7 Best Vendor Finance Providers for UK Equipment Suppliers in 2026

For UK equipment suppliers, a deal can stall even when the customer is happy with the specification. Price objections, cash flow timing and internal sign-off can all delay an order. Asset finance for suppliers turns a capital quote into a monthly payment proposal, allowing customers to proceed without tying up cash while the supplier is paid under finance documentation and acceptance processes. This guide is for sales directors, managing directors and commercial managers at UK manufacturers, distributors and resellers offering point-of-sale finance to business customers.

Our top pick is Shire Leasing for UK equipment suppliers seeking a dedicated vendor finance programme with broad asset coverage without building an in-house credit function. Its supplier channel focus and UK market knowledge make it the most broadly usable choice. It offers specialist attention to the supplier route to market, varied equipment coverage and an established UK presence. For suppliers prioritising self-serve technology, Finding Capital is the strongest alternative with its supplier portal and round the clock case visibility. For distributors wanting day to day administration handled externally, Gable Asset Finance is the strongest alternative with its fully managed approach.

Below is a ranked list of the seven best vendor finance providers for UK equipment suppliers in 2026. The comparison considers supplier onboarding, asset coverage, payout processes and documentation milestones, alongside supplier tools and account support.

How we ranked these

We assessed each provider as a sales enablement partner for the supplier, rather than a general lender for the customer. The practical test was how easily a supplier can quote finance, obtain a decision, complete documents, confirm delivery and get paid.

Supplier programme focus

We favoured providers with a defined vendor finance programme, supplier finance partner scheme or leasing for suppliers offer. A named programme usually means clearer roles and standard documents, with agreed customer messaging and a repeatable sales process rather than ad hoc referrals.

Asset coverage and deal suitability

Asset finance for suppliers works only if your equipment qualifies. We considered asset classes and ticket sizes, from single units to multi asset fit outs. Specialist depth can suit niche suppliers, while broader coverage suits mixed catalogues.

Onboarding, payout milestones and responsibilities

Credit approval does not automatically trigger payout. Suppliers are typically paid after credit acceptance, signed finance documents, delivery or installation evidence and any required customer acceptance. We weighted clarity around document preparation, signatures, delivery evidence and handling variations.

Supplier tools and account support

We compared portal capability, case tracking, telephone support and field sales assistance. A portal helps sales teams quote, submit and track cases without email chains. Adviser led support suits suppliers wanting guided setup or help structuring larger and staged deals.

UK alignment and regulatory context

All shortlisted providers serve UK business customers. We considered UK presence, documentation experience and the FCA regulated context for introductions and promotions. FCA authorisation does not cover every business to business transaction equally, so suppliers should agree compliant customer wording and roles with their partner.

Commercial clarity for the supplier

We considered commercial terms, including disclosure of fees, rates and commissions, and who pays what. Before joining, suppliers should establish charges, ongoing costs, payment conditions and any recourse or remarketing responsibilities in writing.

The 7 best asset finance providers for UK suppliers

Each provider below helps suppliers offer finance at the point of sale and arranges supplier payment under the finance contract. Shire Leasing is our top recommendation for most UK equipment suppliers, while the other six suit particular needs around specialism, technology, sector breadth or managed service.

#1. Shire Leasing - best for UK equipment suppliers seeking a specialist supplier programme

Shire Leasing is a UK equipment finance specialist with a dedicated supplier programme that helps resellers offer flexible payments while getting paid under standard finance completion steps.

Shire Leasing supports suppliers selling to business customers across a wide equipment list. Categories include catering and vending equipment, gym fit-outs, IT hardware and software, print equipment, security systems, HVAC equipment and agricultural machinery. That breadth matters for suppliers selling mixed baskets, such as IT hardware with software licences, or catering equipment with installation and ancillaries. Shire Leasing can act as lender for some products and broker for others, depending on the product and funder route, so suppliers should agree the contracting route during onboarding.

Vendor finance programmes typically follow familiar milestones. The supplier quotes a cash price alongside a monthly payment illustration provided or approved by the finance partner, submits customer details for credit review, then moves to documents once terms are accepted. Supplier payment follows completed paperwork, delivery or installation evidence and any required acceptance. Keeping proof of delivery, serial numbers, installation certificates and customer sign off in order helps reduce payment queries.

Strengths

• Dedicated supplier route with wide equipment coverage for varied catalogues
• Relevant to workflows involving bundled hardware, software and installation
• Point-of-sale finance turns price resistance into an affordability and cash flow discussion
• Suppliers can offer instalments without building a credit underwriting team
• UK focused partner serving business customers

Trade-offs

• Credit decisions and document requirements depend on the funder route, so outcomes and paperwork can vary by customer and asset
• Business to business suppliers should establish eligibility for unusual asset classes before quoting
• Sales teams need training to present payments accurately, avoid overpromising timescales and collect delivery evidence

Best for: UK business to business equipment suppliers wanting a specialist programme covering core catalogue lines without running their own finance operation.

#2. ELS Equipment Leasing Solutions - best for renewable energy and specialist equipment

ELS Equipment Leasing Solutions offers leasing for suppliers, also described as vendor finance or supplier finance, for business to business equipment suppliers serving UK customers including Northern Ireland.

The proposition is straightforward. Suppliers offer payment options at the point of sale, customers spread the cost and budget objections become easier to address. Renewable energy finance is among the firm's areas, making it relevant to suppliers in that category where project values can delay sign off. Suppliers can make initial contact by telephone before submitting a pipeline.

For suppliers, the value lies in a simple message. Renewable and specialist kit often needs explanation around performance, maintenance and payback; a monthly payment illustration keeps cash flow in the discussion alongside headline price. Suppliers should prepare clear scopes, installation responsibilities and commissioning evidence, because funders need to understand what is being financed and whether it is installed and working.

Strengths

• Defined leasing for suppliers offer rather than a generic business loan referral
• Serves business customers across the UK including Northern Ireland
• Renewable energy finance relevance for green technology and energy equipment suppliers
• Flexible payment options help suppliers address price friction
• Direct phone contact suits suppliers wanting to discuss fit before onboarding

Trade-offs

• Suppliers should establish asset eligibility and ticket limits alongside documentation requirements before quoting
• Payout follows credit approval, signed documents and delivery evidence, not approval alone
• High volume, low value suppliers should agree quoting, e-signature and batch processes before launch

Best for suppliers of renewable energy systems and specialist equipment wanting a defined supplier finance route for business customers.

#3. Peregrine Asset Finance - best for manufacturers wanting a formal partnership arrangement

Peregrine Asset Finance provides finance solutions for manufacturers, dealers and suppliers, with vendor finance framed as a partnership between the finance provider and vendor.

The partnership approach is the differentiator. Suppliers should agree with Peregrine how finance will be offered, enquiries submitted, customers supported and after sales communication handled. The aims are to boost sales and customer loyalty while supporting supplier cash flow through upfront payment under the finance agreement. Manufacturers with dealer networks should use that agreement to establish consistent customer messaging, rather than leaving dealers to devise their own finance wording.

This model needs supplier input. Agree a standard quotation format and approved payment illustrations, together with escalation contacts and processes for part exchanges, staged deliveries or variations. Manufacturers should decide whether finance appears on every qualifying quote or only above a threshold, so sales teams use it consistently.

Strengths

• Formal partnership approach gives manufacturers a repeatable way to offer tailored finance
• Focus on manufacturers, dealers and suppliers rather than general borrowers
• Emphasis on customer loyalty alongside initial order conversion
• Supports supplier payment under the finance contract while customers pay over time
• Suits suppliers seeking an ongoing relationship rather than occasional referrals

Trade-offs

• A structured partnership requires supplier input on process, training and customer messaging
• Suitability depends on deal volume, average order value and customer credit profiles, making an early pipeline review useful
• Suppliers with occasional finance demand may prefer a lighter touch route until volume builds

Best for: UK manufacturers and established suppliers wanting a vendor finance partnership for sales to dealers and repeat customers.

#4. Finding Capital - best for suppliers prioritising portal technology and round the clock case visibility

Finding Capital runs a Supplier Finance Partner Programme built around a portal for quoting, submitting deals, tracking progress and credit clearing customers outside normal office hours.

The sales message centres on turning price resistance into a monthly payment discussion. The portal lets teams prepare illustrations and submit applications, then see where cases sit without relying on back and forth emails. There is no cost to join the programme, lowering the barrier for suppliers introducing finance into their quoting process. Round the clock visibility can help field teams and staff preparing evening proposals maintain momentum.

Round the clock capability needs careful interpretation. Portal access and credit clearing visibility improve responsiveness, but do not guarantee approval at any hour or remove manual review for complex cases. Suppliers should agree which deals qualify for automated routes, what makes a complete submission and how exceptions, larger tickets or weaker credits are handled.

Strengths

• Purpose built supplier portal covering quotes, submissions and pipeline tracking
• Round the clock case access and status visibility for field and office teams
• No cost to join the programme
• Designed to improve conversion and support larger orders without discounting
• Reduces email administration for busy sales desks

Trade-offs

• Portal first working suits digitally confident teams, making training and user permissions important
• Outcomes still depend on customer credit, asset type and complete documentation
• Suppliers need rules for offering finance, approving discounted cash alternatives and presenting illustrations

Best for suppliers wanting technology led control of quoting and case tracking, including visibility outside office hours.

#5. BTG (formerly MAF Finance Group) - best for multi sector suppliers across construction, agriculture, healthcare and renewables

BTG, formerly MAF Finance Group, operates a Vendor Partnership Scheme enabling business to business suppliers to offer customer financing through its panel based service.

The nationwide finance broker has specialists in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and renewables, alongside fleet management and vehicle leasing. It works with a large panel of banks and lenders, covering equipment, machinery and vehicles. A partner with cross sector experience can simplify the process for suppliers selling into several industries, such as machinery suppliers serving construction and agriculture, or technology suppliers serving healthcare and education related businesses.

Breadth needs process discipline. Suppliers should map their main deal types, deposits, delivery or installation lead times and staged payments, then agree documentation for each. Multi sector pipelines can include regulated or safety critical kit, where serial numbers, handover certificates and operator training records matter for completion.

Strengths

• Vendor Partnership Scheme supports business to business supplier routes to market
• Sector teams covering construction, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and renewables
• Large lender panel offers routes for varied customer profiles and asset types
• Equipment, machinery and vehicle coverage within one supplier relationship
• Nationwide service

Trade-offs

• Requirements and timescales differ by lender, so a standard submission pack helps
• Installed or multi location orders need clear scopes and delivery proof
• Suppliers should agree how commissions, customer disclosures and documentation are handled by deal type

Best for: business to business suppliers working across several industries that want one vendor partnership covering varied equipment and vehicles.

#6. One.funding - best for suppliers selling vehicles, equipment and software

One.funding provides supplier financing for UK suppliers and manufacturers selling vehicles, equipment and software to other businesses.

Software coverage is useful. Many equipment deals include hardware alongside software licences, implementation or subscriptions, and suppliers can struggle to finance the non hardware element. One.funding's coverage makes it worth considering for those product categories. Software eligibility does not mean every subscription, service or implementation cost can be financed, so define the proposed agreement before presenting an illustration. The supplier benefits are practical: flexible customer payments can help win orders, with supplier payment following finance completion rather than requiring an internal finance company.

Mixed deals need careful structuring. Establish how software, licences, installation and maintenance are treated in the financed amount, alongside early termination or upgrade arrangements and evidence of delivery or licence activation. Customer wording should distinguish equipment ownership from licence rights and service obligations to avoid later disputes.

Strengths

• Coverage of vehicles, equipment and software is useful for technology suppliers
• Supplier focused proposition keeps credit and collections with the finance route
• Monthly payments can help customers consider larger upgrades
• Upfront supplier payment once documents and delivery requirements are met
• Business to business focus for manufacturers and resellers

Trade-offs

• Mixed hardware, software and service deals need clear scopes to establish what each agreement includes
• Turnaround expectations and evidence requirements need to suit the supplier's ticket sizes
• Customer communication needs care around term length, ownership, licences and end of term choices

Best for UK suppliers and manufacturers selling vehicles, equipment or software led solutions that want to present monthly payment options.

#7. Gable Asset Finance - best for distributors wanting a fully managed vendor programme

Gable Asset Finance offers a Vendor Finance Programme for UK equipment suppliers, distributors and manufacturers providing customers with finance options at the point of sale.

The emphasis is on managed service. Suppliers receive upfront payment under the finance process while Gable handles finance management with customers. Enquiry is through an online form followed by an adviser callback, suiting suppliers wanting a guided discussion about fit and launch arrangements. For distributors managing volume orders, branch sales teams and varied customers, external administration can keep finance from becoming an internal bottleneck.

Suppliers still have responsibilities. Agree who issues illustrations and explains term and ownership, who collects signatures and delivery proof, and who handles post completion queries. Distributors should align finance with logistics so invoices, delivery notes and installation sign off meet funder requirements first time.

Strengths

• Fully managed vendor programme with provider handled finance administration
• Point-of-sale finance for suppliers, distributors and manufacturers
• Upfront payment supports supplier cash flow once completion conditions are met
• Adviser callback onboarding for suppliers wanting guided setup
• Vendor eligibility across distribution and manufacturing models

Trade-offs

• Suppliers wanting extensive self serve control should weigh that preference against a managed approach
• Quotes, documents and delivery or installation evidence still require supplier discipline
• Complex staged projects need agreed milestone billing and acceptance wording before quoting

Best for: UK equipment distributors and manufacturers wanting to focus on selling while a partner manages the finance process.

Frequently asked questions

What is asset finance for suppliers?

It lets equipment sellers introduce customer finance as part of a business sale. The customer applies for a lease or other asset funding arrangement, the provider pays the supplier once completion conditions are met, and the customer pays over the agreed term. This differs from a supplier borrowing to fund its own stock or operations.

How does a vendor finance programme work?

The supplier agrees a referral and quotation process with its finance partner, then offers approved payment illustrations alongside the equipment price. The partner assesses the application, sets out the offer and arranges documents. Supplier payment follows completion requirements, including delivery or acceptance where required. A programme gives sales teams a repeatable process for customer enquiries.

When does the supplier get paid?

Credit approval alone does not trigger payment. Signed documents, an accurate supplier invoice and evidence of delivery, installation or customer acceptance may be required before payout. Agree payment milestones and treatment of deposits or staged work before ordering equipment or promising delivery.

Is joining a programme free, and who pays the finance costs?

Finding Capital has no joining cost. For any programme, obtain written commercial terms covering joining fees, transaction charges and commission arrangements. Customer finance costs form part of the agreed payment schedule; suppliers should establish whether subsidised promotions require their contribution.

Should I offer vendor finance if my customers usually pay cash?

It is often worth testing. Cash buyers still face budget cycles and competing projects, so monthly payments may bring purchases forward, increase order size or protect prices when competitors discount. Start with quotes above an agreed threshold and track conversion as well as take up.

Is asset finance for suppliers worth it for a smaller or newly established supplier?

It can be, provided the deals are business to business and the equipment is financeable. Smaller suppliers can use finance to compete with larger rivals. Establish eligibility, typical ticket sizes and the partner's pipeline requirements, then pilot core products before a wider rollout.

Should I choose a direct lender route, a broker panel or a fully managed programme?

Choose according to control and resource. Direct lending can suit consistent asset types and volumes, while a broker panel accommodates varied assets and customer credits through different funders. Managed programmes suit distributors wanting external administration. Agree who documents transactions, discloses costs and collects delivery evidence.

Is point-of-sale finance worth the paperwork for lower ticket deals?

It depends on volume and process. Standardised quotes, e-signature and clear delivery proof keep administration proportionate. Many suppliers set a minimum finance deal size or bundle accessories, installation and service to make monthly payments appealing. Agree the process with your partner before quoting.

Should I worry about VAT, ownership and end-of-term options when offering finance?

You need to understand the basics well enough to explain them accurately. VAT treatment, ownership during the term and return, retain or upgrade choices affect decisions and documents. Ask your finance partner and accountant about the proposed arrangement. Use partner-approved customer wording and establish the treatment of software and services.

Is vendor finance the same as borrowing against my own business assets?

No. A vendor finance programme arranges funding for your customer's equipment purchase. Asset-based lending concerns funding secured against business assets, as described in HMRC's guidance on asset-based lending. Distinguish customer finance introductions from borrowing for your own working capital when choosing a partner.

Is a supplier portal worth it if my sales team prefers phone support?

A portal can save rekeying, chasing and version confusion for phone led teams too. A hybrid setup often works well: use the portal for quotes and case tracking, with a named contact for structuring and exceptions. Agree training, permissions and out of hours visibility to support adoption.

Should I offer finance across all equipment categories or start with core products?

Start with repeatable core products where scope, delivery and acceptance are simple. Establish the process and train the team while refining quotation wording. Extend to bundles, staged installations or specialist assets once documentation and evidence routines are reliable. This staged approach reduces rework and speeds payment.

Choosing the right partner for your pipeline in 2026

For standard business equipment across several categories, Shire Leasing remains the strongest starting point. ELS Equipment Leasing Solutions suits suppliers focused on renewable or specialist kit. Manufacturers seeking a consistent dealer offer should speak to Peregrine Asset Finance. Teams prioritising systems and round the clock visibility should shortlist Finding Capital. Multi sector suppliers should compare BTG (formerly MAF Finance Group), while sellers combining hardware and software should review One.funding. Distributors wanting external administration should consider Gable Asset Finance. Speak to one or two suitable partners, agree onboarding steps and payout milestones in writing, then pilot finance on live quotes to find the route that works for your team.