Can I use asset finance for commercial kitchen, laundry, POS systems, and room technology?

Yes. UK lenders commonly fund commercial cooking and refrigeration equipment, dishwashers, on-premise laundry machines, EPOS/POS hardware, payment devices, Wi‑Fi and networking, smart TVs, access control, CCTV, and building management systems via hire purchase, finance lease, or operating lease.

Does asset finance cover installation, software, and training?

It depends on the lender and agreement. Many will include delivery and installation when bundled with the hardware from an approved supplier. Software licences and training may be included if wrapped in a hardware package; software-only often needs a specialist solution.

Is hire purchase or leasing better for POS and in-room tech?

For fast-evolving tech like POS or guest devices, a finance or operating lease can enable easier mid-term upgrades and lower initial outlay. Hire purchase can suit longer-life assets you plan to own, such as heavy kitchen or laundry equipment. The best choice depends on your upgrade cycle, accounting, and tax position.

Can I finance used or reconditioned equipment?

Often yes, if the assets are serialised, in good condition, and sourced from a recognised supplier. Pricing and terms may differ from new equipment, and warranties should be clear.

How quickly can I get approved?

Straightforward cases can be assessed within 24–72 hours once documents and supplier quotes are complete. Complex, multi-asset or stage-payment projects may take longer to document and deliver.

Does Best Business Loans provide the finance directly?

No. Best Business Loans is an independent introducer. We use AI matching to connect you with suitable UK lenders or brokers. All credit is subject to status, affordability checks, and provider criteria.

Can I use asset finance for kitchen, laundry, POS systems, or room technology?

Short answer: yes — asset finance can fund these essential hospitality and accommodation assets

Yes. In the UK, asset finance is commonly used to fund commercial kitchen equipment, on-premise laundry, EPOS/POS systems, and in-room or building technology for hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, and accommodation providers.

Depending on the asset and your objectives, this can include hire purchase (HP), finance lease, operating lease, or refinance of existing equipment. The right structure helps spread costs, preserve cash flow, and keep your operation up to date.

What you can fund with asset finance in hospitality

Commercial kitchen equipment

Fund ovens, combi-ovens, hobs, grills, fryers, refrigeration, blast chillers, extraction and ventilation, prep tables, and dishwashers or glasswashers. Stainless counters, hot-hold units, and food display equipment are typically eligible too.

Suppliers can often bundle design, delivery, and installation alongside the hardware in a single agreement, subject to lender criteria. Some lenders will include extended warranties and service packages.

On-premise laundry

Finance commercial washing machines, tumble dryers, ironers, finishing equipment, and ozone or dosing systems. Hotels, care homes, and serviced accommodation often use asset finance to maintain consistent hygiene standards and control costs.

New or reconditioned laundry equipment may be eligible, provided it is from a recognised supplier with serialised assets. Maintenance-inclusive leases are sometimes available.

POS systems and payment technology

Finance EPOS terminals, handheld ordering devices, receipt printers, cash drawers, kitchen display screens, back-office servers, and peripherals. Card machines (PEDs) and kiosks can be included if supplied within a hardware bundle.

Software licences and SaaS can sometimes be financed when packaged with tangible hardware, though software-only finance may require a specialist agreement. Ask about data migration and installation support within your quote.

Room and building technology

Eligible assets often include smart TVs, casting devices, digital signage, in-room tablets, minibars, door locks and access control, CCTV, Wi‑Fi infrastructure, networking, and building management systems. Energy-efficient upgrades, such as smart thermostats or LED controls, may also be suitable.

Where assets form part of a larger refurbishment, asset finance can complement fit-out finance or unsecured working capital, subject to lender appetite and project scope.

Common exclusions and workarounds

Consumables, décor-only items, and structural building work are typically excluded from asset finance. These may be better suited to fit-out finance, unsecured loans, or a blended approach.

Pure-play software, subscription fees, and training may be excluded or limited unless wrapped into a wider hardware deployment. Always confirm inclusions on your supplier quote.

How asset finance works for kitchens, laundry, POS, and room tech

Popular structures and how they differ

Hire Purchase (HP): you pay a deposit and fixed instalments, then acquire title at term end for a nominal fee. It suits assets you plan to keep long-term and is common for ovens, refrigeration, or laundry.

Finance Lease: you rent the asset for a fixed term with agreed rentals, without automatic ownership. At the end, you may extend, upgrade, or arrange a separate title transfer via the funder’s route.

Operating Lease: you rent the asset for part of its useful life, often with lower rentals and a planned upgrade path. This can suit rapidly evolving tech such as EPOS or in-room devices.

Terms, deposits, and end-of-term options

Typical terms range from 12–72 months depending on asset life, value, and your credit profile. Deposits can be 0%–20% on HP, while leases may require initial rentals.

With leases, end-of-term options vary: continue, upgrade, or return, subject to your agreement. With HP, ownership is expected after final payment and option fee.

New vs used assets, multi-asset deals, and stage payments

Many lenders accept both new and used equipment if it is identifiable and supportable. You will usually need a supplier quote with serial numbers and breakdowns.

Multi-asset “schedules” can bundle several items — for example ovens, extraction, and a POS refresh — into one monthly payment. Large projects may allow stage payments to your supplier during installation.

Typical steps to secure asset finance

Scope and quote: confirm specification, supplier, and costs, including installation.
Quick Quote: share business details, purpose, and budget to check eligibility.
Underwriting: lenders assess accounts, trading history, and asset suitability.
Offer and documentation: review terms, repayment profile, and conditions.
Delivery and activation: supplier is paid and your assets are installed.

Best Business Loans helps you compare structures so you can align payments to usage and seasonal cash flow. You stay in control of the final decision.

Benefits and key considerations before you proceed

Why hospitality businesses choose asset finance

Preserve cash flow by spreading costs over the asset’s working life rather than paying upfront. Move faster on critical upgrades that protect service quality and compliance.

Match repayments to seasonal takings or peak periods where lenders allow tailored profiles. Potential tax efficiencies may apply depending on structure and your circumstances — seek independent tax advice.

What to consider carefully

Total cost of finance: compare like-for-like, including documentation, option-to-purchase, end-of-term, delivery, and installation. Ensure warranties, servicing, and spares access are clear.

Soft costs: not all lenders fund design, cabling, networking, or training; clarify what is included. Technology refresh cycles: consider leases for fast-moving POS or guest tech to avoid obsolescence.

Security and guarantees: agreements may be secured on the asset, and personal or director guarantees can be requested. Early settlement or upgrade paths should be understood before you sign.

What lenders may ask for

Latest filed accounts and recent management figures.
Bank statements and details of existing finance commitments.
Supplier quotes with serialised asset lists and delivery timelines.
Proof of premises and insurance where applicable.

Clear paperwork helps speed up decisions and can unlock stronger terms. Accurate asset lists also reduce downstream administration.

Eligibility, cost drivers, and timelines in the UK

Who is likely to qualify

Established UK SMEs across hospitality, hotels, leisure, and healthcare often qualify, especially with 12+ months’ trading and stable revenues. Stronger cases include demonstrable cash flow and sensible debt cover.

Start-ups and pre-trade businesses are more challenging for traditional asset finance unless backed by significant guarantees or assets. Each lender sets its own criteria and sector appetite.

What influences pricing and approval

Asset type and longevity: robust kitchen or laundry equipment can be favoured due to resale value. Fast-depreciating tech like POS may price differently, sometimes balanced by operating leases.

Supplier standing, warranty, and service cover can improve confidence and supportability. Your credit profile, trading history, and the overall ticket size also shape terms.

Deposit level and term length affect monthly costs and affordability. Multi-site operators may access master agreements for smoother future upgrades.

Speed to decision and deployment

Decisions can be quick once documents and quotes are complete, often within 24–72 hours for straightforward cases. Complex or multi-asset projects may take longer due to stage payments or installation verification.

Funds are typically paid directly to the supplier on delivery, reducing admin for your team. Where you are planning a hotel or aparthotel refresh, see our guidance on hotel and hospitality finance options to plan wider capex.

How Best Business Loans helps you find the right provider

Smart matching to lenders and brokers who understand your sector

We use AI-driven matching and a curated network to connect you with finance providers active in kitchen, laundry, POS, and room tech. Tell us what you need, share your supplier quote, and we’ll signpost suitable options.

You compare structures — HP, finance lease, operating lease, or refinance — and choose the route that aligns with your budget and upgrade cycle. It’s free to submit an enquiry and there’s no obligation.

What we do — and what we don’t

We are an independent introducer, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice; we help you navigate options and connect with regulated providers where required.

Any funding is subject to status, affordability, and the lender’s criteria. Terms, rates, and fees are set by the provider and will be made clear before you decide.

Important compliance notes

All information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as financial, tax, or legal advice. Seek professional advice on VAT, capital allowances, and lease accounting for your situation.

We aim to ensure any introductions are fair, clear, and not misleading, and that material risks, costs, and exclusions are disclosed by providers. Your data is handled securely and shared only with relevant finance professionals for your enquiry.

Key takeaways

Yes — asset finance can fund kitchen, laundry, EPOS/POS, and room or building technology.
Choose from HP, finance lease, operating lease, or refinance based on ownership, upgrade frequency, and cash flow.
Check inclusions: installation, software, networking, and warranties may require specific agreements.
Costs depend on asset type, supplier, term, and your credit profile; decisions can be fast with the right documents.
Best Business Loans connects you with suitable UK providers so you can compare and choose confidently.

Ready to explore your options? Get a no-obligation match to lenders and brokers who can help with kitchen, laundry, POS, and room tech finance. Get Your Free Quick Quote Now.

Updated: October 2025