Asset finance – a smarter way to invest in Manchester’s growth
Let’s call it what it is: waiting until you’ve saved enough for a six-figure piece of kit is a waste of opportunity.
Asset finance gives you access to the equipment you need now, from delivery vans and forklifts to packaging lines and CNC machines, while spreading the cost over time.
And it’s on the rise:
– Asset finance new business grew 11% in March 2025
– SME lending hit £4.6 billion in Q1 2025, the highest since mid-2022
– Manchester saw a sharp rise in asset finance take-up across logistics, engineering and vehicle leasing in Q2 2025
Put simply: businesses that want to stay competitive are financing smarter.
What is asset finance? Here’s a quick intro…
Need a quick refresher? No problem:
Asset finance is a flexible way for businesses to acquire vehicles, machinery, equipment or technology without paying the full cost upfront.
Instead, you spread payments over time, preserving your working capital while still getting the tools you need to grow.
It’s a popular option for SMEs in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, construction and retail, especially in fast-growing regions like Manchester. Whether you’re scaling operations, upgrading old equipment or going greener, asset finance helps you move now and pay later, without putting your cash flow under pressure.
Manchester businesses are using asset finance to…
Upgrade fleets and reduce emissions
Manchester’s Clean Air Plan is no joke. From low-emission zones to green fleet incentives, pressure is rising. We’re helping local firms finance electric vans, hybrid HGVs and low-emission plants without the upfront hit.
Invest in automation and machinery
From print shops in Ancoats to fabricators in Wigan, businesses are investing in automation to cut waste, improve throughput, and counter rising labour costs.
Expand production without delays
Whether it’s modular builds in Trafford or F&B manufacturers scaling up in Stockport, equipment finance means no waiting 12 months to afford the next growth move.
Scale fulfilment and logistics
With ecommerce firms growing fast in places like Oldham and Eccles, we’re helping them fund conveyor systems, warehouse upgrades and cold chain infrastructure, all without cashflow headaches.
Aligning with Manchester’s green ambitions
Greater Manchester plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2038, 12 years ahead of the national target. That’s not just idealism, it’s already in motion:
– 117 zero-emission buses already committed
– EV and hybrid vehicle grants rolling out for trades and logistics
– Stricter emissions rules in planning for 2026 and beyond
Asset finance helps businesses invest in green kit now, electric vehicles, energy-saving machinery, solar arrays, the lot. All without waiting for grant windows or risking their runway.
Considering asset finance? Here’s why you should partner with Jones & Co
This isn’t about ticking a funding box. It’s about finding the right structure, terms, and timing for your business, from a partner who knows the Manchester market inside out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
We’ve worked with local businesses
Based just down the road in Birmingham, and tightly connected to Manchester’s industrial scene, we’ve worked with businesses across Trafford Park, Wythenshawe, Salford, Rochdale and more.
We know the sector
From advanced manufacturers to regional couriers, our team understands how industrial businesses operate, and what you need to fund sustainable growth.
We’ve got market reach you won’t find elsewhere
Access to 50+ funders, including boutique lenders you won’t get through banks or generic brokers. That means better rates, more flexibility, and approvals where others say no.
We think beyond the loan
Need support with capital allowances, green investment tax relief, or timing funding to seasonal cycles? We do that. This is more than lending, it’s strategy.
One contact, straight answers
We don’t do the corporate shuffle. You’ll work with one experienced advisor from start to finish, with honest, no-jargon advice that helps you move quickly and confidently.
We believe that Manchester businesses deserve better finance
You’re not just running a business. You’re building something, and that takes investment. Whether it’s people, kit, or property, waiting until you’ve saved “enough” is a slow road to nowhere.
Asset finance lets you move now, pay over time, and stay in control.
With the way the city is growing, standing still isn’t an option anymore. If you’ve got a question, or you’re not sure what next steps to take, get in touch today. We’re on hand to help as and when you need us.
[Get in touch]
01473 553 430
support@jonesandcofinance.com
