Close Brothers Business Finance - Inland Waterway Commercial Finance Overview
Close Brothers Business Finance is one of the specialist lenders on the Doulton Bridging Finance panel for inland waterway commercial craft finance. Their hp/lease structures are designed for commercial operators running working narrowboats, hotel boats, day trip vessels, hire fleets, and cargo barges on the UK canal and river network.
For October 2026, Close Brothers is offering rates from 7–11% on inland waterway commercial craft, with facilities from £30k–£1m, maximum LTV of 75%, and terms up to 8yr. These rates are indicative and subject to underwriting - contact Doulton Bridging Finance for a personalised illustration.
As a specialist broker, we work with Close Brothers and the rest of our panel to present your case in the best possible light, handle the application process, and negotiate on rate and structure where there is flexibility. We do not charge borrower fees - our remuneration comes from the lender on completion.
Close Brothers Business Finance Inland Waterway Finance Rates - October 2026
| Product | Rate | Loan Amount | Max LTV | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP/Lease | 7–11% | £30k–£1m | 75% | 8yr |
Rates correct October 2026. Indicative only - final rate subject to credit and underwriting assessment. Representative examples available on request.
Strengths of Close Brothers for Inland Waterway Finance
- One of the most experienced asset finance lenders in the UK with deep inland waterway expertise
- Competitive 7% entry rate for strong covenant operators with proven revenue history
- Up to 75% LTV on well-maintained commercial craft with BSS compliance certificates
- Both hire purchase and operating lease structures available to suit different tax positions
Limitations to Consider
- Minimum facility of £30,000 - not suitable for very small craft or single working boats under £40k value
- Requires 2 years of filed accounts showing consistent commercial trading income
- HP agreements require deposit typically 15–25% unless supported by strong director guarantee
Is Close Brothers Right for My Inland Waterway Finance?
Ideal for established inland waterway businesses with 2+ years trading, seeking HP or lease finance on craft valued £30k–£1m. Particularly well-suited to hotel boat operators and hire fleet owners with steady seasonal revenue.
If you're unsure whether Close Brothers is the right fit, speak to our team. We'll assess your specific situation and either confirm Close Brothers as the best option, or point you toward another lender on our panel who is better placed to help.
Compare All Inland Waterway Lenders
We work with six specialist lenders for inland waterway commercial craft finance. Before applying, it's worth comparing the full panel:
- Close Brothers - 7–11%, £30k–£1m
- Shawbrook - 7.5–13%, £50k–£750k
- Nucleus - 8–15%, £10k–£400k
- Arkle Finance - 7–12%, £25k–£600k
- Ultimate Finance - 8–14%, £10k–£400k
- Hampshire Trust Bank - 7.5–12.5%, £100k–£1.5m
Or see our best inland waterway commercial finance rates comparison page.