Should I pay the deposit to the supplier or the finance provider?

The practical answer

Follow the agreed transaction instructions because the recipient and invoice route can depend on the funding structure.

Before transferring money, confirm who requires it, what reference to use, how VAT is treated and how the payment will appear in the final documentation. Retain proof of payment.

If a deposit has already gone to a different party, disclose it before completion. A supplier receipt does not automatically satisfy every lender’s required initial-payment process.

What should I do next?

Have the asset details, supplier information and an outline of what the business needs ready. DCF can then discuss the requirement and identify which lenders may be suitable.