Category: Asset Finance Brokers (page 5 of 5)

Are You Looking At The Right Asset Finance?

According to the latest figures release by the FLA new asset finance business grew 9% in October 2018 compared the previous year. Many businesses will be benefiting from the boost this will contribute towards business development and growth but if you are considering joining the growing number of businesses who benefit from asset finance it is important to ensure you select the right asset finance for your business.

Most business owners opt for asset finance when much like taking on any other type of business loan they require funding. For example, they may wish to lease an asset if they want to spread the cost over its lifetime. This avoids the pitfalls of rapid depreciation of assets.

Asset finance however comes in many forms including finance lease, hire purchase and it is important to compare these against other products such as commercial loans. While the benefits of asset finance are often clear it is worth consulting a qualified expert to discuss what is best for the business both in the short and long term.

You will find a wealth of information on the different options available on our website or you can give us a call and speak to one of our advisors to find out how asset finance can work for your business.

Asset Finance New Business Rises 9%

According to the most recent figures released by Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) new business in the asset finance sector increased by 9% year on year in the month of October. This indicates that Brexit uncertainty hasn’t put off firms looking to use asset finance to grow and develop their businesses.

With asset finance covering several sectors, some areas have shown even more spectacular growth than the overall figure suggests. Machinery finance for example showed growth of 16% compared to October 2017 while business equipment finance was up 29% which is nearly one third up. The commercial vehicle sector also saw an increase of 23%.

These figures represent a strong end to the 2018 which began with similarly positive increases in new business in the construction and agricultural asset finance sectors. The asset finance sector is on course for another record-breaking year which will come as welcome news as bank lending to business continues to show a decline in loan approvals across much of the UK.

Despite the good overall news, technology equipment finance saw a fall in new business which pushed the overall figure down. It will be interesting to see if growth in new asset finance business is maintained in 2019.

Guide To Start-up Loans

What is a start-up loan? How does a start-up loan differ from a conventional loan if at all? Find out more in this short guide to start-up loans.

What Is A Start-Up Loan?
There are many different types of loans an load products on the market which can be used by start-up founders to fund their business. A start-up loan however is a traditional type of loan from a traditional lender however there are different types of loan available depending on the needs and financial position of the business. Start-up loans are not to be confused with other newer forms of loans such as crowd funding.

What are the various types of start-up loan?
One of the more popular types of loan for a startup is a line of credit. This essentially works in much the same way as a credit card. A set amount of money is available to the business owners to use when they need it. Agreements are often interest free to begin with but can come with a sting in the tail when this period is up and interest becomes chargeable.

Equipment financing is a type of loan that allows a business to purchase the equipment it needs to function with the loan used as collateral. This type of loan is usually available at a lower interest rate than many alternative types of loans. The purchase can then be paid off as the business hopefully gorws and starts generating income. The depreciation of equipment can also be offset against tax which is another benefit of this type of loan.

The great benefit of this loan is that rather than fronting the cost of equipment before your business opens, you are able to pay off the cost as your business grows and makes money.

Comparing Business Finance Options

If you are looking to grow your small business then the chances are you may need funding to help you achieve those ambitions. Navigating the various options to you, however, is not a straightforward task.

It often helps to first establish what sort of funding is right for your business. There is no one size fits all form of finance and all of them will have advantages and disadvantages depending on the nature of your business needs.

If for example your business is lacking the equipment needed to grow such as needing to invest in machinery but not having sufficient funds to do so, then asset finance is likely to be the better option.

In other cases invoice finance may be the better option if cashflow is an issue and you need faster access to working capital.

Some business owners who are not aware of the above may opt for a loan from a bank or other lender which is then paid back over a fixed term.

Less commonly a business angel may be a source of funding but this could come with the drawback of having to give away a percentage of your business in return for the money.

Whichever funding option you go for, it is important to make sure you read the small print and understand what you are agreeing to. Where possible seek expert advice before deciding on which option is best.

Two Thirds Of Asset Finance Brokers Say Brexit…

…Has Had An Impact On Investment

The fuss over the UK’s exit from the EU may have died down in the popular consciousness as people have largely resigned themselves to the inevitable, but the fallout in the business world is still playing itself out. This has led to many asset finance brokers blaming Brexit for decisions among business owners to delay investments.

This was at least the findings of a survey by United Trust Bank. Despite a long term boom in asset finance lending as businesses become more aware of its benefits compared to traditional forms of lending, 67% of asset finance brokers have said Brexit has had an impact on investment decisions.

The problem is said to be particularly evident in the vehicle, plant and machinery sectors indicating a fall in confidence in businesses that are likely to be seeking investment in these areas of their businesses.

Just over one third of asset finance brokers 33% felt that the UK’s exit from the EU wasn’t having any negative impact.
Much of what plays out in the coming months will depend on what deal the country makes with the EU and for businesses, whether or not their operations will be affected by Brexit if their market is largely or wholly domestic.

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