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 can provide the agreement and asset information your accountant or R&D tax adviser needs to assess any available reliefs. We do not determine tax eligibility or recommend a particular tax outcome.
Helpful next steps for science & lab businesses.
Explore the asset, agreement type, planning tools and guide most relevant to the equipment you are considering. The case study above shows a real example from this sector.
Equipment finance
Explore funding options for analytical instruments, laboratory equipment and fit-outs.
ExploreFinance lease
Read about an asset-use structure for specialist equipment over an agreed term.
ExploreRefinance
Understand a potential route for releasing capital from owned lab equipment.
ExploreMonthly-cost calculator
Model indicative payments for a proposed laboratory-equipment package.
ExploreUsed equipment guide
Read due-diligence considerations before financing refurbished equipment.
ExploreQuestions 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?
Tell us about your asset and business circumstances to discuss suitable funding options. Read our commission disclosure.
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