Finance for the firms that build the build.
Vans, tools, mini-plant and trailers for plumbers, sparkies, joiners, roofers and groundworkers — funded with owner-operator and growing-crew structures.
£26m+
Funded for trades
8 days
Average van turnaround
0–10%
Typical deposit
60mo
Max term on prime LCV
If it earns its keep, we've probably funded one.
Trade vans
Transit, Sprinter, Crafter, Vivaro, Caddy. New, ex-demo or used. Racked, signwritten and on the road in days.
Tools & power kit
Compressors, generators, welders, jet washers, plate compactors. Funded as a kit-out package.
Mini-plant
1–3t excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers. Auction or dealer sourced, funded for one-man bands and small crews.
Trailers & towables
Plant trailers, tipping trailers, welfare units, mobile workshops. Ifor Williams, Indespension, Brian James.
Pickups & 4x4
Hilux, Ranger, L200, Amarok, D-Max. Funded for site access, towing and badge value.
Storage & welfare
Container conversions, tool stores, mobile welfare, drying rooms. Funded as fixed-asset purchases.
How trades & sub-contracting deals usually structure.
Typical ticket
£15k – £80k per drawdown
Range we fund
£5k tool kit → £250k crew expansion
Term
36 – 60 months
Deposit
0 – 15%
Structure
HP dominant for asset retention; refinance to release equity from owned vans/plant ahead of contract starts.
The usual pain.
CIS income confuses banks
CIS gross/net status doesn't fit standard income templates. We use trades-specialist lenders who'll model CIS deductions correctly.
New-trade accounts are thin
First-year sole traders and limited companies struggle on filed accounts. We use lenders who'll underwrite on bank statements, contract evidence and trade qualifications.
Auction kit is 'too risky'
Mainstream lenders won't touch auction stock. Plant-specialists do — with engineer's report instead of warranty.
How we structure it.
CIS-aware underwriting
Lenders who understand CIS gross/net, agency vs direct contracts, and how to model real take-home.
Owner-operator friendly
We fund single-van plumbers and one-man landscaping crews — most banks won't even quote.
Refinance for cash flow
Released £40k for a Coventry roofer from owned vans and plant ahead of a 6-month school contract — kit never moved.
Helpful next steps for trades & sub-contracting 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.
Van finance
Explore finance structures for trade vans, conversions and fleet additions.
ExploreExcavator finance
Read funding information for plant, excavators and site equipment.
ExploreHire purchase
Understand an ownership-transfer structure for productive trade assets.
ExploreMonthly-cost calculator
Model indicative payments for vans, tools, plant and equipment.
ExploreTrades case study
See how a subcontracting business funded a scaffolding package.
ExploreContractor finance guide
Read guidance for businesses with project-based income and equipment needs.
ExploreQuestions trades & sub-contracting customers ask.
I'm a sole trader on CIS — can I get finance?
Yes. We have trades-specialist lenders who'll lend to CIS sole traders on bank statements and contract evidence. Personal guarantee required, deposit usually 10–15%.
Can I finance tools as well as a van?
Yes — tools, racking, signwriting and small plant can all be bundled into one HP agreement. Minimum facility usually £5k.
Will lenders fund auction-bought plant?
Yes — three of our lenders are comfortable with Ritchie Bros, Cheffins, Sandhills and similar. Engineer's inspection report and lot description required.
I've only been trading 6 months — any options?
Possibly — depends on the deposit you can put down (typically 20–25%), trade qualifications, and signed contract evidence. Worth a five-minute call to see.
Ready to fund the next bit of trades & sub-contracting kit?
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