Business owner planning equipment investment

Finance for young companies

Asset finance for new and recently established companies.

A company does not necessarily need several years of filed accounts to obtain asset finance. DCF can explore vehicle, plant and equipment funding for newer UK limited companies.

UK limited companiesEstablished 2011Independent broker

Finance around your business

No filed accounts does not automatically mean no finance.

Lenders can assess a newer company using more than historic accounts. The directors’ relevant experience, the asset, deposit, bank conduct, contracts and reason for the purchase may all help build the application.

Requirements vary significantly between lenders. DCF presents the transaction to funders whose criteria fit the business and asset rather than assuming a new company must wait several years.

Finance is subject to status and lender approval. Deposits, rates, terms and any guarantees depend on your business, the asset and the lender.

What we can help fund

The right asset for the work ahead.

Vans and commercial vehicles

New and used vans, pickups and other commercial vehicles required to start or expand trading.

Trucks and HGVs

Commercial vehicles for haulage, logistics and specialist operators, subject to underwriting and operator requirements.

Plant and machinery

Construction plant, manufacturing equipment and other identifiable business assets.

Your funding options

Ownership or use. Understand the difference.

01

Hire purchase

Spread the purchase cost through an agreed repayment schedule. Ownership can pass to your business once all contractual payments and any option-to-purchase fee have been paid.

Ask us to set out the initial payment, monthly cost, fees and any final payment together, so you can compare the full commitment.

02

Finance lease

Your business uses the asset in return for rentals, while the finance provider retains ownership. End-of-term arrangements depend on the agreement and should be understood before you sign.

We can explain the initial rental, ongoing payments and the options available when the primary term ends.

Explore the detail in our hire purchase, finance lease and contract hire comparison and VAT on asset finance guide.

Make the purchase work

Look beyond the monthly payment.

Director experience

Relevant industry and management experience can help explain why the new business is credible.

Deposit and guarantees

A lender may ask for a larger initial contribution or personal guarantee depending on the proposal.

Evidence of trading

Bank statements, contracts, invoices, forecasts or an order book may help demonstrate activity and affordability.

Start with the essentials

What to send us.

A supplier quote or listing is a useful starting point. We will confirm which supporting documents the lender needs.

Start your enquiry
  • Company number and incorporation date.
  • Director background and relevant industry experience.
  • Asset quotation and supplier details.
  • Business bank statements where available.
  • Contracts, orders or forecasts supporting the purchase.
  • Proposed deposit and preferred term.

A clear next step

How it works with DCF.

  1. 01

    Explain the business

    Tell us what the company does, who is behind it and why the asset is needed.

  2. 02

    Share the asset

    Send the supplier quote and proposed deposit.

  3. 03

    Match lender criteria

    We approach lenders able to consider newer businesses and that asset type.

  4. 04

    Complete the application

    Provide any additional bank, contract or director information requested.

Your questions answered

New-start asset finance: frequently asked questions

Can a new limited company get asset finance?

Potentially, yes. Some lenders consider newly incorporated and young companies, although criteria can be tighter than for established businesses.

What if my company has no filed accounts?

That does not automatically prevent finance. Lenders may use bank statements, director experience, contracts, forecasts and other evidence alongside the asset and deposit.

Will I need a personal guarantee?

A lender may require a personal guarantee, particularly for a newer business. Requirements depend on the lender and proposal.

Can a start-up finance a van?

Potentially. The vehicle, supplier, deposit, director background and evidence of trading or contracts will be considered.

Read about van finance

Can a new haulage company finance a truck?

Potentially, subject to lender criteria and the wider operating position. Relevant experience and a clear business case can be important.

Read about truck and HGV finance

Does being a homeowner guarantee approval?

No. Homeownership may be relevant to some lenders or guarantee structures, but it does not guarantee finance approval.

Let’s talk about your next purchase

Bring us the plan. We will do the legwork.

Based in Kent and supporting limited companies across the UK. Tell us what you need and we will explore suitable lenders on our panel.

Direct Commercial Finance Ltd is a commercial finance broker, not a lender. Finance is subject to status and lender approval.