Tag: Asset Finance News

ASSET REFINANCE SOLUTIONS

Asset Refinancing Solutions from Richmond Asset Finance.

Asset Refinancing is based on using a company’s existing assets as a low-cost way to quickly release cash for the business to support growth or cashflow. 

Most importantly, companies from all sizes can benefit from this type of financing solution, whether they are looking to expand, set up new projects or just need to raise funds quickly.

What is Asset Refinancing?

As one of the simplest financial solutions, asset refinancing is an arrangement which uses a company’s existing assets to raise cash. Also, it is a secured form of lending that uses an existing company asset as security against the loan.

The asset does not need to be owned outright as refinancing solutions can also be used on equity tied up in the company property. So, depending on a company’s requirements, they can refinance single or multiple assets. Refinancing multiple assets is also known as debt consolidation. 

Additionally, funding providers can generally offer refinancing arrangements from £5,000 to £5million, depending on the value of the asset(s). Furthermore, terms are typically available from 12 months to five years, though this is dependent on the individual asset.

What sorts of asset finance are there?

There are several types of asset finance and a few minor variations. Each has its uses, benefits and disadvantages but all broadly follow the principles of asset finance given above. A general overview of what’s available follows:

Hire purchase

This is a very similar model to hire purchase for individuals. The hire purchase provider retains ownership of the asset to be leased over the term of the agreement and leases it to the business for agreed regular fixed payments. Businesses may make a larger initial payment followed by smaller payments on an agreed schedule. At the end of the agreed period, the business can choose to buy ownership of the item outright with a further payment.

Finance lease (or capital lease)

This differs from some other asset finance in that the business is only ever renting the assets concerned. Again, payment is made with regular payments to an agreed schedule. This normally lasts until the finance provider has recouped the purchase value of the asset. In some instances, the finance company may allow the business to share in a percentage of the sale value of an item once it has been sold. The business does not have the option to purchase the asset outright.

Tax-wise, it may be possible for a business to offset the rental payments against their profits. However, this is not possible with long funding leases. The finance company retains the right to any capital allowances, but the business can reclaim VAT.

Asset refinancing

There are basically two forms of asset refinancing: the first is simply using a company’s assets (physical or otherwise) as security against a loan.

The second – more properly called asset-based lending – is where a business sells an asset to asset finance provider for an agreed lump sum. The business then leases back the asset sold from the finance provider – thus repaying the lump sum paid.

Asset refinancing differs from a simple secured loan in that a business can use physical assets they may only partially own as collateral, but only up to the level of equity they have in that item.

Contract hire

This form of asset financing relates to vehicles only. A business wishing to expand its fleet will approach a contract hire provider who will source the vehicle(s) required. The business pays a regular amount over the agreed leasing period.

Maintenance and servicing costs remain the responsibility of the provider, rather than the business. For larger companies with multiple vehicles fleet management services may also be included in the base contract hire costs.

Contract hire (also sometimes referred to as vehicle asset finance) carries the benefit of relieving a business of the time and budget-consuming tasks that accompany normal vehicle ownership. The provider is responsible for finding and buying a new vehicle, as well as all maintenance and servicing costs. At the end of the leasing period, the provider also assumes responsibility for the disposal of the vehicle.

What is asset finance?

Asset Finance very often associated with the purchase of equipment or agricultural equipment for a business. This type of finance is used by organisations who have the need or the opportunity to grow their business but perhaps may not have the funds readily to hand or prefer to spread the cost over a longer term.

In other cases, a business can use assets they own – such as plant, machinery or vehicles – as security against a loan from an asset finance provider.

Where a business requires the purchase of a new physical asset the finance company will pay for the equipment, plant, vehicle or machinery and the client will pay a regular sum to the provider.

The item may eventually become the property of the business over time, depending on the sort of asset finance involved.

What is an asset?

An asset is an object or resource that has a value and can be converted into cash. Assets can be owned by a company, government or individual and can help these organisations to deliver their purpose or generate an income. 

Who is asset financing a good idea for?

Asset financing is suitable for a wide range of businesses and organisations, including sole traders and small to medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger companies and corporations. In the past, this tended to be an avenue only used by bigger businesses, but with the minimum levels of finance available being lowered, this has now become a more widespread option for all kinds of businesses seeking asset-based finance.

However, it should be noted that some providers tend to specialise in certain company types, such as limited companies, public limited companies (PLCs) or similar.

What is asset refinancing?

What Is Asset Refinancing?

Asset refinancing is an alternative finance arrangement that offers a simple and straightforward way to raise cash against an asset that your company already owns. Depending on the amount of funds required, you can refinance any single or multiple assets. You don’t even have to own the asset outright; refinancing arrangements can be offered on the equity tied up in company property. Refinancing a number of assets is also referred to as debt consolidation.

Richmond Asset Finance offer a number of different asset financing solutions for your business. Asset Finance is a very useful financing option because of the many benefits to your business. A business in any sector can have many financial assets and there are a number of ways to attain finance for these. In recent times this makes it the third most popular source of finance for UK Businesses.

What Are The Benefits Of Asset Refinancing?

Asset refinancing offers a simple, cost-effective and quick way to secure additional finance for ongoing business activities. You can continue to use the asset offered as security against the loan, whilst using the released funds to invest in new assets, such as a larger fleet of vehicles or new company premises. Most asset refinancing arrangements offer structured payment plans to help business owners budget effectively. Interest rates and charges are agreed upfront so you won’t incur any surprises during the lifetime of the loan. Once the loan amount has been agreed, along with associated rates and charges, you will be required to pay fixed instalments on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis.

ASSET FINANCE IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING FORMS OF FINANCE TODAY – Call us for more information.

4 benefits of switching to electric commercial vehicles

Switching from petrol or diesel commercial vehicles to electric vehicles is not only a practical change, but a cost-effective one too.

As concerns about climate change and the environment mount, businesses are under increasing pressure to make more environmentally conscious decisions.

Electric vehicle technology is rapidly evolving, and electric vehicles are now becoming a more practical, attractive and accessible option for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Many businesses are put off making the change because the initial outlay for electric vehicles may seem high when compared to comparable petrol or diesel models. However, the low running cost of electric vehicles offsets the initial expense and makes it a cost-effective decision in the long-term.

It is also an extremely worthwhile investment when you consider the difference in will make to your business’ carbon footprint.

Here are the 4 top reasons your business should consider switching to electric commercial vehicles.

Low running costs– Generally, the cost of running an electric vehicle is cheaper than the cost of running a petrol or diesel vehicle because electricity is cheaper per mile than fuel.

Reduced maintenance costs – Electric vehicles are functionally simpler and have fewer moving parts than their non-electric counterparts, making them considerably cheaper to maintain.

Environmentally friendly – Investing in electric vehicles will help your business to meet its environmental and social responsibility. As well as producing no CO2 or harmful greenhouse gasses, electric vehicles reduce air and noise pollution. Making the switch will help your businesses to reduce its carbon footprint and become more sustainable.

Employee satisfaction – Electric vehicles, particularly when used primarily for short trips around the city, are convenient and comfortable to drive. As well as using state-of-the-art technology, electric vehicles are smooth-running, emit zero fumes, and are virtually silent, providing the driver with a relaxing and pleasurable ride.

Need some help financing one or more commercial electric vehicles? Here at Richmond Asset Finance we provide a range of flexible vehicle finance and asset finance services to help you to grow your business. 

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

Hard assets and soft assets explained

Assets can be roughly divided into two categories, hard assets and soft assets, do you know the difference between each?

Asset finance helps businesses of all shapes and sizes to acquire the assets they require to grow and be prosperous. 

The types of assets that your business requires to move forward will depend on a variety of factors including your industry, your business plan, and how established the business is.

Generally, assets are said to either be hard assets or soft assets.

Hard assets

Asset finance is most commonly used to acquire hard assets. Hard assets are usually physical, high value items that are essential to a business’ operation. This could include the following:

  • Commercial vehicles
  • Manufacturing equipment
  • Printing presses
  • Machinery
  • Construction vehicles
  • Plant equipment
  • Engineering equipment
  • Agricultural machinery

Financing hard assets provides finance companies with good security as the assets tend to retain value for many years, even at the end of their lease.

Soft assets

Soft assets may be more difficult to obtain with asset finance as they pose a bigger risk to the finance company. Soft assets are lower value items and have little or no value by the end of their lease. Examples of soft assets include:

  • Computer hardware and software
  • Office furniture
  • Security systems
  • Air conditioning systems
  • Electronic Point of Sale systems

If you require soft assets, then you may still be able to acquire them using asset finance by providing some additional security. This could include a deposit towards the asset, a director’s guarantee, or securing the asset with another existing asset to offset the risk. However not all asset finance companies will provide funding for soft assets. 

Find out more about our asset finance solutionshere at Richmond Asset Finance by giving our team a call on 0113 288 3277 to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Asset finance market continues to show signs of growth

After a record-breaking year for asset finance in 2018, the flourishing industry continues to show signs of growth for 2019.

In 2018 the asset finance market grew by 3%, hitting a new record level, with new business totalling over £33 billion.

As we entered 2019 the financial insecurity of Brexit was looming and it seemed uncertain whether this growth was sustainable, but statistics so far this year have shown continued growth.

Figures recently released by the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) show that asset finance new business, for deals of up to £20m, grew by 6% in May compared to the same month last year. New finance for plant and machinery grew by 8%, as did commercial vehicle finance.

This follows the news that new business is up by 8% for the industry in the first five months of 2019.

It appears that more businesses than ever are turning to the asset finance industry this year for help growing their business.

In fact, according to the FLA, in the first quarter of 2019 the percentage of UK equipment investment being funded by asset finance stood at 38%, the highest it’s been for more than a decade.

It’s easy to see the appeal of asset finance to businesses. Acquiring assets and repayment is affordable, fast and uncomplicated when compared to applying for a traditional bank loan or overdraft.

Asset finance is currently the third most popular form of business finance after bank overdrafts and loans, helping thousands of businesses to obtain the assets that they require to develop and grow.

Here at Richmond Asset Finance, we provide a variety of flexible finance solutions including asset financeand refinance. For more information about any of our services, or to discuss your requirements in detail, give our team a call on 0113 288 3277.

Asset Finance News You Might Have Missed Over The Holidays

August is a usually one of the quitter months in the business calendar, however this year there have been a few things happening in the UK asset finance industry you may not be aware of.

Far from taking it easy over the holidays industry regulators have been busy finalising reports and consultations which will have implications for the asset finance industry.

One important announcement came from the Bank of England which announced that it would introduce a new scheme to replace Funding for Lending. The new scheme called Term Funding Scheme will involve lending money to banks on the understanding that banks will continue to up their lending to businesses and households.

Post-Brexit, the economy needs all the help it can get to try and stave off a slide into recession as uncertainty over the UK’s trade relationship with Europe continues. While the fuss over Brexit seemed to have died down a little in August as everyone waits to see what the outcome will be, this may well be the calm before a storm that is likely to be felt in all areas of the economy.

One other piece of news was a HMRC proposal to scrap certain salary sacrifice tax benefits which includes the possibility that car salary sacrifice benefits may be withdrawn.

Benefits gained from pension saving, childcare and the Cycle to Work scheme will remain eligible under the new proposals.