Plant Machinery Finance

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Plant Machinery Finance

Here, we'll explore the world of plant machinery finance in the UK.

We'll cover the various options available for acquiring heavy-duty construction machinery and vehicles, popular models and manufacturers, costs, tax implications, maintenance considerations, and more.

Investing in plant machinery can be a significant undertaking, but with the right finance plan, it becomes more accessible.

  • Finance available on new, used and auction-bought items
  • No asset age limit
  • Repayment periods geared to the economic life of asset
  • Refinance existing assets to free up your company's liquid capital
  • Cashflow matched repayments
  • Equipment Finance; Agricultural & Grounds equipment; Hospitality & Leisure equipment; Logistics & haulage

Asset Finance Success Stories

£13m Asset Finance Loan for Pharmaceutical Business | Case Study
£13m Asset Finance Loan for Pharmaceutical Business
Area
London
Capital Raised
£13m
Date
November 2024
Fleet of Vans Refinanced to Release £160k for Business Growth
Fleet of Vans Refinanced to Release £160k for Business Growth
Area
Cardiff
Capital Raised
£160k
Date
September 2024
Fast Asset Finance for Two Tractors at Low Rate | Case Study
Fast Asset Finance for Two Tractors at Low Rate
Area
Somerset
Capital Raised
£558k
Date

 See All Business Finance Case Studies

Why Our Customers Trust Us

With expert guidance, asset finance can provide an essential, versatile, cost-effective solution.

business finance rates

Market-Leading Rates

We provide access to market-leading rates for every client, thanks to our relationships with asset finance lenders across the market.

Award Winning Team

Multi-Award-Winning Team

Our team of asset finance advisers have years of experience and are qualified to the highest level. We're proud to have numerous customer service awards to our name.

independent advice

Fully Independent

As an independent brokerage, we focus on your best interests when comparing asset finance options: from costs and terms to speed of service.

To book a free, no-obligation call with an adviser to discuss your options, contact us today.

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Our Experts

Our dedicated asset finance team have deep industry knowledge and years of experience.

Jon Moffatt

Jonathan Moffatt

Head of Business Finance

Ben Francis

Ben Francis

Finance Executive

James Ellcaott

James Ellacott

Commercial Finance Broker

How We Work

1. Get a Customised Quote

Our asset finance brokers will get an understanding of your business and your requirements, look at your financial forecasts and accounts, and provide a sense-check on what product(s) will best fit your needs, as well as how much you could borrow, and what the costs and terms could look like.

2. Compare Options

When you’re happy with the proposed solution, we’ll go away and compare options across the market. We’ll often present a range of choices ranging from lowest cost to most flexible, and we’ll talk you through the pros and cons of each if it’s a close decision.

3. Submit Your Application

If you’re happy with the terms we can source, we’ll handle the paperwork and submit your application for you. We’ll handle any issues and questions that may arise from the lender, and we’ll keep chasing your application to ensure funds are released as quickly as possible.

4. Receive Funds

You receive your finance success! We’ll always be here for any ongoing questions or support you require during your loan term. 

Speak to an asset finance specialist today

Get the funding your business needs to reach its full potential. We’ll guide you through the process and take care of the heavy lifting. 

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Plant Machinery Finance

A Guide

 

Equipment Leasing

Purchasing new plant machinery or equipment using company cash can significantly strain cash flow. Excavators, bulldozers, cranes or loading shovels don’t come cheap – so an excellent option to get you started could be to secure this equipment using finance.  

Leasing is a rental agreement where a lessee can use and operate equipment or machinery under a lease agreement from the owner (lessor) in return for regular payments.

Depending on the type of lease agreement, at the end of the term, the lessee can continue making payments to use the equipment, get an equipment upgrade to benefit from improved technologies or return the equipment to the owner (lessor). They can save you from paying large sums upfront while securing the necessary equipment to help you get your business.

There are 2 types of equipment leases:

Operating leases:

Usually taken out for a short or medium-term period. Allows the use of an asset but does not convey ownership rights, and as such, the lessor is not responsible for maintenance. The asset will also not appear on the lessee's balance sheet, where rental payments can be offset against profits.

Finance leases:

Often referred to as "Capital Leases", the lease is typically taken out for the asset's lifetime by the lessee. The lessee will make rental repayments over the rental period equivalent to the asset value plus interest. At the end of the term, the lessee can continue using the asset, usually for a lower rental repayment, sell the asset, get a percentage of the sales proceeds, and return the asset to the owner. With a finance lease, VAT can be spread over the repayment term.

Hire Purchase

Hire Purchase is a popular financing option that allows businesses to spread the cost of an asset over time, making significant investments like plant machinery more manageable. This method of financing is particularly beneficial for businesses that require heavy-duty equipment such as loading shovels, bulldozers, and excavators but may not have the capital to pay for these assets upfront.

  • Under a hire purchase agreement, you make an initial down payment followed by a set number of capital repayments plus interest over a fixed term. This allows you to spread the cost of the asset over a period that suits your financial situation. The interest rate can be fixed or variable, depending on the terms of the agreement.
  • One of the key advantages of hire purchase is that you become the owner of the asset at the end of the term. This means that the machinery is yours to keep once you’ve made all the payments. It’s important to note, however, that you are responsible for the maintenance and insurance of the asset throughout the term of the agreement.
  • Hire purchase can also have tax benefits. For example, companies can claim capital allowances on the cost of the machinery, reducing their taxable profits. Additionally, the interest portion of the repayments may be tax-deductible.

However, it’s crucial to consider that while hire purchase can make plant machinery more affordable in the short term, the total cost paid over the term of the agreement will be higher than if you had purchased the asset outright due to the interest charges. 

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Popular Plant Machinery Models and Manufacturers The UK

The UK market offers a wide selection of plant machinery suitable for various applications. Here are some popular models & types of plant machinery which can be financed through us at Clifton Private Finance:

Equipment TypePopular ModelsManufacturerTypical UseKey Features
Excavator Caterpillar 336, Komatsu PC200, JCB JS220 Various Excavation, demolition, heavy lifting, grading, landscaping, mining Long reach, high power, versatility with different attachments
Bulldozer Caterpillar D9R Caterpillar Moving large quantities of soil, sand, rubble, or other such material during construction or conversion work Large flat blade at the front, ripper at the back, track-based mobility
Crane   Various Lifting and moving heavy materials, used in construction of tall buildings High lifting capacity, can be fixed or mobile, equipped with a hoist rope, wire ropes or chains, and sheaves
Loader Caterpillar 966, 972 Caterpillar Moving loose material from the ground, such as dirt, sand, or gravel Large bucket on the front, can be wheeled or tracked
Backhoe JCB 3CX, 4CX, 5CX JCB Digging, trenching, back-filling, and material handling Bucket at the back for digging, loader at the front, good for small to medium jobs
Compactor Evolution Hulk Electric Wacker Plate Compactor, Wolf 8200N Petrol Compactor Various Reducing the size of waste material, soil compaction in construction High power, can be plate or wheel-based, used in waste processing, road construction, or landscaping
Grader Caterpillar 966, 972 Caterpillar Fine grading and finishing in road construction Long blade in the center, used to create a flat surface
Paver BGP 205 Mini Compact Wheeled Paver Various Laying asphalt in road construction, creating pavements in building construction High heat and weight capacity, smooth laying mechanism
Skid Steer Loader Bobcat T590, S70, S450, S530 Bobcat Digging, lifting, and loading, landscaping, building, and farming applications Compact size, high maneuverability, versatile with different attachments
Compactor Evolution Hulk Electric Wacker Plate Compactor, Wolf 8200N Petrol Compactor Various Reducing the size of waste material, soil compaction in construction High power, can be plate or wheel-based, used in waste processing, road construction, or landscaping

Prices can vary based on factors like condition, age, and configuration. Consult manufacturers or sellers for accurate, up-to-date quotes.

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The Value of a Broker for Plant Machinery Finance

The construction industry is a complex ecosystem that involves substantial expenditure. These costs can be broadly categorised into four main areas:

  • Operating Costs: These are the day-to-day expenses required to keep the business running. They include fuel for machinery, wages for staff, routine maintenance of equipment, and other overheads. It’s crucial to manage these costs effectively to ensure the profitability of the business.

  • Equipment Costs: This category includes the costs associated with the procurement, leasing, and repair of plant machinery. Given the high price tag of heavy-duty construction equipment, these costs can be significant. It’s important to consider factors such as the lifespan of the equipment, maintenance costs, and resale value when calculating equipment costs.

  • Infrastructure Costs: These are the costs associated with the development and upgrades of construction sites. This could include site preparation, installation of temporary structures, and implementation of safety measures.

  • Finance Costs: These are the costs associated with borrowing money to finance operations. They include interest payments on loans and leases, as well as any fees associated with securing financing.

Navigating this complex landscape of costs can be challenging. That’s where the role of a broker becomes invaluable. We, at Clifton Private Finance, can negotiate favourable terms with suppliers, identify cost-saving opportunities, and secure competitive financing.

With our deep understanding of the market, we can leverage our network and expertise to secure the best deals. This can result in substantial savings, making the investment in plant machinery more accessible and manageable. We'll provide valuable advice on managing risks and optimising the use of resources, contributing to the overall success of your business.

Tax Implications for Plant Machinery Finance

Your choice of finance agreement can significantly impact your tax liabilities. Here are some key considerations:

  • VAT: If you lease plant machinery for business use, you may be able to reclaim a portion or even all of the VAT. This can result in substantial savings.
  • Corporation Tax: Companies can claim lease payments against corporation tax, reducing their overall tax liability.
  • Capital Allowances: When a business purchases new or replacement plant or equipment, capital allowances are available which can reduce the taxable profits, and therefore the tax liability. The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) is a tax relief that allows businesses to deduct the full cost of certain qualifying assets, such as plant and machinery, fixtures, and fittings, from their taxable profits.
  • Super-Deduction: A capital allowance equating to 130% of the cost price of a qualifying asset can be claimed against tax in the year of acquisition.

Remember, allowances can depend on factors like emissions, energy efficiency, and guidelines set by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Maintenance and Insurance for Plant Machinery Finance

The responsibility for maintenance and insurance can vary depending on the type of finance agreement:

  • Contract Hire: In a contract hire agreement, the lender is typically responsible for the maintenance and wear and tear of the machinery. This can be a significant advantage as it reduces the operational burden on your business.
  • Finance Lease/Hire Purchase: If you opt for a finance lease or hire purchase agreement, you’re usually responsible for the maintenance costs. This means you’ll need to factor these costs into your budget.

Regardless of the type of agreement, comprehensive insurance is critical. It covers your assets and liabilities, protecting your business from unforeseen circumstances. Plant machinery insurance provides financial protection against the loss or damage of construction plant and equipment that you may have temporarily rented under contract.

Asset Refinancing - Plant Machinery Finance

If your business owns assets, it may be possible to unlock value to release cash. Typically, there are two ways to raise finance in this way. One way is to use the asset as a security for a loan. The second way, often called asset-based lending, is to sell an asset to a specialist lender for an agreed amount. Your business can then lease the asset back from the lender based on an approved capital plus interest repayment schedule.

Pros & Cons of Asset Financing

Pros:

  • A great way of reducing the upfront cost of purchasing high-ticket value items
  • With fixed repayments, you can budget effectively
  • With this type of finance the asset you are buying acts as the security
  • The provider normally covers maintenance and insurance costs 
  • It can be more cost-effective than bank loans or an overdraft facility

Cons:

  • As with most debt, there are implications if you don't make repayments on time. The asset could be reclaimed, which could seriously impact your business.
  • Specific damage to the asset may not be covered by insurance and must be covered by you (your business).

Using a Finance Broker for Plant Machinery Finance

Finding the optimal plant machinery finance solution can be daunting. At Clifton Private Finance, we can:

  • Compare lenders and products to find the best fit for your needs.
  • Advise on the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed choice.
  • Handle paperwork and administration for a smooth, hassle-free process.
  • Negotiate better rates and terms, potentially saving you money.

With access to multiple asset finance lenders and expertise in the industry, we offer bespoke solutions tailored to your budget and requirements.

Get in Touch

If you're interested in financing plant machinery through leasing or other options, contact Clifton Private Finance today. Our expert advisors will answer your questions and provide a free, no-obligation quote. 

 
 

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Frequently asked questions

You can find the most common questions asked about asset finance loans below. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please email us at commercial@cliftonpf.co.uk

Asset finance is a way of spreading the cost of equipment used by businesses over time, allowing companies to keep a strong, consistent cash flow whilst minimising upfront costs.

There are many asset finance products to choose from when considering asset finance, such as hire purchase, operating leases and finance leasing, so there are plenty of options to consider for your every business need.

The asset financing structure is the financial arrangement organised between businesses and lenders to secure funding to acquire equipment that is directly related to the operation and growth of the business.

Asset financing typically involves several key elements, which are as follows:

Assets used as collateral:

A lender will likely secure finance against the asset itself or other assets, which can be tangible or intangible.

  • Tangible Assets: vehicles, construction equipment, real estate, or inventory.
  • Intangible Assets: intellectual property, accounts receivable, revenue streams.

Types of Asset Financing:

The following is a list of several products available to business owners as options for asset finance:

Leasing: Businesses that choose to lease do not outright own the asset and pay a monthly cost to use the equipment at a much lower cost than purchasing the equipment.

Hire Purchase (HP): A standard choice for businesses, this option allows you to eventually own the asset you’re paying for after the payment period has ended.

Asset-Based Lending (ABL): A business borrows money against an asset as collateral, and it’s commonly used to acquire working capital for operational or growth needs.

Loan-to-value (LTV): The loan-to-value ratio of assets is the calculation of a percentage which helps to determine the risk of the loan itself. A high LTV ratio typically indicates a higher interest rate for businesses as it’s far riskier to finance.

A low loan-to-value ratio is generally more comfortable for lenders, lower repayment periods and lower fees ensure that the asset can be repaid easily. If an asset depreciates over time, however, and becomes under-collateral, this means that the lender wouldn’t be able to fully recover the amount owed if the asset is repossessed.

Should there be a major decrease in collateral value, lenders might seek to acquire additional collateral from the business owner, or even increase fees and interest, impacting cash flow.

Business loans are products designed for general use throughout businesses. They can be used for general business needs, including asset finance, which has the added benefit of the asset not necessarily being used as collateral for the loan itself.

Asset finance, however, is more specific: its use is for the acquisition of assets and is restricted to only that. Lenders will use the asset itself as collateral for improved lender comfort, being reclaimed in the event that you do not pay your asset finance.

One major distinction between asset finance and business loans is interest rate: asset finance interest is typically lower compared to unsecured business loan interest, which is notably higher.

Should you fail to repay your asset finance, you can face an impacted credit score and ultimately lose the asset in a repossession.

Depending on the asset you’re funding, there’s also a risk of depreciation - particular risk for vehicle finance.

In some cases, if a machine you’re financing is essential to the functioning of your business operations, then factors such as depreciation or loss of efficiency of the equipment can cause lender discomfort, leading to slightly higher interest rates.

Equipment financing is typically used by growing businesses looking to limit the impact on cash flow from an expensive piece of equipment by spreading the cost over a period of time.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can use equipment finance to limit the loss of capital and scale up operations without a massive upfront cost to deal with. Accessing equipment finance isn’t limited to a single industry, its uses spread from healthcare with MRI scanners, to construction, manufacturing, agriculture and more.

Let us do all the hard work of finding the right product and lender for your circumstances. We secure business finance for applications of all types, and we negotiate competitive lending to meet your needs and timescales.

Book a consultation and speak to one of our experts today

Jonathan Moffatt
Head of Business Finance