The scaffolding sector is huge business here in the UK, with a market size of £3.6 billion. And the construction industry is forecast to experience ongoing growth over the next four years, so it’s likely to be a busy time for scaffolders, as demand will no doubt keep on rising.

Like all businesses, scaffolders are likely to look for financial support from time to time. Funds might be needed for buying new equipment or paying suppliers, and if the cash isn’t on hand it can lead to slower growth and missed opportunities.

This is where scaffolding finance can help. This article explores the different finance options available to scaffolding businesses and how these can boost their working capital.

What is scaffolding finance?

Scaffolding finance refers to various financial solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of scaffolders. For example, buying different types of scaffolds like suspended or cantilever, investing in safety accessories, and maintaining equipment. Funds may also go towards hiring and training staff, managing cash flow, covering running costs like rent or expanding the business.

Below, we explain the main financing options available for scaffolders.

Business loans 

Business loans provide a lump sum of money that can be used for a great many needs, from buying equipment and hiring staff to expanding operations and any other business operations. The loan is then normally repaid over a set period of time with interest with fixed monthly payments.

Construction finance 

Construction finance is a specialised form of finance designed specifically for the construction industry, including scaffolding businesses.

Construction is one of the most capital-intensive industries in the UK, and therefore, often requires substantial financial backing. Construction finance offers support not just to main contractors, but also to sub-contractors. This type of finance helps businesses maintain a steady cash flow, enabling them to manage contracts and promote growth effectively.

Equipment finance (asset finance) 

Scaffolding equipment finance, also known as asset finance for scaffolders, allows businesses to purchase new equipment without having to pay the full cost upfront.

Businesses can spread the cost of the new equipment over several years, making it more manageable. This arrangement converts the large initial outlay into affordable monthly repayments, easing financial pressure while helping to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Invoice finance 

Invoice finance is another popular form of scaffolding finance. It lets your business convert all outstanding invoices into working capital, easing cash flow. This solution is especially useful for scaffolding companies dealing with late payments from clients.

Vehicle finance 

Vehicle finance helps scaffolding businesses finance the purchase of vehicles needed for their operations, including trucks, vans, or other types of commercial vehicles like a company car. Like equipment finance, it lets you buy vehicles by distributing costs over years with fixed monthly payments.

Refinancing 

Refinancing is when you take out a fresh loan to pay off an existing one. It can be a chance to lower monthly payments, reduce interest rates, or change the loan term.

New start finance 

For those looking to start a new scaffolding company, a new start finance loan can provide the initial capital needed. These loans can be used for various costs to get you up and running, including buying equipment, hiring staff, or securing a business location.

Can scaffolders get finance with poor credit? 

Weak credit isn’t always a barrier for securing scaffolding finance. At Origin Finance, we’ll leverage our expertise and extensive network of construction and scaffolding lenders to find a financing solution that suits your particular needs and circumstances. To do this, we’ll request some supporting documents to help strengthen your application. Speak to the team to find out more.

What is the minimum amount scaffolders can borrow? 

The minimum that can be borrowed is £10,000. Our team will work with you to understand your needs and find a loan to fits your situation.

How Origin Finance can help 

As experts in construction finance, we specialise in providing tailored financial solutions for scaffolding businesses. Whether you need a business loan, equipment finance, or any other form of scaffolding finance, our team of experts will walk you through the process and help secure the best possible terms. We’ll do the legwork, researching and liaising with lenders on your behalf.

We have access to a broad range of lenders who specialise in construction and scaffolding finance, many of which only accept applications from brokers. This access can be especially handy if you’re aiming to reduce your current interest rate or secure more favourable terms.

Most importantly, our knowledge and experience can protect your credit rating as we’ll ensure that you only apply to the most suitable lenders, reducing the need for multiple credit checks that might harm your credit score.

Get in touch for a free no-obligation quote to find out how we can help your scaffolding business.

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There’s never been a better time to start a new business. Last year we saw 774,420 new companies launch right here in the UK. That’s up 3.5% from 2021 and is 19% higher than just five years ago.

Starting your own business is a very large (but very rewarding) challenge that’s well worth undertaking. It’s also well worth starting to think about all of the financial options available to you, so that you don’t exhaust your cash flow too early, and to make sure that you’re well prepared for any bumps that you might face down the road.

One of the main hurdles entrepreneurs face is getting enough cash together to pay for the initial costs. Less than half of UK startups survive beyond their first five years, with the records showing that insufficient financing is the main reason for business failure among startups in 2022.

Virtually every business needs some level of finance to get going. Whether it’s for buying equipment, office space, or marketing, the costs for starting up a great business can really add up. And that can even be before your business has gotten off the ground.

Once you get going, you’ll also have to think about your ongoing cashflow to make sure that you’re agile enough to overcome any obstacles that crop up while you’re growing and building your financial stability.

Fortunately, there are several funding options out there to help you get your business up and running to the best possible start.

What are common options for financing new businesses or startups?

Some of the most common sources for financing new businesses or startups include:

  • Equipment finance
  • Fit out finance
  • Business loans
  • Invoice financing
  • Vehicle finance

Each of these financing solutions caters to different needs and aspects of a new business, from purchasing the necessary equipment to setting up a physical location, managing cash flow, and acquiring vehicles for operations. Below, we explain each of these financing options.

Equipment finance 

All tech firms need computers, as restaurants need ovens and manufacturers need machinery. As such, equipment finance is an obvious choice for starter businesses that need to buy equipment that’s essential to their operation to get going (without having to fork out on an initial heft investment).

And it’s not just for “tangible” assets like computers and desks, or tables and chairs – it also cover “intangible” assets like software, signage or even AstroTurf so don’t be afraid to enquire about equipment financing even if your business has some unique needs.

Fit out finance 

When setting up a new physical location, fit-outs can be a big expense (even fit outs for small units can be pricey). Fit out finance helps new businesses by funding construction and renovation through monthly repayments as opposed to one big upfront payment – making things a bit more manageable. Like equipment finance, it covers both tangible and intangible items, making it a great option for a variety of business types, like shops, gyms and offices.

Business loans

Business loans are a go-to option for emerging businesses who are looking for a bit of flexibility with their funding. The money can be used for various things, from covering working capital and deposits to funding management buy-outs and acquisitions.

Invoice financing 

Invoice financing essentially turns outstanding invoices into immediate capital.

Instead of waiting for clients to pay their invoices— which can take weeks or even months— a business can access a significant percentage of the money that’s owed.

Sometimes this can provide a new business with a lifeline, but it also gives a bit of financial stability generally and is therefore an option for helping to navigate the unpredictable early stages of entrepreneurship.

Vehicle finance 

Vehicle finance, or commercial vehicle finance, allows businesses to purchase cars, buses, taxis, vans, etc – all of which generally have a large initial upfront payment.

Whether it’s for delivery services, employee transportation, or simply a company car, vehicle finance lets businesses acquire the vehicles needed for running their operations.

How Origin Finance can help 

Starting a finance business can seem daunting, but it’s entirely achievable with the right financing options and support.

Here at Origin Finance, we’d love to support your new business venture. If you let us know what you’re looking to finance, we can help you to find the most suitable funding solution. As we work with over 120 lenders, each specialising in different industries, we’re able to find the most competitive finance products for your new business.

And our team won’t just look at your numbers; we want to understand the people and the ideas behind your business to learn more about what you do and why you do it. We have proven that a compelling business story will significantly increase your chances of securing business finance.

We also offer flexible payment terms, including seasonal payments for seasonal businesses, and the ability to spread VAT throughout the finance period. In addition, our partnerships allow us to provide finance for new, used, or refurbished equipment, with no deposit required in many cases.

Find out about our turn-key new start finance solution, or get in touch for a free no-obligation quote without affecting your credit score.

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