Can we fund IT upgrades, case management software and cybersecurity tools?
Short answer: yes — here’s how to finance your technology stack in the UK
Yes. Established UK businesses can fund IT upgrades, case management software, and cybersecurity tools through a range of commercial finance options. Best Business Loans helps you compare providers and get matched to lenders and brokers suited to your needs.
We don’t supply loans directly or give regulated advice. We act as an independent introducer to help you find trusted finance partners quickly and transparently.
What technology spend can typically be financed?
Most lenders and specialist brokers can fund both tangible and intangible technology investments. That includes hardware, software, and professional services.
- Hardware: servers, laptops, desktops, networking, switches, Wi‑Fi, firewalls, VoIP, and peripherals.
- Software: case management systems, practice management, ERP/CRM, HRIS, finance software, and licenses.
- Cybersecurity: endpoint protection, XDR/EDR, MDR/SOC, SIEM, MFA, SSO, email security, backup, and disaster recovery.
- Cloud and productivity: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, cloud backups, hosting, and automation tools.
- Implementation: installation, configuration, data migration, training, and support agreements.
Why finance technology rather than pay cash?
Spreading costs helps preserve working capital and aligns payments with the useful life of the asset. It can also enable phased rollouts without delaying critical upgrades.
For many firms, predictable monthly payments make budgeting easier and reduce operational risk. In sectors with regulatory demands or client security requirements, finance can accelerate compliance.
Who is a good fit?
We most commonly help limited companies and LLPs with at least 12 months’ trading history. Asset-rich and operational sectors such as professional services, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and hospitality routinely qualify.
If you operate a law firm, funding case management and cybersecurity often comes up during audits and certifications. See our sector page on funding for solicitors and case management software for tailored guidance.
What are the main finance options for IT, software, and cyber projects?
Technology and software finance (including leasing and hire purchase)
Specialist asset finance providers can fund hardware and, in many cases, pure software and services. Agreements typically run 12–60 months, with fixed monthly repayments.
Some lenders allow 100% software and services finance, including implementation and training. This can be useful for case management platforms, ISO 27001 projects, or Cyber Essentials Plus remediation.
Unsecured business loans
Unsecured term loans can cover broader project scopes, including SaaS subscriptions or mixed vendor costs. Term lengths are commonly 6–60 months, subject to status and affordability.
They suit businesses wanting flexibility without tying finance to specific assets. Rates and limits vary based on your financial profile and trading performance.
Revenue-based finance and merchant cash advances
Some providers advance funds against card takings or recurring revenues. Repayments flex with sales, which can help if revenue is seasonal.
This can be an option for retail, hospitality, and other sectors with strong card turnover. It’s typically faster to arrange but may cost more than secured options.
Invoice finance
If your business sells on credit terms to other businesses, invoice finance can release cash tied up in unpaid invoices. Funds can then be deployed into IT and cyber investments.
It is not a “project finance” tool, but it strengthens cash flow so you can buy what you need. Facilities can scale as your sales grow.
Government-backed support
Depending on eligibility, you may access the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme via participating lenders. This can help viable UK businesses secure finance they might otherwise find harder to obtain.
Eligibility, terms, and availability change over time, and not every lender participates. We can introduce you to providers actively lending under current schemes.
Use cases: from case management to cyber resilience
Case management and practice management systems
Law firms, claims handlers, and professional services firms often fund case or practice management platforms. Finance can cover licenses, data migration, integrations, and staff training.
This helps firms upgrade systems quickly to enhance compliance, time recording, and client service. It also supports better reporting and audit readiness.
Cybersecurity modernisation
Many businesses now bundle a modern cyber stack into a single financed project. Typical bundles include EDR/XDR, MFA and SSO, secure email gateways, SIEM, and 24/7 SOC monitoring.
Financing these controls can help you meet client due diligence requirements. It also supports frameworks like Cyber Essentials, IASME, and ISO 27001.
Infrastructure refresh and cloud migration
Hardware refresh cycles can be funded and aligned with depreciation and warranties. Finance can include on‑prem upgrades plus cloud backup, DRaaS, and managed services.
Projects that blend CapEx-like hardware with OpEx-like software and services can still be financed. Providers may structure the mix under a single, predictable payment plan.
Sector-specific examples
- Legal: case management, legal accounting, compliance tools, and secure client portals.
- Healthcare and care: clinical systems, secure messaging, data protection solutions, and device management.
- Manufacturing: ERP/MRP, shop-floor data capture, OT security, and network segmentation.
- Retail and hospitality: POS upgrades, Wi‑Fi and firewalls, PCI compliance, and anti‑fraud tools.
If your project supports regulatory compliance, data protection, or operational resilience, it’s usually a strong fit for finance. Lenders value investments that reduce risk and improve productivity.
Eligibility, costs, and what lenders typically look for
How affordability and credit profile affect offers
Lenders assess affordability, trading history, and credit behaviour. They will look at filed accounts, management figures, existing commitments, and cash flow.
Offers vary by sector, project type, and security position. Rates, terms, and amounts are always subject to status and provider criteria.
What lenders consider for IT and software projects
- Business profile: company age, turnover, profitability, and sector.
- Purpose: clear project scope, vendor quotes, and business outcomes.
- Security: asset-backed, debenture, or personal guarantee where applicable.
- Affordability: realistic repayments aligned with cash flow.
- Governance: evidence of controls for cyber projects can help.
Documents you may be asked for
- Latest filed accounts and recent management accounts.
- Business bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
- Detailed vendor quotes and implementation plans.
- Existing finance schedules and liabilities.
- Director ID and KYC information.
What costs can be included?
Beyond licenses and hardware, many providers will finance installation, migration, and training. Maintenance and support agreements can also be included when pre‑paid.
Some lenders can incorporate multi‑vendor projects into a single agreement. This reduces admin and keeps the cost profile simple.
Typical terms and structures
Terms commonly range from 12 to 60 months. Longer terms may be available for larger assets or complex programmes.
For VAT‑bearing projects, some lenders allow VAT deferral or separate VAT treatment. Always confirm the tax approach with your provider and accountant.
Compliance and transparency
All financial promotions should be clear, fair, and not misleading. We always aim to describe benefits and limitations plainly so you can decide confidently.
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer, not a lender or financial adviser. Any finance is subject to provider approval, eligibility, and the provider’s terms and conditions.
How to get started — and what to expect with Best Business Loans
Simple steps to explore your options
- Complete a Quick Quote with your business details and project scope.
- Our system matches your profile to relevant lenders and brokers.
- We introduce you to suitable providers who can discuss terms with you.
- You review offers and choose the route that suits your cash flow and goals.
It’s fast and without obligation to proceed. You stay in control of every decision.
How fast can funding be arranged?
Simple requests can sometimes receive a decision in principle within 24–72 hours. Complex multi‑vendor or cyber projects may take longer due to scoping and due diligence.
The speed depends on the quality of documents and clarity of the proposal. Having vendor quotes and a project plan ready helps.
Common questions
Can you finance SaaS subscriptions and annual licenses? Many providers can finance pre‑paid annual licenses or multi‑year agreements, and unsecured loans can support monthly SaaS costs.
Do you support start‑ups or sole traders? We primarily help established UK limited companies and LLPs, and we do not currently support start‑ups or sole traders.
Will I need to give a personal guarantee? Some lenders may require a personal guarantee, especially for unsecured facilities, subject to status and provider policy.
Why choose Best Business Loans?
- AI‑assisted matching to save time and surface relevant providers.
- Coverage across asset finance, software finance, working capital, and more.
- Transparent approach with no obligation to proceed.
We can’t promise the lowest rate every time, but we aim to connect you to reliable options. Your business gets a faster route to informed decisions.
Key takeaways
- Yes — IT upgrades, case management, and cybersecurity can often be financed.
- Options include technology finance, unsecured loans, invoice finance, and government‑backed schemes via participating lenders.
- You can usually include licenses, hardware, implementation, and training.
- Eligibility depends on your trading profile, affordability, and provider criteria.
- Start with a Quick Quote to compare relevant routes for your project.
Get your Free Quick Quote now to check eligibility and be introduced to suitable providers. Fast, secure, and with no obligation.
Important information: Best Business Loans is an independent introducer and does not lend or provide financial advice. All finance is subject to status, eligibility, affordability checks, and the lender’s terms. Rates and approval times vary by provider. Please seek professional advice where appropriate. Updated October 2025.