Asset Advantage review: asset finance, capex and acquisition loans

Asset Advantage is a boutique business lender in Basingstoke that funds equipment, fit outs and business purchases for SMEs across England and Wales. It has a reputation for supporting new start businesses and for taking a practical view of deals that do not fit a standard box. Asset Advantage is one of the lenders on our panel, and we can compare what it offers with the wider market before you choose.

01About Asset Advantage

Asset Advantage was founded in 2007 and is based at Basing View in Basingstoke, Hampshire. It works through a panel of commercial finance brokers and introducers, some of whom it says have been with it since the start. It is a member of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB).

The company's stated philosophy is that funding decisions should be made by people, not rigid processes. It describes itself as an agile, flexible funder with an experienced, long serving team, and it highlights expertise in structuring complex security where a deal needs it.

02What Asset Advantage funds

Asset Advantage lists four products on its funding options page:

It says it will consider any asset in any industry sector. Its case studies span hospitality, beauty, brewing, veterinary practices, fitness and retail, which gives a sense of the mix. The combination of soft asset funding and capex loans is useful when a project is part equipment and part building work, such as a new restaurant or clinic. Our fit out finance guide covers that kind of project in more depth.

The acquisition loan is less common among asset lenders. If you are buying a business, our acquisition finance page explains how a loan like this sits alongside seller deferred payments and other funding.

03Who Asset Advantage suits (and who it may not)

Asset Advantage is likely to be a good fit for:

• SMEs in England and Wales funding a mix of hard kit, soft assets and fit out costs.
• New start businesses with a credible plan, which the lender says it is known for supporting.
• Owners buying a business or a partner's share who need between £75,000 and £500,000.
• Deals that need some creativity on structure or security.

It may not suit:

• Businesses in Scotland or Northern Ireland, as it lends across England and Wales.
• Purchases under £15,000, or loans under £75,000.
• Very large projects above £500,000, which need a lender with a bigger appetite.
• Anyone wanting to apply direct, since it works through brokers.

04What Asset Advantage looks at

Asset Advantage does not publish a document checklist. For deals of this type, lenders typically want to see:

• Supplier quotes or a schedule of works for fit outs.
• Recent business bank statements and the latest accounts, or a business plan and forecasts for a new start.
• For acquisitions, the target's accounts, the agreed price and how the deal is structured.
• Details of the directors, including any property or other assets, as personal guarantees are common at this size.

Because decisions are made by people, a clear written explanation of the deal, the experience of the management team and how repayments will be met carries real weight.

05Pros and cons

Pros

• Funds soft assets, fit outs and intangible costs, not just machinery.
• Offers acquisition and buyout lending, unusual for an asset lender.
• Known for backing new start businesses.
• Will consider any industry sector.

Cons

• Lends in England and Wales only.
• Higher minimums than some small ticket lenders, especially £75,000 for loans.
• Terms of 3 to 5 years may feel short for larger acquisitions.
• No direct application route.

Because decisions are made by people, a clear written explanation of the deal, the experience of the management team and how repayments will be met carries real weight.

06Applying through a broker vs going direct

Asset Advantage works through brokers, but the bigger benefit of using one is comparison. A fit out could be funded by a lease, a capex loan or an unsecured loan, and an acquisition could involve a bank, a specialist lender or a government backed scheme. We search the market, present your case once, and approach suitable lenders so you can see the options side by side. It is free to enquire; any broker fee is disclosed separately before you proceed.

Start with our Instant Quotes tool to compare lenders in minutes. Smart Funding Solutions is an independent broker and is not part of Asset Advantage. You can read about the lender on its own site.

07Alternatives to Asset Advantage

• Arkle Finance covers a similar range for business equipment and also funds boats and light aircraft.
• Black Arrow Finance focuses on soft assets and can suit smaller fit out tickets.
• Time Finance is worth comparing if you may also need invoice finance or a business loan.

For an overview of structures, see our asset finance hub.