Customer: Farming Business
Asset: Farm Inputs – Fertiliser
Cost: £32,000
Type of Finance: Unsecured Loan Agreement Over 12 Months
Fertiliser Supplied by: Yara UKAG Credit recently had the pleasure of helping a farming business secure the finance needed to purchase essential fertiliser for their crops. This critical farm input was supplied by Yara UK and financed through an unsecured loan agreement over 12 months.
We understand the financial challenges faced by businesses in the agriculture sector. That’s why we worked closely with our client to create a solution tailored to their specific needs. We pride ourselves on our ability to secure financing for various agricultural inputs, recognising their importance to our clients’ operations.
Our wide network of finance companies allows us to provide flexible and competitive financing options, even for inputs like fertiliser. This ensures businesses like our client’s can grow and operate smoothly without the burden of upfront costs.
At AG Credit, we are committed to supporting the growth and success of our clients by providing reliable and accessible financing solutions. It was a pleasure to assist this farming business in reaching their goals and securing the inputs they needed to thrive.
Ready to finance your next essential asset? Contact us today to find out how we can support your business with tailored financing solutions.
Category: Uncategorized
Customer: Farming/Haulage Business
Asset: 2006 Scania R500 Tractor Unit
Type of Finance: Hire Purchase Agreement Over 48 Months
Vehicle Supplied by: Fernwood Commercials
AG Credit recently had the pleasure of helping a farming and haulage business secure the finance needed to buy a 2006 Scania R500 Tractor Unit. This vital piece of equipment was supplied by Fernwood Commercials and financed through a hire purchase agreement over 48 months.
We understand the financial challenges faced by businesses in the agriculture and haulage sectors. That’s why we worked closely with our client to create a solution tailored to their specific needs. We pride ourselves on our ability to secure financing for older machinery, recognising their enduring value and importance to our clients’ operations.
Our wide network of finance companies allows us to provide flexible and competitive financing options, even for used equipment. This ensures businesses like our client’s can grow and operate smoothly without the burden of upfront costs.
At AG Credit, we are committed to supporting the growth and success of our clients by providing reliable and accessible financing solutions. It was a pleasure to assist this farming and haulage business in reaching their goals and securing the equipment they needed to thrive.
Ready to finance your next essential asset? Contact us today to find out how we can support your business with tailored financing solutions.
The Forestry Industry holds considerable economic and environmental importance here in the UK. By providing employment opportunities, forest related tourism, timber production, climate mitigation, conservation work and sustainable development, to name but a few, it certainly shows it’s significance.
In order for the UK Forestry Industry to thrive, one of the crucial factors it needs is investment, ensuring up to date research, technology and the latest innovative machinery can be used.
At AG Credit, we are committed to supporting UK businesses in the Forestry and Arboriculture Industry get the finance they need to purchase equipment, quickly and efficiently, allowing them to continue to carry out their vital work.
Types of Businesses within the Forestry sector we have helped
Conservation
Logging and Harvesting
Firewood providers
Arboriculture/Tree Services – surgery, felling, stump removal and planting
Sawmills
Haulage companies
A few examples of Forestry Equipment we have arranged finance for recently
Palax C900 Firewood Processor – Supplied by Powell’s Forest and Garden Equipment Ltd
Gremo 1050F Timber Forwarder – Supplied by SB Forestry Ltd
Other Forestry Equipment we can arrange finance for
Harvesters, chainsaws, sawing equipment, chippers, debarkers, skidders with winches, loaders, tractors and off road vehicles, logging trucks, trailers, mulchers, brushcutters, stump grinders, forestry mowers, GPS equipment for forest mapping.
Looking to purchase any of the above equipment? Get in touch with one of the team today, or fill out the enquiry form on our page.
You can also find out more about the latest Forestry news in Forest Machine Magazine. https://forestmachinemagazine.com/
Are you looking to invest in renewable energy to increase profitability in your business? Not only is renewable energy a sustainable option in the long run, it can also save you money. Although fuel costs have started to stabilise, they remain high, which is squeezing profit margins for all businesses. Read on to find out the benefits of investing in renewable energy.
Increase Profitability
While the initial installation cost may be high, over time, businesses can save money on energy costs. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power have lower operating costs once installed, offering more stability and predictability, helping businesses forecast their energy expenses.
Generate Energy Independence
With the right renewable energy system, some businesses can generate 75% or even more of their energy needs. Massively reducing their reliance on external energy providers and volatile fossil fuel markets.
Environmental Responsibility
Pressure to hit environmental targets is growing as political and consumer influences demand action in a bid to avert climate change. Adopting renewable energy demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. This can enhance a company’s reputation and brand image, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and investors.
Types of Renewable Energy
SOLAR – One of the most popular options for businesses in various sectors. Solar panels can be installed on the roofs of buildings such as farm sheds, farm houses or industrial units. They can also be ground mounted on any spare land (with planning permission). Any surplus energy that is generated can be stored in a battery to be used when energy demands are higher.
BIOMASS – Another popular option, especially for businesses in the agricultural sector. Around 8% of UK farms use or supply biomass fuel in the form of tree trimmings, an energy crop, crop residues or by-products such as chicken litter. Woodchip, or pellet-fed boilers are generally the most convenient option for on-site heating. These fuels are often much cheaper than traditional fossil fuels like oil or gas.
OTHER – Other types of renewable energy include: Wind, heat pumps, Hydro and Anaerobic Digester.
Looking to invest?
At AG Credit, we have already supported many businesses in securing finance to purchase Biomass Heating systems and Solar Panel systems. Why not spread the cost of the initial investment, and claim back any tax benefits you may be entitled to when purchasing solar panels or biomass heaters for your business? Get in touch with us today!
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The annual rate of interest on a credit agreement. Including the interest rate, fees and any other charges associated with the agreement.
Asset Finance
A financial agreement between a company/individual and a finance company/lender whereby an asset is initially paid for by the finance company and the company/individual then makes regular payments to them over a specified period. Types of Asset Finance include: Hire Purchase, Lease, Operating Lease, Refinance (on a sale & HP back) and unsecured farm loans.
Balloon Payment
A lump sum payment due at the end of a Hire Purchase or Lease agreement. It is usually a larger payment than the previous monthly payments, hence the term ‘balloon’.
Broker
An intermediary who arranges finance agreements between customers and lenders. They do not charge a fee for their services. They will typically receive commission from the lenders, either as a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount a customer borrows.
Capital Allowances
The amount of depreciation that can be offset against taxable profits, reducing the amount of tax paid. The allowances are calculated as a percentage of the initial cost of the equipment or the written-down value at the end of the previous tax year. Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/capital-allowances
Cash Flow
The actual inflows and outflows of cash faced by a business. When lenders complete a credit check on a company or individual wanting finance, part of this will be to establish whether they have enough cash to afford the repayments on an agreement.
Credit Rating
An independent assessment of a company’s creditworthiness. Also known as credit report, or credit score.
Deposit
A payment made upfront of the purchase or finance agreement.
Equity
The residual value of an asset. This is the difference between the value of the asset and the minimum payments still owed on the asset.
Guarantee
An undertaking to answer for the payment of a debt or performance of any other type of obligation, in the event that payments are unable to be made. A director’s guarantee is sometimes required by lenders depending on the size of the deal and strength of the company.
Hard Assets
A term used to refer to assets that meet the DIMS (durable, identifiable, moveable, saleable) criteria. They tend to be high value items that hold their value, such as vehicles, machinery and manufacturing equipment.
Hire Purchase
A finance facility that gives the customer an option to buy the asset at the end of the agreement. Provided that they keep to the terms of the agreement. The customer usually pays the VAT up front.
Interest
The price of borrowing money over time.
Lease agreement
A finance facility where the customer has full use of the asset in return for monthly payments to the owner of the asset (the lender). The VAT cost is spread across the monthly payments.
Lender
Also referred to as ‘lessor’. The owner of an asset used by someone else under the terms of a finance facility.
Operating Lease
A type of leasing facility where the lender retains the risks and rewards of owning the asset. The Lender will set the predicted residual value of the equipment at the end of the agreement. The customer then finances the difference between this amount and the purchase cost.
Option to Purchase
The opportunity for a customer to purchase an asset at the end of a hire purchase agreement. The option to purchase fee is stated on the agreement and is usually at a price that is significantly lower than the asset’s market value.
Own – Book
Where asset finance brokers decide to fund some deals themselves using their own capital or borrowed funds.
Payout
The point in the process of setting up a new finance agreement where the lender pays the supplier for the equipment, the paperwork is signed off and the agreement begins.
Proposal
A presentation of a customer’s funding needs in detail (supplied by the finance broker), which gets entered into a lender’s system for a credit review and approval decision, made by an underwriter.
Refinance
There are a few different refinancing options available. Such as, refinancing a balloon payment at the end of a hire purchase agreement, or refinancing assets that are already owned outright (or have equity in), as a way of releasing cash flow back into your business.
Sale & HP Back
This is where a company/individual sells an asset to a lender for a lump sum, then they lease it back through repayments. This allows the company/individual to free up cash whilst retaining use of the asset.
Soft Assets
A term used to refer to assets that do not meet the DIMS (durable, identifiable, moveable, saleable) criteria. Their value is usually lower and they don’t tend to hold value over time. Examples include; IT and computing infrastructure, security equipment and office furniture.
Supplier
Also referred to as reseller or dealer. Their main activity is to sell vehicles and equipment to businesses or individuals.
Term
The agreed time period of a finance facility.
Unsecured Loan
A loan needed without the customer needing to provide any security. Most finance facilities are secured by the asset itself and/or with a director’s guarantee. We have access to lenders who will offer unsecured loans specifically within the agricultural sector.
VAT Deferral
Value Added Tax (VAT) costs can be deferred for up to 3 months. Allowing customers time to reclaim the VAT before having to pay it off as part of the finance agreement.
Zero Percent Finance
Subsidised credit may be offered by manufacturers on new machinery. Usually marketed as ‘zero percent finance’ deals.
It’s a common misconception that needing to secure finance is solely due to lack of funds and needing to borrow money. For limited companies, sole traders and partnerships looking to grow, there are many other benefits to securing finance.
Spread Costs
Finance gives you an opportunity to continue to generate revenue, whilst you pay off the asset in smaller chunks.
Increase Cash Flow
This can be useful for many reasons. Rather than paying in full for an expensive asset, spreading the cost will ensure you have more cash available for contingency costs.
Fixed Monthly Repayments
Finance facilities are flexible and tailored specifically to you and your business. So you know exactly what your repayments are going to be over the course of the agreement. Helpful for long term business planning.
Build Credit Rating
This can help you to secure further further finance facilities in the future.
Potential Tax Advantages
Purchasing assets for business can also offer tax benefits, such as capital allowances. Check out https://www.gov.uk/capital-allowances or speak to your accountant for clarification.
Scale Up Your Equipment
Stay up to date, replace older machinery and increase the amount of equipment you have in order to reach more customers.
Get What you Need Now
Equipment may need upgrading or replacing straight away, or an unplanned purchase may arise. Asset finance is a quick and easy way to get hold of the machinery you need
We don’t just finance machinery and equipment!
Many of our lenders are able to offer unsecured farm loans, based on good creditworthiness and financial history.
These type of loans are specifically for things like:
🐄 Livestock purchases
🌾 Fertiliser
🏚️ Sheds/farm buildings
💡 Diversification Projects
🛠️ General farm improvements – concreting a yard, silage pits, other operating expenses
Government grants
Some lenders will also offer unsecured loans to farming businesses to purchase specific equipment. Where farmers have received a government grant towards a piece of equipment, they must then purchase it out right using their own funds, rather than on a finance agreement.
We recently had an example of this where a customer received a government grant to purchase a Sheep Handling System.
NEED ACCESS TO FUNDS FOR YOUR FARM?
Contact us for more information.
What can we offer you this year?
⭐ If you are a limited company, partnership, sole trader or private individual, looking to purchase new or used assets, such as machinery, vehicles and equipment, to help grow your business in 2024. We can help you find the best finance facility, tailored to you and your business.
⭐ We save you time by doing the leg work, and will guide you through the process quickly and efficiently.
⭐ We have access to a wide range of lenders, who offer different types of finance facilities such as; hire purchase, lease, operating lease, refinance (sale and HP back) and loans for farm improvements.
⭐ If you are a supplier, machinery dealer or private seller, we can help your customers access the funds they need to purchase equipment from you. Therefore driving your sales!
⭐ Rates are competitive and the finance is flexible, we can offer; structured payment profiles, minimal deposits, VAT deferrals and seasonal payments.
So why not contact us? Either for a direct quote, or refer one of your customers to us. It’s always good to shop around!
Autumn Statement 2023
Earlier in November the Government set out the Autumn Statement. FULL EXPENSING relief has now been set as a permanent feature of the capital allowances regime.
What are the rules?
Full expensing allows companies to claim 100% of the cost of certain plant and machinery, that is new and unused, against profits in the year of expenditure.
Who can benefit from this?
Limited Companies, who pay corporation tax.
Have a look at other capital allowances available here: https://www.gov.uk/capital-allowances
Bank of England Update
Interest rates are stabilising as inflation has started to fall. The Bank of England expects inflation to fall further this year and continue to fall towards their 2% target next year. Good news for prices rising more slowly, and interest rates not needed too increase to drastically.
Personal tax returns deadline – 31st January 2024
With this date in mind, it is worth considering cut off dates for purchasing any capital equipment for your business in time to reduce your tax labilities. This applies to ALL businesses operating as Sole Traders, Partnerships or Limited Companies.
If you need deals to be settled and paid out before the end of a certain month to allow for VAT quarters or end of financial years, then get in touch with us sooner rather than later. We’re here to help!