Finance for the bench and the cleanroom.
Analysers, autoclaves, fume cupboards, ULT freezers, cleanroom fit-outs and the kit that runs UK research, contract science and clinical labs.
£16m+
Funded into UK labs
84mo
Typical analyser term
5–10%
Typical deposit
R&D
Friendly structures
If it earns its keep, we've probably funded one.
Analytical instruments
HPLC, GC, mass spec, ICP-OES, NMR, AAS. Agilent, Shimadzu, Thermo, Waters, PerkinElmer.
Lab essentials
Autoclaves, centrifuges, microscopes, balances, pH meters, incubators, water purification.
Cold chain
ULT freezers (-80°C), -20°C cabinets, cryostorage, blood-bank fridges. Eppendorf, Thermo, Stirling Ultracold.
Cleanroom & fume
Fume cupboards, biosafety cabinets, laminar flow, modular cleanrooms, isolators.
Bench & casework
Phenolic-resin worktops, chemical-resistant cabinets, eyewash stations, gas-tap services. Bundled with fit-out.
LIMS & informatics
Lab management software, instrument data systems, sample tracking. Funded as software-as-a-finance.
How science & lab deals usually structure.
Typical ticket
£60k – £350k per instrument
Range we fund
£25k autoclave → £1m cleanroom build
Term
48 – 84 months
Deposit
5 – 15%
Structure
HP for owned-asset write-off and R&D credit eligibility; lease for evergreening high-tech analysers; refinance against installed instrument base.
The usual pain.
Specialist kit confuses generalists
A used Agilent 1290 HPLC has a specific value. Mainstream lenders won't price it. Lab-specialist funders will.
Long install lead times
Many analysers have 12-week build slots. We can credit-approve early and pay deposits to lock the slot, balance on commissioning.
Cleanroom fit-out is part-construction
Mainstream lenders won't fund the build element. We use specialists who'll bundle structure, services and instruments into one facility.
How we structure it.
Lab-specialist underwriting
Lenders who know the residual value of a 4-year-old QTOF or NMR — sharper rates because they price the asset correctly.
Imported equipment ready
GBP, EUR or USD denominated agreements available. Direct dealer relationships with German, US and Japanese instrument makers.
R&D-aware structuring
We work with your accountant to ensure HP qualifies for R&D enhanced deductions and full expensing.
Reviewed by UK businesses
Sorted in 36 hours
"Bank wanted three weeks just to look at the file. AssetFi had the agreement signed and the digger paid for in 36 hours. Couldn't fault them."
Genuinely no fees
"I'd been stung by brokers before so I asked twice — really, no fees? Confirmed in writing. Got a sharper rate than my bank too. They've now done four vans for me."
Understood our cash flow
"We needed a CBCT scanner but our last accounts had a bad quarter. AssetFi went to specialist healthcare lenders, came back with three options and explained each properly. Brilliant."
Our panel
Lenders we use for science & lab
Independent of any single lender. We place every deal with the funder offering the best fit on rate, structure and speed.
Plus 40+ specialist funders covering challenger banks, asset-specific lenders and tier-2 underwriters. Lender names shown are trademarks of their respective owners.
Questions science & lab customers ask.
Will lenders fund refurbished analytical instruments?
Yes — on the right brand and with a credible service history. Engineer's report and 12-month warranty usually required.
Can install and validation be bundled?
Yes — most lenders will package up to 15–20% of asset value as soft costs (install, IQ/OQ/PQ validation, training, software, calibration).
What about long lead-time imports?
Standard. We'll issue a 6-month credit approval, pay any required deposit to secure the build slot, and pay the balance on commissioning. Rentals start on go-live.
Does HP qualify for R&D tax credits?
The capital allowances on HP-funded R&D equipment can qualify for enhanced deductions. Specifics depend on use case — confirm with your R&D adviser.
Ready to fund the next bit of science & lab kit?
Soft search. 24-hour decisions. No broker fees, ever.
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