What is asset finance?
Asset finance is a way for a business to fund vehicles, machinery or equipment over time instead of paying the full purchase price upfront.
Finance questions answered
Asset finance FAQs
Clear answers for business owners comparing finance for the first time.
Asset finance basics
Assets
Can new and used assets be financed?
Yes. Many lenders consider both new and used assets, depending on age, condition, value, supplier, business profile and intended use.
Can vehicles, machinery and equipment all be financed?
Yes, asset finance can be used for many business assets including vans, trucks, trailers, plant, machinery, agricultural equipment, technology and specialist equipment.
Broker process
Is Hart Asset Finance a lender?
Hart Asset Finance acts as a commercial finance broker and works with finance providers to help businesses find suitable funding options.
What happens after I submit an enquiry?
The enquiry is reviewed so the asset, supplier, amount, deposit, term, business profile and documents can be understood before suitable finance routes are discussed.
Timings
How quickly can finance be arranged?
Timings depend on the asset, lender and documents required, but straightforward proposals can often move quickly once the core information is available.
Documents
What information do I need for an asset finance enquiry?
Helpful information includes the asset description, price, supplier details, deposit, preferred term, company or sole trader details, trading address and contact details.
Credit profile
Can I apply if my credit history is not perfect?
You can still make an enquiry. Credit profile is one factor, but lenders may also consider the asset, deposit, trading history, affordability and overall proposal strength.
Companies
Who normally signs business finance documents?
For limited companies, lenders usually need authorised directors or signatories. Director details may be checked against Companies House and lender requirements.
Costs
Will I know the monthly payment before proceeding?
Indicative payments can be discussed, but final figures depend on lender approval, asset checks, underwriting, documentation and the agreed finance structure.
Products
Is hire purchase better than leasing?
Neither is automatically better. Hire purchase may suit ownership goals, while leasing can suit use, replacement cycles and cash flow planning.
Local support
Do you support businesses in Dorset?
Yes. The site includes Dorset and town-level pages for BCP, Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport, Ferndown, Wimborne, Verwood, Blandford Forum, Gillingham, Swanage, Sherborne and Shaftesbury.