Engineering
Finance for CNC machines, lathes, milling equipment, welding gear and specialist tooling. GDFS helps engineering businesses invest in precision equipment without straining working capital.
About this sector
Finance in the Engineering sector
Engineering businesses — whether precision machining, structural steel fabrication, specialist subcontract or mechanical engineering — are built on expensive, specialist equipment. A 5-axis machining centre can cost £150,000–£600,000; large-format laser cutters and coordinate measuring machines regularly run to six figures. In a sector where winning contracts often depends on the capabilities you can demonstrate, keeping equipment current is a competitive necessity, not a discretionary cost.
Asset finance is the natural fit for engineering businesses because the asset itself generates the revenue to service the loan. Hire purchase is popular because it builds equity in precision machinery that holds its value well. Finance lease suits firms that prefer to upgrade regularly — trading up at the end of a 3–5 year term rather than owning older kit. Refinancing existing plant unlocks capital for business development without selling equipment that is still in active production.
GDFS is comfortable with niche engineering assets that some mainstream lenders struggle to value — specialist CNC equipment, bespoke fabrication machinery and older but fully serviceable plant. We work with lenders who understand residual values in this sector, which typically translates to better terms than a general business loan would offer. Tell us what you need and we will find the right deal.
What we can fund
Engineering assets we finance
Below is a guide to the types of equipment and assets GDFS regularly arranges finance for in this sector. Not sure if yours qualifies? Just ask — if it has business value, there's likely a lender on our panel who'll consider it.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Finance is subject to status and lender criteria.
Finance solutions
Products suited to Engineering
Why GDFS
A broker who knows your industry
We're not a comparison site or a call centre. We're an independent broker who takes the time to understand your business, your cash flow, and the unique challenges of your sector — then we find the right deal from a panel of 30+ lenders.
- FCA-authorised credit broker
- Access to 30+ specialist lenders
- Decisions typically within 24–72 hrs
- Personal broker assigned to every case
- Dorset-based, serving businesses UK-wide
- 5-star rated on Trustpilot
FCA authorised & regulated
Your interests are always protected
How we get your deal done
Tell us what you need
Call, email or fill in the form. No obligation, no credit check at this stage.
We search the market
We compare rates and products across 30+ specialist lenders on your behalf.
You choose the best deal
We present the options clearly — you decide what works for your business.
Funds in your account
We manage the paperwork end-to-end. Typical decisions within 24–72 hours.
Common questions
Engineering finance FAQs
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Can you finance CNC machines and precision tooling?
Yes — CNC machining centres, lathes, milling machines, EDM equipment and specialist tooling are all assets we can finance. We work with lenders who understand engineering assets and their residual values, so you'll get fair, competitive terms.
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What finance structure works best for expensive capital equipment?
Hire purchase is popular for high-value engineering assets as you own the equipment outright at the end of the term. Finance lease can be more tax-efficient for some businesses. We'll talk through both options and recommend the most suitable structure.
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Can I refinance equipment I've already paid for?
Yes. Sale-and-leaseback or refinancing allows you to release equity from assets you already own — turning that capital into working cash without selling the kit or disrupting production.
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Do you work with sub-contract engineering firms?
Yes. Whether you're a larger production facility or a smaller sub-contract shop supplying aerospace, automotive, or industrial sectors, we'll match you with lenders suited to your size and trading profile.
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How long does the application process take?
We aim for an indicative decision the same working day for most engineering asset finance applications under £250,000. Larger or more complex deals may require additional information, but we'll manage the process and keep you updated throughout.
Ready to talk engineering finance?
Get a free, no-obligation quote today. We'll do the lender legwork — you focus on your business.