FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Plain-English answers about asset finance, vendor finance programmes, who we can help and how we are regulated.

Asset finance

What is asset finance?: Asset finance is a way of paying for equipment over time instead of buying it outright. A lender funds the asset and you pay a fixed monthly or quarterly amount — through a lease, hire purchase or a loan — so the cost is matched to the benefit the asset delivers rather than paid up front from cash reserves.
How does asset finance work in practice?: You tell us the asset, the amount and the term. We place the proposal with the lenders on our 40-plus panel most likely to approve it, come back with pricing and structure options, and issue documents once you choose. The lender pays your supplier and you pay the agreed rentals over the term.
What is the difference between leasing and hire purchase?: With a lease you pay to use the asset and the funder retains ownership, which often makes rentals an operating cost. With hire purchase the funder owns the asset until the final payment, when ownership passes to you; your business can usually claim capital allowances from the start — better suited to equipment you intend to keep for its full life.
What equipment can be financed?: Business software and IT hardware, green energy generation, robotics and automation, medical equipment, plant, machinery, commercial vehicles, fit-out and wider capital projects. Intangible costs such as software licences, implementation and training can usually be included in the same agreement.
Is equipment leasing more tax efficient than buying outright?: It often is, because lease rentals are generally treated as an operating cost while hire purchase and loans preserve capital allowances. The right answer depends on your tax position, so we set out the options and recommend you confirm treatment with your accountant. Note that under FRS 102, for accounting periods starting on or after 1 January 2026, most leases are brought onto the balance sheet.
How long does an asset finance decision take?: Straightforward proposals are often credit-approved within hours, with documents issued the same day. Larger or structured deals take longer because we present them to the lenders most likely to say yes.
Can we settle an agreement early?: Yes. Early settlement figures are available on request, and the terms are set out in your agreement before you sign it.

Vendor finance

What is vendor finance?: Vendor finance lets a supplier offer its customers a way to pay for products and services over time, usually through a lease or instalment agreement arranged in the supplier's name. Genesis provides the funding and administration; the supplier gets paid promptly once the customer accepts the agreement.
How does a vendor finance programme work?: We agree the pricing and paperwork with you, give your sales team online access to raise quotations and credit applications, and brief them on how to present monthly costs. When a customer accepts, the funder pays your invoice and collects the rentals over the term.
What does it cost us as a supplier?: Setting up a Genesis Alliance programme costs nothing. We are paid by the funder, and pricing is agreed transparently with you up front so your margin is protected.
How quickly can a programme go live?: Most programmes are trading within a couple of weeks: a short scoping call, documentation, portal access for your team and a briefing session for your salespeople.

Eligibility and regulation

Who can apply?: UK businesses, charities and public sector bodies, and limited companies based in Ireland. We cannot arrange finance for sole traders or partnerships in Ireland. All finance is subject to status and credit approval.
Do you work with newly formed businesses?: Sometimes. Our panel includes lenders comfortable with young companies where the asset is strong or security is available. We will tell you quickly and honestly if the proposal is unlikely to be funded.
Are you a lender or a broker?: We are a broker, not a lender. We work with a panel of more than 40 institutional funders, though not the whole of the market.
Are you FCA regulated?: Yes. Genesis Capital (Finance & Leasing) Ltd, company number 06903123, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm reference number 679618.

Getting in touch

How do I get a finance quote?: Call 020 8255 5505 or send the form on our contact page with the asset, the amount and the term you have in mind. We can usually indicate pricing on the same call and confirm it in writing shortly afterwards.
How quickly will you reply?: Enquiries sent during office hours — Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.30pm — are usually answered the same working day. If your deadline is tight, call us and ask for a consultant.
I'm an existing customer — who do I speak to?: Call 020 8255 5505 and we'll put you through to the team handling your agreement. Have your agreement number to hand if you have it.

Still have a question?

Talk to a real person on 020 8255 5505, or send us a message.