Full Lender Rate Comparison - October 2026
| Lender | Rate Range (p.a.) | Min. Term | Max. Term | Deposit | Decision Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSBC | 5.0–8.0% | 3 yr | 7 yr | 10% | 5–10 days | Prime credit, high turnover |
| Lloyds Bank | 5.5–8.5% | 3 yr | 7 yr | 10% | 5–10 days | Established businesses |
| NatWest | 5.5–8.5% | 3 yr | 7 yr | 10% | 5–10 days | NatWest banking relationships |
| Investec | 5.5–9.5% | 3 yr | 7 yr | 10–20% | 3–7 days | High-value bespoke deals |
| Aldermore | 6.0–10.5% | 2 yr | 7 yr | 0–10% | 2–5 days | SMEs, limited trading history |
| Close Brothers | 6.5–11.0% | 2 yr | 7 yr | 0–10% | 2–4 days | Speed, flexibility, 0% deposit |
| Shawbrook | 6.5–11.0% | 2 yr | 7 yr | 0–10% | 2–4 days | Non-standard financials |
| United Trust Bank | 7.5–12.5% | 2 yr | 7 yr | 0–10% | 2–5 days | Adverse credit, logistics |
Rates indicative as of October 2026. Subject to credit assessment and asset type.
5 Tips to Secure the Best Rate
Use an Independent Broker
Access the full market rather than a single lender's panel. Brokers like DBF negotiate on your behalf and present your case to the lenders most likely to approve on the best terms.
File Clean Accounts
Lenders price risk based on your financials. Up-to-date, clearly structured accounts with healthy margins attract the lowest rates. Consider timing your application after a strong trading period.
Put Down a Deposit
Even a 10% deposit significantly reduces your rate, particularly with high-street lenders. Zero-deposit options exist but attract a risk premium.
Choose New Over Used
New equipment from established manufacturers attracts lower rates. If buying used, ensure the asset has clear provenance and a realistic residual value.
Match Term to Asset Life
Longer terms reduce monthly payments but increase total cost. Match the finance term to the productive life of the equipment - typically 5–7 years for warehouse racking and MHE.
Rates and criteria by lender
How each lender and manufacturer finance scheme on our panel prices this asset in October 2026, and where it fits. Rates are indicative; we compare them all for your case.
Aldermore Warehouse Equipment Finance Rates
While Aldermore offers competitive rates for established businesses, the best outcome depends on your specific profile. As an independent broker, Doulton Bridging Finance accesses Aldermore alongside Close Brothers, Aldermore, Shawbrook, Investec and United Trust Bank, presenting your case to the lenders most likely to approve on the best terms.
| Finance Amount | Asset Description | Business Profile | Aldermore Rate (p.a.) | Market Range (p.a.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | Small racking / single FLT | Low-value starter | 6.0–10.5% | 8–12% |
| £40,000 | Multi-bay racking system | Typical SME | 6.0–10.5% | 6.5–9.5% |
| £150,000 | Reach truck fleet (x3) | Mid-market | 6.0–10.5% | 5.5–8.5% |
| £600,000 | Semi-automated sortation | Large logistics | 6.0–10.5% | 5.0–7.5% |
Close Brothers Warehouse Equipment Finance Rates
While Close Brothers offers competitive rates for established businesses, the best outcome depends on your specific profile. As an independent broker, Doulton Bridging Finance accesses Close Brothers alongside Close Brothers, Aldermore, Shawbrook, Investec and United Trust Bank, presenting your case to the lenders most likely to approve on the best terms.
| Finance Amount | Asset Description | Business Profile | Close Brothers Rate (p.a.) | Market Range (p.a.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | Small racking / single FLT | Low-value starter | 6.5–11.0% | 8–12% |
| £40,000 | Multi-bay racking system | Typical SME | 6.5–11.0% | 6.5–9.5% |
| £150,000 | Reach truck fleet (x3) | Mid-market | 6.5–11.0% | 5.5–8.5% |
| £600,000 | Semi-automated sortation | Large logistics | 6.5–11.0% | 5.0–7.5% |
HSBC Warehouse Equipment Finance Rates
While HSBC offers competitive rates for established businesses, the best outcome depends on your specific profile. As an independent broker, Doulton Bridging Finance accesses HSBC alongside Close Brothers, Aldermore, Shawbrook, Investec and United Trust Bank, presenting your case to the lenders most likely to approve on the best terms.
| Finance Amount | Asset Description | Business Profile | HSBC Rate (p.a.) | Market Range (p.a.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | Small racking / single FLT | Low-value starter | 5.0–8.0% | 8–12% |
| £40,000 | Multi-bay racking system | Typical SME | 5.0–8.0% | 6.5–9.5% |
| £150,000 | Reach truck fleet (x3) | Mid-market | 5.0–8.0% | 5.5–8.5% |
| £600,000 | Semi-automated sortation | Large logistics | 5.0–8.0% | 5.0–7.5% |
Investec Warehouse Equipment Finance Rates
While Investec offers competitive rates for established businesses, the best outcome depends on your specific profile. As an independent broker, Doulton Bridging Finance accesses Investec alongside Close Brothers, Aldermore, Shawbrook, Investec and United Trust Bank, presenting your case to the lenders most likely to approve on the best terms.
| Finance Amount | Asset Description | Business Profile | Investec Rate (p.a.) | Market Range (p.a.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | Small racking / single FLT | Low-value starter | 5.5–9.5% | 8–12% |
| £40,000 | Multi-bay racking system | Typical SME | 5.5–9.5% | 6.5–9.5% |
| £150,000 | Reach truck fleet (x3) | Mid-market | 5.5–9.5% | 5.5–8.5% |
| £600,000 | Semi-automated sortation | Large logistics | 5.5–9.5% | 5.0–7.5% |
Lloyds Bank Warehouse Equipment Finance Rates
While Lloyds Bank offers competitive rates for established businesses, the best outcome depends on your specific profile. As an independent broker, Doulton Bridging Finance accesses Lloyds Bank alongside Close Brothers, Aldermore, Shawbrook, Investec and United Trust Bank, presenting your case to the lenders most likely to approve on the best terms.
| Finance Amount | Asset Description | Business Profile | Lloyds Bank Rate (p.a.) | Market Range (p.a.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | Small racking / single FLT | Low-value starter | 5.5–8.5% | 8–12% |
| £40,000 | Multi-bay racking system | Typical SME | 5.5–8.5% | 6.5–9.5% |
| £150,000 | Reach truck fleet (x3) | Mid-market | 5.5–8.5% | 5.5–8.5% |
| £600,000 | Semi-automated sortation | Large logistics | 5.5–8.5% | 5.0–7.5% |
NatWest Warehouse Equipment Finance Rates
While NatWest offers competitive rates for established businesses, the best outcome depends on your specific profile. As an independent broker, Doulton Bridging Finance accesses NatWest alongside Close Brothers, Aldermore, Shawbrook, Investec and United Trust Bank, presenting your case to the lenders most likely to approve on the best terms.
| Finance Amount | Asset Description | Business Profile | NatWest Rate (p.a.) | Market Range (p.a.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | Small racking / single FLT | Low-value starter | 5.5–8.5% | 8–12% |
| £40,000 | Multi-bay racking system | Typical SME | 5.5–8.5% | 6.5–9.5% |
| £150,000 | Reach truck fleet (x3) | Mid-market | 5.5–8.5% | 5.5–8.5% |
| £600,000 | Semi-automated sortation | Large logistics | 5.5–8.5% | 5.0–7.5% |
Shawbrook Warehouse Equipment Finance Rates
While Shawbrook offers competitive rates for established businesses, the best outcome depends on your specific profile. As an independent broker, Doulton Bridging Finance accesses Shawbrook alongside Close Brothers, Aldermore, Shawbrook, Investec and United Trust Bank, presenting your case to the lenders most likely to approve on the best terms.
| Finance Amount | Asset Description | Business Profile | Shawbrook Rate (p.a.) | Market Range (p.a.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | Small racking / single FLT | Low-value starter | 6.5–11.0% | 8–12% |
| £40,000 | Multi-bay racking system | Typical SME | 6.5–11.0% | 6.5–9.5% |
| £150,000 | Reach truck fleet (x3) | Mid-market | 6.5–11.0% | 5.5–8.5% |
| £600,000 | Semi-automated sortation | Large logistics | 6.5–11.0% | 5.0–7.5% |
United Trust Bank Warehouse Equipment Finance Rates
While United Trust Bank offers competitive rates for established businesses, the best outcome depends on your specific profile. As an independent broker, Doulton Bridging Finance accesses United Trust Bank alongside Close Brothers, Aldermore, Shawbrook, Investec and United Trust Bank, presenting your case to the lenders most likely to approve on the best terms.
| Finance Amount | Asset Description | Business Profile | United Trust Bank Rate (p.a.) | Market Range (p.a.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | Small racking / single FLT | Low-value starter | 7.5–12.5% | 8–12% |
| £40,000 | Multi-bay racking system | Typical SME | 7.5–12.5% | 6.5–9.5% |
| £150,000 | Reach truck fleet (x3) | Mid-market | 7.5–12.5% | 5.5–8.5% |
| £600,000 | Semi-automated sortation | Large logistics | 7.5–12.5% | 5.0–7.5% |
Dematic Finance vs Independent Broker for Warehouse Automation Finance
Scenario: A 3PL operator purchasing a £750,000 Dematic AutoStore system over 5 years.
| Factor | Dematic Finance (OEM) | Independent Broker (DBF) |
|---|---|---|
| Lender access | Dematic's captive panel only | Full UK market (8+ lenders) |
| Rate competition | Set by Dematic / captive lender | Multiple lenders compete for your business |
| Equipment scope | Dematic products only | Any brand - multi-supplier projects |
| Promotional rates | Possible on specific lines | Market rates - no OEM subsidy |
| Structural flexibility | Standard HP / lease only | Staged drawdown, sale & leaseback, hybrid |
| Credit assessment | Single lender's criteria | Matched to best-fit lender for your profile |
| Speed (simple case) | 3–7 days (via Dematic sales) | 2–5 days direct to lender |
| Independent advice | None - tied to one supplier | FCA-regulated independent guidance |
| Multi-phase projects | Complex to structure | Tailored staged finance available |