Whole-of-market
We are not tied to one funder. The route is matched to the deal.
SME finance
Finance SME technology investment without stretching working capital.
For established UK SMEs investing in IT hardware, software and services, machinery and equipment, physical security, or green energy projects. Spread the cost over an agreed term, then continue through the secure IQ Finance application when you are ready.
Figures are indicative only and are not finance offers. Final approval is subject to status, lender criteria, affordability, documentation and approval.
Who this is for
Built for businesses that have a trading record and a project in front of them.
SME investment decisions usually turn on timing, cash position and how the cost sits against the supplier agreement. IQ Finance works through the structure before anything sensitive moves into the secure journey.
Owner-managers and finance directors
For businesses that have traded for a few years and want a technology purchase to sit inside a predictable monthly cost rather than one lump sum.
Operations and IT leads
For teams replacing ageing equipment or fitting out a new site, where the supplier and the scope are already settled.
Businesses with seasonal cash flow
For firms whose cash position moves through the year and who would rather not fund a project in a single hit.
SMEs adding capacity
For businesses taking on staff, premises or production capacity, where the investment needs to keep pace without a sudden call on reserves.
SME finance scope
What SME finance can cover
Most SME cases are a single clear purchase. Mixed projects work too, provided each part can be documented.
Hardware
IT hardware refresh
Replace laptops, servers, networking and peripherals when the current estate is past its useful life.
Software
Software and licences
Spread the cost of business software, licences and implementation where the contract term is clear.
Equipment
Machinery and equipment
Fund production, workshop or warehouse equipment where the supplier quote and delivery plan are settled.
Security
Physical security systems
Access control, surveillance and alarm systems for your premises, where the specification is defined.
Energy
Green energy projects
Solar, battery storage and efficiency works where the supplier, cost and installation plan are clear.
Mixed
More than one supplier
Combine hardware, software and equipment into a single agreement where the funder and documentation allow it.
How it works
From estimate to funder decision in four steps
A clear sequence from project estimate to secure application and a funder decision.
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Finance Estimate
Share project scope, supplier detail and cost context to produce a finance estimate for planning.
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Secure Application
When ready, continue through secure application and provide the accounts and supplier documentation the case needs.
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IQ Finance Broker Review
IQ Finance reviews the trading profile, project context and finance structure before matching the case to a suitable funder.
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Funder Decision
The matched funder completes final review and decisioning. Outcomes remain subject to status, lender criteria, affordability, documentation and approval.
Preparation checklist
What to prepare for an SME finance enquiry
Bring these early and broker review tends to move faster.
Project Scope
- Supplier quote or itemised specification.
- Model numbers or quantities where known.
- Expected delivery or installation date.
Commercial Detail
- Total project value.
- Preferred term.
- VAT position, and whether a deposit or advance payment is planned.
Business Context
- Two to three years of filed accounts where available.
- Current borrowing and existing facilities.
- How the investment earns or saves money.
Application Readiness
- Named decision-maker.
- Internal approval timing.
- Any security or guarantee being offered.
When to speak first
Talk to the team before you commit to the supplier.
A short conversation early usually saves a rebuild later, particularly where the project is mixed or the cash position is tight.
- The project spans more than one supplier.
- The business has a shorter trading record than a lender would normally ask for.
- Seasonal cash flow makes a single upfront payment awkward.
- The equipment is being installed as part of a move or fit-out.
- You want to compare a finance estimate against paying outright before signing.
SME finance FAQ
Questions before applying for SME finance
Practical answers on eligibility, timing and what lenders tend to ask for.
What counts as an SME for finance?
In the UK an SME is commonly taken to mean a business with fewer than 250 employees. Lenders apply their own criteria, so size alone does not decide whether a case is accepted.
How long should the business have been trading?
There is no single answer. Some lenders look for two or three years of filed accounts; others will consider a shorter record where the rest of the case is strong. IQ Finance will tell you what is likely to be asked before you apply.
Can we finance equipment we have already ordered?
Sometimes, where the supplier has not yet been paid and the paperwork supports it. It is usually easier to arrange the finance before the order is placed.
Will this affect our existing bank facilities?
A finance agreement is a separate commitment, but lenders will look at existing borrowing and overall affordability. It is worth disclosing current facilities early rather than at the end.
Is a finance estimate the same as approval?
No. Figures are indicative only and are not finance offers. Final approval is subject to status, lender criteria, affordability, documentation and approval.
Next step
Ready to price your next equipment or software purchase?
Start with a finance estimate, or speak to IQ Finance if the project is mixed, the cash position is tight or the trading record is short.
Figures are indicative only and are not finance offers. Final approval is subject to status, lender criteria, affordability, documentation and approval.