rental term. You never own the asset, but maintenance can often be bundled into the monthly cost.
| Feature | Equipment Leasing | Hire Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Lender retains ownership | You own after final payment |
| VAT | Paid on each instalment | Paid upfront on full price |
| Balance sheet | Operating leases off-sheet | Asset and liability recorded |
| Upgrade flexibility | Easy to swap at term end | You are tied to the asset |
| Deposit | Often 1-3 months upfront | Typically higher deposit |
Leasing suits businesses that want lower monthly costs and regular equipment upgrades. Hire purchase works better if you need to own the asset and claim capital allowances on its full value.
Tax implications of equipment leasing vs buying outright
How you structure equipment finance directly affects your tax position. With an operating lease, rental payments are typically treated as a revenue expense, which means you can offset them against your profits for corporation tax in full each year. There is no capital allowance claim because you do not own the asset.
With a finance lease or hire purchase, the tax treatment is closer to ownership. You can usually claim capital allowances against the asset value, including the Annual Investment Allowance, which lets many businesses deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment in the year of purchase. For the 2024/25 tax year, the AIA limit stands at £1 million.
VAT also works differently. An outright purchase or hire purchase means you pay all the VAT upfront and reclaim it through your next return. A lease spreads VAT across every instalment, which can help cash flow. Speak to your accountant before deciding, because the right choice depends on your profit levels, cash position, and planned asset use.
How to compare the top equipment leasing providers in the UK
Not all equipment leasing providers offer the same terms, and choosing the wrong one can cost your business thousands over the life of an agreement. Start by comparing the total cost over the full lease term, not just the monthly payment. Some providers advertise low monthly rates but charge steep end-of-term fees or admin costs.
Check which asset types each provider covers. Some specialist lenders focus on vehicles, while others fund manufacturing equipment, office technology, or medical kit. If your equipment is niche, you need a provider with experience in that area.
Look at eligibility requirements too. Some UK leasing providers require two years of trading history and a minimum turnover, which can rule out newer businesses. Others are more flexible. Also compare funding speed, deposit requirements, and whether the provider offers seasonal or variable payment options if your income fluctuates. Reading independent reviews from other business owners gives you real insight into how providers handle claims, customer service, and end-of-term processes.
Choosing the right equipment leasing provider for your industry and business needs
Your industry shapes which leasing provider will serve you best. A construction firm needing heavy plant machinery has different requirements to a dental practice fitting out a surgery or a logistics company acquiring a fleet of vehicles. The best provider for your business understands the equipment you use, the typical lifespan of those assets, and how your industry's cash flow cycles work.
Smaller and newer businesses should look for providers with lower turnover thresholds and shorter trading history requirements. Some UK leasing providers will consider startups with a solid business plan, while others stick firmly to established companies. If you expect to upgrade equipment regularly, prioritise providers offering flexible end-of-term options and easy renewal processes. If you plan to keep equipment long-term, check whether the provider offers a hire purchase alternative or a lease with an ownership option at the end. Always match the provider's strengths to your specific business model rather than simply chasing the lowest headline rate.
FAQs
Equipment leasing allows your business to use machinery, vehicles, or technology without paying the full purchase price upfront. You choose the equipment you need, a leasing provider buys it on your behalf, and you then pay a fixed monthly rental for an agreed period. At the end of the lease, you typically have three options: return the equipment, extend the lease on new terms, or in some cases purchase it for a residual value. It is a popular form of asset finance that helps businesses preserve working capital while still accessing essential equipment.
Most UK businesses can apply for equipment leasing, from sole traders and partnerships to limited companies and LLPs. Lenders will typically look at your trading history, credit profile, and financial accounts. Startups may need to provide a business plan, personal guarantees from directors, or pay a larger initial rental. Established businesses with a solid trading record and healthy turnover generally find it easier to secure approval. Each provider has its own criteria, so eligibility varies depending on the lender.
Equipment leasing terms in the UK typically range from one to seven years, depending on the expected useful life of the asset. Rates are influenced by factors including the lease term, the equipment type, your business credit profile, and current market conditions. You will usually pay an initial rental upfront, followed by fixed monthly payments. Interest rates can be structured on a variable or fixed basis. Always ask for the total amount payable over the full term so you can compare providers on a like-for-like basis.
With outright purchase, you own the asset immediately but tie up significant capital that could be used elsewhere in your business. Hire purchase gives you eventual ownership after all payments are made, whereas leasing typically keeps ownership with the finance provider. Leasing often offers lower monthly payments than hire purchase because you are not paying towards full ownership. It also makes upgrading equipment easier since you can return it at the end of the term. The right choice depends on your cash flow needs and how long you expect to use the equipment.
Look for a provider that is FCA authorised and has a strong track record in your industry. Check whether they specialise in the type of equipment you need, as some lenders focus on specific sectors like construction, manufacturing, or IT. Compare the total cost over the full lease term, not just the monthly payment. Customer service and flexibility matter too: can they accommodate seasonal payments or early settlement? Reading reviews and checking how long they have been trading can help you gauge reliability.
Yes, it is possible, though it can be more challenging. Some specialist lenders work with startups and businesses that have adverse credit histories. You may need to provide additional security, such as a personal guarantee from directors, a larger initial rental payment, or evidence of contracts and future revenue. The key is to approach providers who explicitly state they consider newer businesses or those with imperfect credit, as mainstream lenders may have stricter criteria.
