Can I finance software, MIS, RIPs or workflow automation tools?

Short answer: yes — many UK businesses finance software and automation tools

Yes. Established UK companies can finance software licences, MIS, RIPs and workflow automation tools through a range of commercial funding options. Options typically include software leasing, subscription finance, asset and technology finance, unsecured business loans, and project-based finance that can bundle software, implementation and training.

Best Business Loans doesn’t lend directly. We help you explore suitable routes and connect you with lenders or brokers who regularly fund software and digital transformation projects in the UK.

If you’re looking to spread the cost of new systems, reduce upfront capital expenditure, and align payments with return on investment, software finance can be a practical solution. The right structure depends on your business profile, the software deployment model and the size of the project.

What counts as “software finance” today?

Software finance covers perpetual licences, subscription-based SaaS, on-premise modules, cloud instances, middleware and integrations, plus associated services. Lenders may also include implementation, configuration, data migration, training and support within the total financed cost.

Common examples include ERP, MRP, CRM, MIS for production, RIPs for print, RPA and workflow automation, cybersecurity suites, e-commerce platforms, and industry-specific applications. Many lenders classify this as “soft asset” or “technology” finance because the core asset is intangible.

The finance can be standalone or combined with hardware like servers, high-performance workstations, large-format printers or finishing equipment. Bundling can sometimes expand your choice of lenders and improve terms.

Important to know

Finance is always subject to status, affordability and underwriting. Rates and terms vary by provider, sector, credit profile and the exact software being funded.

What types of tools can be financed — and how are deals structured?

Most business-critical applications can be financed if they deliver operational value and have a clearly defined commercial use. Lenders commonly support MIS, RIPs, workflow or process automation, business intelligence, and security or compliance systems.

SaaS can be financed by prepaying annual subscriptions via a lender and repaying monthly, or via revenue-based facilities for fast-growing firms. Perpetual or term licences can be funded via lease agreements or hire purchase–style structures, depending on the product and lender policy.

Professional services are often included. Where implementation is phased, drawdowns can be staged to match milestones and acceptance criteria, helping you pay only as the project progresses.

Typical commercial structures

• Software leasing or technology finance: Spread the cost over 12–60 months, often with fixed monthly payments.
• Subscription finance: Prepay an annual or multi-year SaaS contract via finance and repay monthly or quarterly.
• Unsecured business loan: Use general-purpose working capital to fund software, training and change management.
• Project finance: Bundle software, services, integrations and support into one facility with staged drawdowns.
• Asset finance with hardware: Combine software with servers, devices, or print equipment to widen lender appetite.

How lenders think about intangible assets

Software is an intangible asset, which means title and recoverability differ from equipment finance. Underwriting focuses on business strength, cash flow, project ROI and the mission-critical nature of the tool.

Stronger cases include systems that increase throughput, reduce waste, shorten lead times, or drive measurable revenue. Where benefits are quantifiable and supported by a vendor proposal, approval odds often improve.

Some lenders will ask for a logical end-of-life or refresh plan to ensure the term matches the useful life of the software. That helps align cost with utility.

Security and guarantees

Many software finance agreements are unsecured but may require a personal guarantee from directors. Security requirements vary and will be disclosed by the provider before you proceed.

Eligibility, documents and how to apply through Best Business Loans

Eligibility varies, but lenders typically look for established UK limited companies or LLPs with stable revenue and clear software use-cases. Newer businesses may still be considered with strong projections, but many lenders prefer 12–24 months’ trading history.

A clean or explainable credit history helps, though past issues don’t always mean a decline. Affordability, sector stability, and the criticality of the software to operations are key.

Some sectors are especially well served by software finance providers, such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and print and signage. If you’re in print and considering MIS or RIPs, explore our guidance for printing business finance.

What documents help speed things up?

• Latest filed accounts and recent management accounts.
• Business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
• Detailed vendor proposal or statement of work, including licence model and costs.
• Project plan and benefits case, showing expected efficiency or revenue impact.
• Company details, director information and any group structure notes.

How our matching works

Complete a Quick Quote in a couple of minutes. Our AI looks at your profile, sector and project to suggest suitable providers from our network.

We then introduce you to lenders or brokers who are active in your space and familiar with software underwriting. This saves you time approaching multiple firms and repeating the same information.

You stay in control. Review the options, compare terms, and only proceed if the solution fits your goals and cash flow. It’s free to submit an enquiry.

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Ready to explore finance for software, MIS, RIPs or automation tools? [Get Your Free Quick Quote Now]

Costs, benefits, risks and alternatives to software finance

Costs: Pricing depends on your credit profile, term length, project size, and whether the finance is secured or unsecured. Terms typically range from 12 to 60 months, with fixed repayments for budgeting clarity.

Expect standard documentation fees and, in some cases, a deposit or advance payment. Your provider will disclose all charges, repayment schedules and any early-settlement conditions before you commit.

Align the term to the software’s useful life and update cycle. Shorter terms usually mean higher monthly costs but lower total interest; longer terms reduce monthly outlay but extend the commitment.

Why businesses finance software and automation

• Preserve cash flow: Avoid large upfront payments and match cost to benefit.
• Accelerate ROI: Deploy now and realise productivity gains sooner.
• Budget certainty: Fixed repayments help forecasting and cost control.
• Scalability: Add users or modules and finance incremental upgrades.
• Modernise operations: Keep systems current to stay competitive.

Key considerations and risks

• Commitment: You’re taking on a liability for the term; ensure affordability under stress scenarios.
• Obsolescence: Choose a term that aligns with updates or plan for refresh clauses.
• Implementation risk: Structure drawdowns or acceptances to match delivery milestones where possible.
• Security: Some agreements may request personal guarantees or debentures; check obligations carefully.
• Change management: Factor in training and adoption to capture ROI.

Alternatives if software-specific finance isn’t right

• Unsecured working capital loans: General-purpose funding for software and training.
• Invoice finance: Unlock cash from receivables to self-fund digital upgrades.
• Revenue-based finance: Variable repayments aligned to revenue for growth-focused firms.
• Refinance existing assets: Release capital tied up in equipment to fund software.
• Government-backed schemes: Where eligible, consider products supported by the British Business Bank’s programmes via participating lenders.

Important disclosure

Best Business Loans helps you find providers — we don’t guarantee acceptance, the lowest rate, or eligibility for any specific scheme. Your chosen provider will present full terms, risks and costs before you sign.

Sector examples, FAQs and how to get started

Manufacturers often finance MRP, MES and quality systems to reduce scrap and stockouts. Logistics firms may finance TMS, WMS and route optimisation to improve on-time delivery and reduce fuel costs.

Professional services firms commonly finance practice management, document automation and cybersecurity to meet client expectations and compliance. Print and signage companies regularly finance MIS and RIPs to streamline quoting, imposition and colour management.

Whatever your sector, the goal is the same: choose a finance structure that supports adoption, mitigates project risk and aligns payments with value created.

FAQs

Can I finance software only, without hardware? Yes. Many lenders fund software-only projects, including SaaS and perpetual licences, plus implementation services where appropriate.

Can subscriptions be financed? Often yes. A finance provider may prepay an annual or multi-year subscription, with you repaying monthly or quarterly.

What deposit will I need? Some agreements require a small upfront payment; others don’t. It depends on the lender, the term and your credit profile.

How fast can I get a decision? Simple cases can receive an in-principle view quickly once documents are provided. Complex, multi-phase projects may take longer due to milestone structuring.

Will I need a personal guarantee? Possibly. Requirements vary by lender and risk profile and will be shown before you proceed.

Do you work with start-ups and sole traders? We primarily support established UK limited companies and LLPs. We currently don’t support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance or commercial mortgages.

How to improve your approval odds

• Present a clear business case with quantified benefits and timelines.
• Share recent management accounts and bank statements to demonstrate affordability.
• Include vendor quotes, statements of work and acceptance criteria for staged drawdowns.
• Align the term with the software’s update cycle and expected lifetime.
• Be ready to discuss implementation resource and training plans.

Next steps

Take two minutes to outline your project via our Quick Quote form. Our AI-driven system will match you with providers who regularly fund software, MIS, RIPs and automation projects in your sector.

You’ll stay in control from start to finish. There’s no obligation to proceed, and your information is handled securely and confidentially.

[Start Your Quick Quote →]

Key takeaways

• Yes — UK businesses can finance software, MIS, RIPs and workflow automation tools through several commercial options.
• Structures include software leasing, subscription finance, unsecured loans and project-based facilities.
• Approval depends on business profile, affordability and a clear benefits case.
• You can often include implementation, integration and training in the financed amount.
• Best Business Loans introduces you to suitable providers; we don’t lend directly.

Compliance and transparency

Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not financial advice. Finance is subject to status, terms and conditions, and may require personal guarantees or security.

We aim to ensure all promotions are fair, clear and not misleading. Full costs, risks and obligations are provided by the finance provider before you enter into any agreement.

Updated: October 2025