Category: Business Loans (page 3 of 4)

Richmond Asset Finance adding value to your farm equipment

23rd March 2020 / admin / Comments Off

Richmond Asset Finance offer financing solutions for farm equipment manufacturers and suppliers in the processing, handling, and storage industries. Plus commercial and retail finance solutions so that distribution partners and authorised dealers have an efficient global distribution network.

Richmond Asset Finance is an all embracing business and we cover all types of farm and agricultural finance we offer to the rural and country business sectors and which can also be described as Agricultural Finance, Equestrian Finance, Farm Finance, Land Finance and Horticultural Finance. Finance can be provided for holiday complexes, caravan parks, caravan sites, properties with agricultural restrictions, land, buildings, working farms, non-working farms, and generally all types of rural type situations.

What purpose might be appropriate for farm finance?

Any legal purposes including but not being limited to repaying debt, repayment of an overdraft, diversification, working capital, business start ups, reducing outgoings, purchases of any kind and development of property or development of business.

Richmond Asset Finance are one of the most reputable sources of rural & farm finance in the UK. We guide and advise you throughout your application process, making sure your individual needs and circumstances always come first. Although we co-operate with a diverse range of banks and financial institutions, we are above all, independent. This means we always tailor a solution that best meets your requirements, not the banks.

We provide farm finance and refinance solutions, bridging finance packages, impartial advice, support and a level of customer service envied by our competitors.

UK banks set out details of Covid-19 mortgage holidays

20th March 2020 / admin / Comments Off

Households hit by coronavirus will not lose credit ratings if they delay payments as the government gives a 3-month mortgage holiday.

The unpaid interest will still be recovered later, but individual credit ratings will not be affected.

The Guardian has suggested that ‘firms will help customers the best way for the individual, but an automatic payment holiday may to always be the most suitable approach and may not be required by all customers’.

Full payment of the arrears will still assume an eventual full repayment of arrears. While a person is taking a payment holiday, the interest that would have been paid will still rack up, and the capital sum of the loan remains.

These holidays are not a long term solution but they are designed to help the temporary income shortfall. If this is a smooth and seamless process that will enable homeowners to self-isolate without having to worry about their mortgage payments then clearly it is a significant move in the right direction.

Manage Seasonal Fluctuations

10th March 2020 / admin / Comments Off

In business, seasonal fluctuations refer to the peaks and troughs in demand that correspond with different times of year. Most SMEs will experience this at some point, but certain industries can be subject to greater variations due to the nature of their trade. This is especially important during this time with the coronavirus pandemic effecting most businesses nationwide.

The upside is that these shifts are usually predictable, which allows companies to plan ahead and put measures in place to ensure they can fulfil customer requirements however as people and businesses are now learning, it’s not always that easy. It is prudent to review what your business can do to manage cyclical demand effectively.

Here are a few things you can do to control changes in the economic market.

Manage cash flow

During peak seasons, try to reserve cash for the quieter months so you have sufficient funds available all year round or in times of need. Aim to plan at least six months ahead by using historic sales data to forecast levels of supply and demand, although, cases like this are hard to predict. This will help you to better recognise trends in consumer behaviour and account for this in your sales projections.

Control inventory

Regularly monitoring levels of stock can reduce wastage and therefore save costs. Coincide orders with peak periods, so your company does not have surplus stock when business is slow.

Identify workforce needs

Establish how many employees you need in any given shift, month or season to maximise efficiency and organise staff contracts to reflect business levels. Employing temporary staff can provide additional support during busier periods and this strategy can also keep costs down during quieter months. This may apply to supermarkets and the NHS during this period when they need as much support as possible.

Review payment terms

Long payment terms and overdue client invoices can put a strain on your cash flow. Requesting shorter credit periods may prompt customers to pay for goods and services quicker, giving you adequate working capital to continue trading.

Tips for improving your HGV’s fuel efficiency

17th February 2020 / admin / Comments Off

Whilst you can’t control the price of fuel, you can control the amount you use with these driving tips for better fuel efficiency.

HGVs can guzzle up fuel, which isn’t only bad for your business’ budget, but also for the environment.

HGV drivers can learn to improve their vehicle’s fuel efficiency by making a few simple changes to their driving habits, here’s how.

Use cruise control

Most modern HGVs are equipped with a cruise control function for keeping the vehicle running at a constant speed. Reducing unnecessary fluctuations using cruise control can help you to save a significant amount of fuel.

Plan the route

Careful route planning can help you to get from a to b quickly and efficiently, preventing you from using unnecessary fuel whilst getting lost and taking detours. It can also help you to avoid routes featuring sharp inclines which require more fuel to navigate.

Reduce speed

The speed that you drive at can have a significant impact on the amount of fuel that your HGV uses. Studies have shown that reducing your speed to an average of 50mph on the motorway can help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%!

Don’t idle

Whilst it may be tempting, particularly on very cold days, to keep your engine idling and your heater and radio switched on when you are stationery, this is one of the worst ways to waste fuel!

Avoid braking sharply

Hitting the brakes sharply and rapidly accelerating can both eat up fuel far faster than driving at consistent, steady speeds. Simply paying closer attention to what is happening ahead of you on the road and anticipating when to brake sooner can make for a smoother ride, use less fuel, and reduce the risk of an accident.

Sometimes, if you’re driving a very old HGV, then the most effective way of increasing its fuel efficiency is to upgrade to a newer model.

If you require financial help or advice with upgrading your HGV, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance by giving us a call on 0113 288 3277. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services.

Maintenance tips to prolong your tractor’s lifespan

31st January 2020 / admin / Comments Off

Your tractor is likely to be one of your business’ most expensive assets, so it’s important to take the time to care for it to extend the lifespan of your investment.

These quick and simple tractor maintenance tasks can help to keep your tractor running costs down and prevent damage to prolong your tractor’s lifespan.

Regular inspections

One of the most important things you can do to look after your tractor is take the time to inspect its condition regularly. This will help you to spot any signs of wear or damage early on and take steps to repair it and prevent further damage. Check your tractor’s manufacturer’s manual for advice on how frequently it requires servicing and specific maintenance tasks to be carried out.

Store in a dry place

When your tractor is not in use it should always be stored in a dry place where it is protected from the elements. Being exposed to moisture for prolonged periods can cause your tractor’s parts to rust and corrode, causing damage and shortening its lifespan.

Clean the air filter

Your tractor stirs up a lot of dirt and dust as it is working, so it’s important to keep any eye on its air filters and clean them regularly. Blocked air filters can cause a build up of debris to gather on your tractor’s internal components, causing them to fail and shortening your tractor’s lifespan.

Top up the oil and coolant

Your tractor requires coolant to prevent it from overheating and oil to lubricate its moving parts. Without either of these liquids you could find yourself faced with expensive damage to your tractor’s engine. Create a maintenance schedule to help you to remember to check the levels of these important fluids regularly and top them up when necessary.

Check the tyre pressure

Without the right level of tyre pressure your tractor could end up working harder than it needs to. Check what the correct tyre pressure is in the manufacturer’s manual and get into the habit of checking the pressure regularly to keep your tractor operating efficiently and protect it from damage.

If you require help or advice with financing a new tractor, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance. We provide a range of flexible agricultural finance services to help you to grow your business. To discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

Benefits of wheeled excavators over truck-mounted excavators

25th January 2020 / admin / Comments Off

Could upgrading from a truck-mounted excavator to a wheeled excavator make your business more efficient?

Wheeled excavators are easy and affordable to operate and transport from one area to another. They are ideal for use in a variety of fields including forestry, construction, farming, landscaping and demolition. Their mobility also makes them an attractive choice for small contractors.

The core functionality of a wheeled excavator is just the same as a truck-mounted excavator, but instead of being mounted onto a truck they move around independently on their own wheels.

Long-term cost savings – Whilst the initial outlay for a wheeled excavator tends to be a little higher than for a truck-mounted one, they offer more long-term savings as they don’t require additional vehicles or machinery to move them from one site to another. Fuel costs for transporting a wheeled excavator are usually lower than a truck-mounted excavator too.

Increased lift capacity – Wheeled excavators typically have a better lift capacity than truck-mounted excavators, particularly when using a two-piece articulated boom.

Movability – Rather than having to be transported by a large, lumbering truck, wheeled excavators can simply be driven across the site or on the road from one location to the next, usually by the same person who operates them. The small and nimble size of the wheeled excavator also makes it more agile and manoeuvrable when working on-site, allowing it to work efficiently in tight spaces.

Versatility – Wheeled excavators are available with a variety of different attachments, including the mono-boom, two-piece boom, dozer blade, rototilt, cleanout bucket, and outrigger. The huge variety of attachments available for wheeled excavators makes them extremely versatile and reduces the need to invest in multiple machines.If you require help or advice with financing an excavator, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you to grow your business. To discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

5 reasons to invest in a mini excavator

15th January 2020 / admin / Comments Off

Are you using your excavator to its full potential, or could you do the same job using a mini excavator?

Mini excavators are practical, affordable and hassle-free pieces of machinery.

Whilst they’re not always suitable for largescale jobs, if you can get away with using a mini excavator over a bigger wheeled, tracked or truck-mounted excavator then there are plenty of benefits to be had.

Manoeuvrability

The mini excavator is the perfect piece of machinery for working in small or tight spaces. It offers the same level of performance as a larger excavator but in a more compact and practical design. The small size of the mini excavator makes it nimble and agile on-site and means transportation is simple and hassle-free.

Easy to operate

Mini excavators tend to be very simple and intuitive to operate, reducing the amount of time required to train an operative to use the machinery and minimising the risk of errors being made.

Cost-saving

Mini excavators are more affordable to purchase and operate than their larger counterparts. They also offer higher fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs. Their relative ease of operation means training operatives will cost your business less time and money.

More environmentally-friendly

The small size and increased fuel efficiency make mini excavators more environmentally friendly to run than larger excavators. They also produce less noise pollution, making them ideal for use in noise and pollution sensitive areas.

If you require help or advice with financing a mini excavator for your business, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you to grow your business. To discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

Ideas for supplementing your farm income during the festive season

28th December 2019 / admin / Comments Off

Cash-in on Christmas by diversifying your farm business during the festive season.

According to NatWest, two thirds of farms have now diversified their business to generate alternative revenue streams throughout the year and boost their income.

Many farms that have successfully diversified report that their additional ventures have become a vital part of their business.

Whilst the winter months are typically much quieter for agricultural businesses, with a little creativity they can offer excellent opportunities for exploring new business ideas.

Here are a few of our favourite ideas for diversifying your farm business during the festive period.

Holiday letting

Many families and friends book holidays and weekends away to meet up and celebrate together over the Christmas holidays. Rather than letting unused land or farm buildings stand empty and unused during the winter months, why not convert them into holiday lettings. This can be particularly lucrative if your farm is in a scenic location.

Grow Christmas trees

Nothing beats the smell of a real pine Christmas tree, and according to the British Christmas Tree Growers Association over 7 million trees are sold in the UK each year. Choose a type of fir tree that will thrive in your farm’s land and soil type and start growing fir trees to sell locally each Christmas.

Run Christmas events

If you’ve got the land and buildings, why not run a series of festive events for the public in the lead up to Christmas? Popular activities and events could include turning a kids’ petting zoo into Santa’s grotto, running kid’s Christmas craft activities or adult wreath making workshops.

Turkeys and geese

Rearing free-range turkeys and geese can provide an additional source of income around Christmas time when demand for high quality meats for Christmas dinner soars.

To find out if you can apply for rural finance to help with your diversification project, get in touch with our team here at Richmond Asset Finance to discuss your plan in more detail.

How can telematics improve your commercial fleet’s efficiency?

12th December 2019 / admin / Comments Off

Installing telematics in your business’ commercial vehicles could help to significantly improve your fleet’s performance and efficiency.

Telematics are small boxes that are fitted inside commercial vehicles to collect valuable data and information.

This information can then be used by your business to monitor vehicle and driver performance.

Just some of the information and data that can be monitored using telematics includes:

Fuel consumption
Speed
Driving patterns
Routes taken
Vehicle performance

You can then work together with your fleet drivers to make changes to the way they work in order to improve performance in several key areas including:

Efficiency – Telematics can be used to help drivers to work more efficiently by choosing the fastest routes and avoiding traffic. A more efficient fleet will also reduce operating costs by increasing fuel efficiency.

Safety – Telematics can help to flag up unsafe driving habits including harsh breaking or accelerating and speeding. Ensuring that your drivers are driving safely can help to reduce costly damage to vehicles and the risk of accidents occurring.

Vehicle performance and maintenance – Set up your telematics to send alerts about your vehicles’ performance to help you to keep on top of maintenance tasks to reduce the need for repairs and keep your vehicles running smoothly.

Operating costs – By honing driver and vehicle performance using the data gathered by telematics you could significantly reduce your fleet’s overall operating costs. This is achieved primarily by improving fuel efficiency, reducing the number of accidents, and keeping up with vehicle maintenance.

Driver job satisfaction – Telematics provide fleet drivers with the data they need to perform better in their jobs. Providing your drivers with modern telematics technology can help to make their jobs easier and more rewarding, resulting in happier, more productive employees.

If you require financial help or advice with updating your commercial fleet, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance by giving us a call on 0113 288 3277. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services.

CNG Fuels to provide UK’s HGVs with first carbon neutral fuel

5th December 2019 / admin / Comments Off

A carbon neutral fuel will soon be available to businesses running HGVs to help them to dramatically reduce their carbon emissions.

Based in the West Midlands, CNG Fuels are the UK’s top supplier of environmentally friendly bio-CNG (compressed natural gas).

The firm recently announced that they would be launching a new carbon-neutral fuel for heavy goods vehicles in 2021.

The new fuel will use manure to produce carbon neutral biomethane. Manure gives off the powerful greenhouse gas methane, but by using this methane as fuel it prevents it from entering the atmosphere.

With HGVs accounting for 4.2% of the UK’s carbon emissions, the introduction of a carbon neutral fuel has the potential to significantly reduce the UK’s overall emissions.

Philip Fjeld, CEO of CNG Fuels said: “We want to help decarbonise freight transport and enable fleet operators to meet net zero targets now, supporting the UK’s climate targets.”

CNG Fuels already supplies many businesses operating HGVs with a renewable biomethane fuel sourced from food waste. The company has become the fuel supplier of choice for several large companies including John Lewis, Hermes, Asda and Argos.

The company reports that switching from diesel to bio-CNG can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% and cut fuel costs by 35-45%, making it a win-win for businesses operating HGVs.

CNG Fuels are also developing a network of public HGV refuelling stations on major routes throughout the country to support electric and hydrogen powered HGVs in the future.

Need some help financing new HGVs for your business? Here at Richmond Asset Finance we provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services.

For more information or to discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

How to prepare your commercial fleet for winter

20th November 2019 / admin / Comments Off

Prepare your fleet of commercial vehicles for the colder weather to keep them running efficiently through the winter months.

Treacherous wet, icy and windy weather can pose significant problems for drivers and fleet managers during the winter.

The key to keeping your fleet operating smoothly during this time is good preparation.

Service

Putting your fleet through a thorough inspection or service prior to the cold weather kicking in can help to pick up any problems or damage to the vehicles. Making sure your fleet is in tip-top condition and are all topped up with engine oil and wiper fluid can help to prevent accidents and costly down-time once the bad weather hits.

Inspect tyres

When inspecting your vehicles, be sure to pay careful attention to the condition of the tyres which need to be in excellent condition to manage wet and icy roads. Look out for signs of damage or excessive wear and make sure they are pumped up with enough air.

Winter tyres

Many fleet managers use winter tyres if their fleet are likely to be visiting remote areas frequently. Winter tyres have better grip and can help to reduce the risk of accidents and breakdowns in ice and snow.

Educate drivers

One of the best ways to keep your fleet safe during the winter is to educate your drivers in how to drive in poor weather conditions. Refreshing their knowledge of safe stopping distances and how to adjust their driving for snow and ice can help to minimise breakdowns and accidents.

Emergency packs

Always make sure that your fleet are kitted out with winter survival packs for when they’re out on the road. At minimum, all emergency kits should contain a blanket, de-icer, scraper, torch, high visibility jacket, and extra screen wash.

If you have concerns about the condition or efficiency of any vehicles in your fleet, then it can be a good idea to update them before the winter season.

New Cat 326 excavator can boost efficiency by up to 45%

6th November 2019 / admin / Comments Off

If you’re looking for ways to increase your construction team’s efficiency it could be time to upgrade to the new Cat 326 excavator.

Caterpillar’s new 26-tonne 326 excavator could boost efficiency by up to 45% when compared to older models.

This high performance machine also boasts lower fuel and maintenance costs and meets stringent emissions standards.

Performance

The 326 excavator features a new hydraulic system for better control and efficiency, including a 12% improvement in swing torque and a SMART-mode which matches engine speed and hydraulic power.

Caterpillar’s innovative new Swing Assist feature will automatically stop the excavator swing at predefined points, reducing effort and fuel consumption.

Technology

The machine uses integrated simple-to-use technologies to make it easy to operate. Just some of the convenient technologies that it incorporates includes:

Remote start using a Bluetooth fob.
Operator-specific programming.
High-res touchscreen monitor.
A digital version of the operator’s manual.

Comfort

As well as improving performance, the Cat 326 excavator will keep the operator feeling comfortable. Cab vibration is reduced by up to 50% when compared to other models and all models feature automatic climate control. The in-built radio also features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing operators to connect their own devices if required.

Maintenance

Fuel filters on the Cat 326 have a 1000 hour change interval and all maintenance tasks can be performed quickly from ground level. The machine also features improved hydraulic filter performance, reducing maintenance costs by 20% when compared to the Cat 326F.

If you require help or advice with financing a new excavator, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance by giving us a call on 0113 288 3277. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you to grow your business.

How to reduce the cost of your HGV fleet

9th October 2019 / admin / Comments Off

Use these three ideas to cut the running costs of your business’ HGV fleet whilst also improving productivity and efficiency.

Many businesses that operate vehicles are currently facing challenges that mean they are under pressure to cut their fleet’s running costs.

Some of the key challenges facing transport operators today includes:

Rising fleet costs.
Driver shortages.
An unstable economic climate.
Market uncertainty.

In order to successfully cut costs, businesses must be creative and resourceful in how they operate.

Here are three ideas for effectively reducing the cost of your HGV fleet.

Update your fleet

Spending money on new vehicles may sound a little counterintuitive, but old and inefficient vehicles can be a real drain on resources. Not only do old and tired vehicles need more regular repairs and maintenance, they can also eat up a lot more fuel than modern vehicles.

Modern HGVs are generally safer, more comfortable to drive, and considerably more fuel efficient. The money you safe on maintenance and fuel across your fleet will mean that your investment is likely to soon pay for itself.

Driver training

Your team of HGV drivers are largely responsible for many of the costs associated with running your fleet, their behaviour can have a significant impact on fuel consumption, repairs and maintenance, and insurance costs.

Ensuring that all drivers receive adequate training, performance monitoring, and regular reviews can help to keep the cost of your fleet down.

Fleet management

Investing in fleet management software can help your fleet to become more organised, efficient, and cost-effective.

Fleet management software uses data and real-time information to monitor traffic and help your drivers to plan the fastest and most efficient routes, saving your business fuel, time and money. It will also track and log information about each of your drivers and their performance to use during training to help improve performance ongoing.

If you require financial help or advice with updating your HGV fleet, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance by giving us a call on 0113 288 3277. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services.

What you need to know about JCB’s first ever fully electric diggers

30th September 2019 / admin / Comments Off

The first of JCB’s fully electric diggers are rolling off the production line; here’s what you need to know about them.

JCB’s new 19C-1E electric digger can be used either indoors or outdoors but is expected to be particularly popular for indoor and inner-city projects where reducing noise and air pollution is especially important.

JCB Compact Products’ managing director Robert Winter said: “This is a historic moment for JCB and for JCB Compact Products.

“We are delighted to go into full production with the industry’s first fully electric mini excavator. The machine has a very promising future ahead of it.”

The first orders have already been delivered to customers across Europe and North America.

Here is the key information and standout stats about JCB’s first fully electric excavator:

They are five times quieter than JCB’s diesel diggers.
They can be fully charged for a day’s work in under 2 hours.
Charging costs are expected to be 50% cheaper than running a diesel model.
Servicing costs are expected to be up to 70% cheaper than a diesel model.

As evidence of the severe and rapid effects of climate change mount, businesses are coming under increasing pressure to become more sustainable and reduce their Co2 emissions.

Switching to electric vehicles can massively reduce your business’ carbon footprint, helping you to meet your corporate social and environmental responsibilities.

If you require help or advice with financing electric diggers, excavators, or commercial vehicles, speak to our team here at Richmond Asset Finance. We provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you to grow your business.

To discuss your requirements in more detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

To plough or not to plough?

20th September 2019 / admin / Comments Off

Humans have been ploughing the earth to grow food since the beginning of time, so why are some farmers now choosing to turn their back on this traditional technique?

Some farmers are now embracing new ways of working as they believe ploughing to be bad for the environment.

Ploughing and the environment

It is thought that dragging a plough through the earth several times a year disturbs the soil and the living organisms within it, which then has a negative effect on soil quality.

What’s the alternative to ploughing?

“No till” farming is a method of farming which eliminates ploughing and minimises soil disturbance. Instead, farmers ensure that soil is never left bare. As soon as one crop is removed, “cover crops” are planted to protect the soil and keep pumping nutrients into it.

This method also prevents earthworms and other important organisms from being disturbed, so that their numbers can grow, resulting in more nutrient-rich soil with improved structure and drainage.

Benefits of no-till farming

No-till farming can benefit both the environment and the farmer, here are just some of the benefits:

Reduces soil erosion.
Improves soil quality.
Builds soil organic matter.
Saves time on ploughing.
Reduces cost of labour and fuel.
Improves water absorption.
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Natural weed control.
Healthier crops due to nutrient-rich soil.

What machinery is required?

Farmers undertaking no-till farming use a piece of machinery called a cross slot drill which drills seeds directly into the unploughed ground. Although the initial cost of the equipment is similar to that of tillage machinery, the operating costs are far less.

For help financing the purchase of agricultural equipment, speak to our team at Richmond Asset Finance on 0113 288 3277. We provide a variety of asset finance and agricultural finance services to help your farm business to grow and develop.