What funding amounts can I typically explore for machinery, vehicles or working capital?

Short answer — typical UK funding ranges at a glance

Most established UK SMEs can typically explore £5,000 to £5,000,000+ for machinery and equipment, £5,000 to £1,000,000+ for vehicles and fleets, and £10,000 to multi‑million facilities for working capital, depending on security, turnover, sector and credit profile. Exact limits hinge on factors such as asset type, age, deposit, affordability, and lender appetite. Best Business Loans connects you with suitable providers to explore your real‑world options quickly and responsibly.

Indicative ranges many providers consider:

• Machinery and equipment (asset finance): approximately £5,000 to £5,000,000+ per asset or project.
• Vehicles and fleets (HP, lease, contract hire): approximately £5,000 to £1,000,000+ or revolving fleet lines.
• Unsecured working capital loans: approximately £10,000 to £500,000 for established SMEs.
• Secured term loans: approximately £250,000 to £5,000,000+ depending on collateral and cash flow.
• Revolving credit/overdraft: approximately £10,000 to £500,000 aligned to revenue and trading history.
• Invoice finance: facilities often £50,000 to £10,000,000 based on debtor book size (typically 70%–90% advance).
• Merchant cash advance: approximately £5,000 to £300,000 linked to monthly card takings.

These figures are general market observations, not offers. Any quote or decision in principle is subject to status, affordability checks, and provider criteria.

Want to check your realistic range? Complete a Quick Quote and we’ll match you with lenders or brokers who are actively funding businesses like yours.

What determines how much you can access?

Core drivers include turnover, profitability, time trading, credit profile, sector risk, and the strength and value of any asset offered as security. For asset finance, the usable life and resale value of the asset matter. For working capital solutions, lenders review cash‑flow coverage, debtor quality, and existing commitments.

Important notice

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer, not a lender. We help you explore funding options and connect you with suitable providers; we do not offer financial advice.

Machinery and equipment — typical amounts and how they’re set

UK SMEs commonly fund machinery through hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease, or asset refinance. Advance amounts and limits vary by sector, asset class, brand, age, and whether the kit is new or used. Deposits of 10%–20% are common, with terms usually 1–7 years.

Typical amount ranges by asset category:

• Light equipment and technology (IT, printers, compressors): approximately £5,000 to £250,000.
• Manufacturing machinery (CNC, fabrication, packaging): approximately £25,000 to £2,500,000+.
• Construction and plant (excavators, cranes, access platforms): approximately £25,000 to £5,000,000+.
• Food production and processing lines: approximately £50,000 to £3,000,000+.
• Renewable and energy‑efficient systems (solar, CHP, biomass): approximately £25,000 to £2,000,000+.

Lenders often fund a high percentage of the invoice value if the asset retains value well. Specialist equipment or older second‑hand assets may require higher deposits or shorter terms.

What affects your machinery finance ceiling?

• Asset strength: new, high‑demand assets with strong resale markets usually support larger tickets.
• Term and residual assumptions: assets with long useful lives can sustain longer terms and higher balances.
• Business profile: consistent profitability and positive net worth can increase limits.
• Existing obligations: providers assess leverage and cash‑flow headroom to ensure affordability.

A practical rule of thumb is the monthly payment should sit comfortably within your operating cash flow after allowing for seasonality. Some providers will request management accounts to validate this.

Sector‑specific considerations

Industries with asset‑rich operations, such as agriculture, often see strong appetite from asset finance specialists. If you’re upgrading tractors, combines, or milking systems, you can explore sector‑aware options via our page on agriculture business loans. Providers in these niches understand seasonal revenue and asset value cycles.

Example scenarios

• A £350,000 CNC machine on hire purchase over 5 years with 10% deposit could be achievable for a profitable manufacturer with stable order books.
• A £90,000 telehandler for a construction firm with 3+ years’ trading might be financed over 4–5 years with a modest deposit.
• Asset refinance of owned machinery worth £600,000 may unlock £300,000–£450,000 for working capital, subject to valuations and provider LTV.

Vehicles and fleets — common funding bands

Commercial vehicles are typically financed via hire purchase, finance lease, or contract hire. Limits vary by vehicle type, age, mileage, specification, and whether it’s a single unit or fleet line. Many SMEs explore £5,000–£1,000,000+ for vehicles, with larger fleets negotiating revolving facilities.

Indicative amount ranges by category:

• Cars for business use: approximately £5,000 to £150,000 per vehicle.
• Vans and LCVs: approximately £10,000 to £200,000 per vehicle, fleets higher.
• HGVs, buses and coaches: approximately £50,000 to £500,000+ per unit.
• Specialist/commercial bodies (refrigerated, recovery, tippers): approximately £30,000 to £300,000+.
• EVs and low‑emission vehicles: similar ticket sizes, with provider variations on residual and balloon structures.

Deposits of 10%–20% are typical, though some providers offer low‑deposit or VAT‑deferral structures on HP for VAT‑registered businesses. Terms usually span 2–6 years, with balloons or residuals where appropriate.

What influences your vehicle funding amount?

• Asset age and mileage: newer assets with predictable residuals support higher funding.
• Fleet scale: multi‑unit buyers may access higher aggregate limits via fleet lines.
• Usage profile: high‑mileage or specialist use can affect residual values and LTV.
• Insurance and maintenance: full maintenance packages may be required for some structures.

Some providers apply minimum or maximum age rules at the end of term. This can affect both your term length and the maximum amount a lender is prepared to support.

Example structures

• Hire purchase with final balloon for cars and vans to reduce monthly outlay, subject to residual assumptions.
• Finance lease for commercial vehicles with flexible rentals and potential off‑balance‑sheet treatment (accountant guidance recommended).
• Contract hire for fleets seeking predictable total cost of ownership and outsourced disposal risk.

Best Business Loans helps you compare provider preferences for vehicle type, age and mileage so you can decide what works best for your cash flow and replacement cycles.

Working capital — unsecured, secured and revolving facility sizes

Working capital funding spans unsecured loans, secured term loans, revolving credit lines, invoice finance, and merchant cash advances. Facility sizes vary widely because they’re tied to revenue, debtor quality, margin stability, and security. Many trading SMEs explore £10,000 up to multi‑million limits depending on profile.

Unsecured and secured loan amounts:

• Unsecured term loans: approximately £10,000 to £500,000 for businesses with 2+ years’ trading.
• Secured term loans: approximately £250,000 to £5,000,000+ leveraging assets or debentures.
• Government‑backed schemes (where available): often up to £2,000,000 per business, subject to scheme rules and provider participation.

Revolving and receivables‑based facilities:

• Overdrafts and revolving credit: approximately £10,000 to £500,000 aligned to monthly revenue.
• Invoice finance: facility limits commonly £50,000 to £10,000,000 depending on turnover and debtor spread.
• Advances typically 70%–90% of eligible invoices, with the facility ceiling linked to projected or trailing revenue.

Card‑receipts backed options:

• Merchant cash advance: approximately £5,000 to £300,000, often 1.0x–1.5x your average monthly card takings.
• Repayments flex with card sales, which can suit seasonal businesses.

In practice, a distributor with £4m annual turnover might secure an invoice discounting line of £400,000–£800,000, while a profitable services firm with £2m turnover may access a £100,000–£250,000 unsecured loan. Lender appetite and your recent performance will influence outcomes materially.

What determines your working capital limit?

• Affordability: lenders model cash‑flow coverage of repayments and stress test for shocks.
• Security and structure: secured facilities can stretch limits; unsecured options may cap lower.
• Debtor quality: for invoice finance, concentration, credit limits, and dispute history matter.
• Sector and seasonality: providers tailor limits and covenants to reflect volatility and trading cycles.

If you’re exploring consolidation or refinancing, providers will also evaluate early settlement costs and net benefit to your cash flow. Clear use‑of‑funds rationales can strengthen a proposal.

Speed versus size

Fast decisions are often available at lower ticket sizes with simplified underwriting. Larger, structured limits usually involve more documentation, valuations, or audits, which can take longer but may deliver better terms.

Estimating your realistic amount — and how we help you get matched

You can estimate a sensible funding range by combining your purpose, affordability and any security available. The steps below help you reach a realistic target before you apply. Our Quick Quote then connects you with providers who fit your scenario.

Simple steps to set your target

• Define the purpose: specify asset type, working capital need, or refinancing goal.
• Quantify the requirement: include VAT, delivery, installation, fees, and contingency.
• Assess affordability: stress test repayments against conservative cash‑flow projections.
• Consider security and deposit: note assets available, ownership status, and deposit budget.
• Prepare documents: last 2 years’ accounts, recent management information, bank statements, and aged debtor/creditor lists if relevant.

Once you complete our Quick Quote, our AI analyses your profile against the lending criteria of our network. We’ll introduce you to suitable lenders or brokers who can progress your enquiry efficiently.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fund 100% of a machinery purchase? Some providers can offer near‑full funding for strong assets, but 10%–20% deposits are common. Structures may vary by asset age, sector, and credit profile.

What if my business is seasonal? Many asset and working capital providers accommodate seasonality via tailored repayments. Evidence of predictable cycles and forward orders helps.

How quickly can I access funds? Smaller unsecured or simple asset deals can be quick once information is complete. Larger or more complex facilities may require valuations, audits or legal steps.

Does Best Business Loans provide the finance? No. We’re an introducer that uses AI to match you with relevant lenders or brokers. You remain in control and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Key takeaways

• Machinery: approximately £5,000 to £5,000,000+ depending on asset strength and term.
• Vehicles: approximately £5,000 to £1,000,000+ with options for balloons and fleet lines.
• Working capital: approximately £10,000 to multi‑million limits via loans, revolving credit, or receivables‑based facilities.
• Your limit depends on affordability, security, sector, and trading track record.
• Our AI‑driven matching helps you reach the right providers faster, with no obligation.

Next step: Submit your Quick Quote for a Decision in Principle or eligibility guidance. It’s fast, secure, and free to enquire.

Fair, clear and not misleading

All figures are indicative, for information only, and not an offer or recommendation. Any finance is subject to status, affordability, and provider criteria; terms and rates will vary. Please seek professional advice from your accountant where tax or accounting treatment is relevant.

Best Business Loans operates as an independent introducer helping UK businesses connect with suitable finance providers. We adhere to the spirit of FCA and ASA guidance so information is fair, clear and not misleading, and we support Google’s requirements for financial promotions.

Updated: October 2025.