What types of finance are available for print, signage and packaging companies?

The quick answer and sector context

Direct answer

Print, signage and packaging companies typically use a mix of asset finance (hire purchase and leasing), asset refinance, invoice finance, revolving credit facilities, unsecured business loans, VAT and tax loans, trade and stock finance, project/fit-out finance, and sustainability funding. The right choice depends on whether you’re buying machinery, unlocking cash from invoices, funding materials, or smoothing cash flow. Many UK providers also offer solutions aligned to the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme for eligible firms.

Who this applies to

These options suit UK limited companies across commercial print, wide-format and signage, labels and flexo, corrugated and carton packaging, finishing houses, and converters. Finance can support presses, cutters, laminators, CNC routers, vehicles, software, and energy upgrades. Established firms with predictable B2B revenues tend to qualify most easily.

Important note on our role

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer — we do not lend directly. We help you explore and connect with suitable lenders and brokers through intelligent matching. Finance is subject to status, affordability and lender criteria; rates and terms vary, and security or personal guarantees may be required.

Why finance matters in print and packaging

Capex is high and technology moves fast, from LED-UV retrofits to automated finishing and MIS. Materials (paper, board, vinyl, inks) and energy costs can pressure cash flow. Flexible finance helps you invest, meet lead times, and protect working capital while margins fluctuate.

Fast route to options

Tell us your goal — acquire kit, release cash, fund purchase orders, or cut energy use — and we’ll introduce relevant providers. You can compare structures, review terms, and decide what fits your cash flow. It’s quick to submit an enquiry and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Asset and equipment finance options

Hire Purchase (HP)

HP spreads the cost of presses, wide-format printers, cutters, die-cutters, guillotines, binders, creasers, CNC routers, laminators, and vehicles. You pay fixed monthly instalments, then own the asset after the option-to-purchase fee. HP suits assets with a long working life and predictable utilisation.

Finance Lease and Operating Lease

A finance lease provides use of the asset over a primary term with rentals that may be offset against profits for tax purposes; ownership does not automatically transfer. An operating lease typically carries lower rentals because the funder takes more residual risk and you return or upgrade at term end. Leases are popular for technology that benefits from regular upgrading, such as digital presses or RIP/MIS hardware.

Software, workflow and IT finance

Many lenders can fund non-tangible assets like MIS, web-to-print platforms, colour management, pre-press software, and servers. Payments can align with expected benefits from automation, reducing operational friction. Packaging converters often bundle CAD/CAM, nesting tools and workflow into a single lease.

Asset Refinance (sale & leaseback)

If you already own equipment, asset refinance can release working capital by lending against its value. Funds raised can cover materials, payroll, tax, or a deposit for new equipment. Valuation, age, and resale demand influence the advance and rate.

Vehicles and specialist kit

Signage firms often fund vans, cherry pickers, and installation vehicles under HP or lease. Packaging businesses can finance forklifts, plant handling equipment, compressors and energy-efficient dryers. Bundling accessories, training, and install costs into the agreement can reduce upfront strain.

When to choose asset finance

Pick asset finance when the purchase directly generates revenue or saves cost, and the asset life matches the term. It helps keep cash in the business while aligning repayments to output. Fixed rentals support planning and preserve overdraft capacity.

Working capital and cash flow funding

Invoice Finance (factoring and invoice discounting)

Invoice finance unlocks a percentage of your billed value within 24–48 hours of raising invoices. Factoring includes credit control and collections, while invoice discounting leaves collections with you and is usually confidential. It suits B2B printers, signmakers and packaging firms with 30–90 day terms and creditworthy customers.

Select invoice finance and spot factoring

If you don’t want a whole book facility, select invoice finance lets you fund chosen invoices or key debtors. Spot solutions can support seasonality or large one-off projects. Eligibility depends on debtor quality, disputes history, and concentration.

Revolving Credit Facilities and Unsecured Business Loans

A revolving credit facility functions like an overdraft with a set limit, interest only on what you draw, and flexible repayment. An unsecured business loan provides a fixed lump sum over a defined term, useful for marketing, staffing, or smaller kit. Lender appetite depends on trading history, profitability, and bank statements.

VAT, Corporation Tax and Insurance Premium Finance

VAT and tax loans spread HMRC liabilities over 3–12 months, smoothing quarter-end spikes. Insurance premium finance spreads annual commercial insurance premiums into monthly payments. These tools protect cash during busy material buy-in periods or machine upgrades.

Trade, Purchase Order and Stock Finance

Trade and PO finance can fund imports of substrates, inks, coatings and consumables against confirmed purchase orders. Facilities can pay suppliers, bridge shipping times, and settle on delivery or invoice. Stock finance can release cash against inventory, especially for high-turn, predictable material lines.

When to choose cash flow funding

Choose these when you need to cover growing order books, longer customer terms, or seasonal bursts. They help avoid over-reliance on an overdraft and protect supplier relationships. Pairing invoice finance with a revolving facility can create a resilient working capital stack.

Sustainability, growth and project-based funding

Sustainability and Energy-Efficiency Finance

Specialist “green” finance can support LED-UV retrofits, heat recovery, energy-efficient compressors, solvent capture, and solar PV. Some lenders offer preferential rates if verified savings or certifications apply. Lower energy use can improve margins and support ESG credentials in tenders.

Fit-Out and Project Finance

Fit-out finance helps refurbish production areas, install mezzanines, upgrade electrics, or improve workflow and safety. Project-based facilities can bundle machinery, installation, civils, racking, extraction, and training. Milestone drawdowns match supplier invoices and reduce cash strain.

Asset-Based Lending (ABL) and Secured Facilities

ABL can combine receivables, inventory and plant & machinery into a larger borrowing base. This is useful for medium-sized packaging or print businesses scaling rapidly or completing M&A. Facilities typically include regular audits and covenants tailored to your trading profile.

Government support: Growth Guarantee Scheme

Several lenders participate in the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme, which may improve access to loans for eligible UK SMEs. It can support working capital, investment, and growth projects alongside commercial terms. Lenders make all eligibility and credit decisions; guarantees are to the lender, not the business.

When to choose growth or green funding

Pick these when you’re upgrading for efficiency, securing a new contract, or reconfiguring your site. Green-financed projects can deliver measurable cost savings and marketing benefits. A blended structure — for example, HP for kit and a VAT loan for tax — often optimises cash flow.

How to choose, eligibility, FAQs and next steps

How to choose the right funding mix

Match the funding term to the asset life: long-life presses on HP or lease; short-life software on a shorter lease. Use invoice finance for slow-paying customers and revolving facilities for day-to-day fluctuations. Consider green finance or project facilities when upgrades create measurable savings or productivity gains.

Typical eligibility and documents

Lenders commonly ask for filed accounts, recent management accounts, bank statements, aged debtor and creditor reports, and a list of existing finance. For asset finance, you’ll need supplier quotations and details of the equipment. For invoice finance, debtor quality, concentration, dispute levels, and contractual terms are key.

Costs, risks and fair comparison

Check the total cost of finance, set-up fees, documentation fees, service fees, and any early settlement charges. Understand obligations such as security, guarantees, maintenance responsibilities, and usage limits. Compare not just rates but also flexibility, speed, covenants, and operational impact.

FAQs

What’s the best finance for a new digital press? Many firms use HP or a finance lease for predictable monthly costs, sometimes paired with a VAT loan. If you plan to upgrade regularly, a lease can ease future changes. Where energy savings are clear, green finance terms may be available.

Can I finance used equipment? Yes, many lenders fund quality used presses, folders, cutters and finishing kit. Age, condition, make and resale demand influence the advance and term. Asset valuations may be required.

How fast can I access funds? Smaller unsecured facilities may complete in days once documents are provided. Asset finance can be quick if suppliers are ready and underwriting is straightforward. Invoice finance typically onboards within 1–3 weeks depending on debtor audits.

Is invoice finance visible to my customers? With invoice discounting, it’s usually confidential and you manage collections. Factoring involves the lender handling collections and may be disclosed. The right structure depends on your preferences and customer relationships.

Do you support signage installers and vehicle graphics firms? Yes, many lenders are comfortable with wide-format printers, laminators, CNC routers, vans and access equipment. Working capital tools also help with large installation projects. We can introduce providers experienced in the signage and display sector.

Key takeaways and next step

Key takeaways: Use asset finance for machinery and vehicles; refinance kit to release cash; use invoice finance and revolving credit for cash flow; consider VAT/tax loans for peaks; explore green and project finance for efficiency and growth. Blend products to match your production cycle and customer terms. Always compare total cost, flexibility and operational fit — not just the rate.

Ready to explore options for your print or packaging business? Start with a free Quick Quote to check eligibility and get introduced to relevant providers. For sector-specific guidance, see our page on printing business loans.

Best Business Loans acts as an introducer only. This content is for information purposes and is not financial advice. Finance availability, eligibility and terms are subject to provider assessment and UK regulations.

How our matching works (simple steps)

Step 1: Share your goal — kit purchase, cash flow, materials funding, or sustainability. Step 2: Our system analyses your profile and shortlists relevant lenders and brokers. Step 3: You review options, ask questions, and decide on the route that suits your cash flow.

Submitting an enquiry is free and without obligation. We aim to connect you quickly with providers who understand print, signage and packaging. Your information is handled securely and confidentially.

Updated and compliant

Updated October 2025. We aim to present information that is clear, fair and not misleading, aligned with FCA guidance on financial promotions. Advertisers must comply with UK regulations and Google’s financial services policies; always confirm provider specifics and required disclosures.