Case study
Independent Porsche Cayenne Funding Saves £5591.30
The client was able to submit their application easily and had there approval within 2 days. With the client travelling a lot, e-sign documents were essential to keep the…
Read case studyUK-wide broker, serving Leicester and Leicestershire businesses remotely
Options from a panel of 150+ lenders, beyond the bank on Jubilee Square
Sorbus Finance is a UK-wide commercial finance broker, based in Chesterfield, helping businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire access asset finance, hire purchase, and business loans remotely. We serve Leicester as a distinct market, not a catch-all for the East Midlands, with specific knowledge of the city's manufacturing, logistics, and life science sectors.
As an independent broker, we can consider hire purchase, finance lease, and business loan options from our extensive panel of 150+ UK lenders, including specialist providers. No upfront fees.
150+ UK lenders on our panelNo upfront broker feesDecision in 24–48 hrsIndependent advice
Finance options for Leicester businesses
We arrange the full range of commercial finance, matched to the cashflow, asset type, and tax position of your business.
Tax information: Sorbus Finance is not a tax adviser. Any references to tax treatment, capital allowances, or tax deductibility on this page are provided for general information only and do not constitute tax advice. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change. Please seek advice from a qualified accountant or tax professional before making any financial or purchasing decisions.
Industries we serve in Leicester
From established manufacturers to growing SMEs, we understand the asset finance needs of Leicester, Leicestershire businesses. We have lenders who specialise in each sector.
Advanced Manufacturing: East Midlands Investment Zone
Leicester is a priority location within the East Midlands Investment Zone, whose July 2025 strategy identifies Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing as a headline priority sector. The Investment Zone supports businesses investing in next-generation manufacturing processes, energy-efficient production equipment, and advanced materials. Hire purchase on qualifying plant and machinery within Investment Zone tax sites enables businesses to claim capital allowances, potentially enhanced, from the start of ownership. Leicester's manufacturing base spans precision engineering, plastics, packaging, and food processing.
Logistics & Distribution: M1 Corridor
Leicester sits at the junction of the M1, M69, and A46, making it one of the UK's most strategically located logistics hubs. Major distribution parks at Magna Park (Lutterworth) and Optimus Point serve national and European logistics operators. Fleet operators, third-party logistics businesses, and distribution companies across Leicestershire use asset finance for HGVs, trailers, refrigerated vehicles, and warehouse handling equipment including forklifts, reach trucks, and automated picking systems.
Food & Drink Manufacturing
Leicestershire has a strong food and drink manufacturing sector spanning dairy, bakery, ready meals, and specialist food production. Pork Farms, Samworth Brothers, and numerous independent producers are based across the county. Food processing equipment, packaging lines, refrigeration systems, and specialist vehicles for food logistics are all assets we regularly finance. We have cold chain lenders who understand the asset values and useful lives of food production equipment.
Automotive & Engineering: MIRA Technology Park
MIRA Technology Park in Hinckley, a short drive from Leicester, is a major automotive and engineering research and testing hub, hosting Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, autonomous vehicle businesses, and connected mobility companies. Businesses in this cluster use asset finance for testing rigs, specialist engineering equipment, simulation systems, and prototype tooling. We have engineering finance lenders experienced with these asset types.
Life Sciences & Digital Health
Leicester's life science sector, anchored by the University of Leicester's genetics and genomics research, the Leicester Royal Infirmary, and an active private healthcare market, generates demand for laboratory equipment, diagnostic systems, and clinical assets. Specialist healthcare asset finance lenders on our panel understand the asset types and funding structures common in this sector.
Retail, Creative & Hospitality
Leicester's city centre, including the Cultural Quarter and Highcross, and its growing hospitality market create regular demand for commercial kitchen equipment, refrigeration, fit-out, and retail fixtures. Leicester's large and diverse community has generated a particularly strong independent food and hospitality sector. We finance fit-out, catering equipment, and related assets for hospitality businesses of all sizes.
Assets we finance for Leicester businesses
New or used, single asset or a full fleet. If it has a useful business life, we can usually find a lender for it.
Commercial vehicles & vans
HGVs, tippers & trailers
CNC machinery & lathes
Agricultural tractors & combines
Construction plant & excavators
Forklift trucks & telehandlers
Printing & packaging equipment
Catering & hospitality equipment
IT hardware & servers
Medical & dental equipment
Renewable energy & solar PV
Refrigeration & cold-chain equipment
Engineering & fabrication tools
Modular buildings & site cabins
Crane & lifting equipment
Fleet & specialist vehicles
Why Leicester businesses choose Sorbus Finance
East Midlands Investment Zone: closer knowledge than most
The East Midlands Investment Zone's Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing priority covers Leicestershire businesses. We understand how Investment Zone capital allowance incentives interact with hire purchase and finance lease structures, and we can help you time and structure a deal appropriately, always recommending you confirm the specific tax position with your accountant.
Leicester-specific, not just East Midlands
We treat Leicester as a distinct market, not a subset of our existing East Midlands page. Leicester's logistics, food manufacturing, MIRA automotive, and life science clusters have distinct characteristics. We have lenders who understand each sector and who price assets accordingly. Cold chain, engineering, healthcare, and transport finance are all separate specialisms on our panel.
Remote, faster than a bank branch
We serve Leicester businesses entirely remotely from Chesterfield. Phone, video, digital documents. For most standard applications we return a credit decision within 24–48 hours of a complete application.
No upfront fees
In almost all circumstances we do not charge a broker fee. Should a broker fee be chargeable you will be made aware clearly in advance and it will be agreed in writing before you proceed. Read our Initial Disclosure.
Who you could speak to
- STEP 1
A conversation with a broker
You talk to a real Sorbus broker about the business, the purpose and what is affordable. No application at this stage.
- STEP 2
Credit placement
If you choose to go further, we prepare the case and decide which lenders on our panel of 150+ are worth approaching.
- STEP 3
Lender assessment
The lender, not Sorbus, underwrites and makes the credit decision. Approval is never guaranteed.
- STEP 4
Documentation
If a lender offers terms and you accept, we help coordinate agreements and payout paperwork with you.
Every step after the first is optional. You can stop after the conversation. Sorbus is a broker, not a lender.
Client journey · Cleaning services · Asset Finance
Funding Secured for Renault Traffic Van for Cleaning Services Business
Finance was secured at 14.9% APR, and the vehicle was funded within three days. This enabled the customer to replace their existing van well within the two-week deadline and maintain continuity of their cleaning business operations.
Read the anonymised case studyEnquire about Asset Finance: Leicester
Start with a conversation
Tell us a little about what you need and who you would like to speak to. No obligation, no credit check at this stage. We aim to respond within one business day, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm.
Prefer to call?
Speak directly to an adviser Monday–Friday, 9am–5:30pm.
01246 383500Free call. No obligation.
Unique to Sorbus Finance
Optional: Business Finance Health Check
Before applying for asset finance in Leicester, understand your lending readiness with our free Business Finance Health Check, built for UK SME owners.
Take the short Health CheckFree · No credit check · Not required before you talk
Want the full picture? The full fact-find is longer and also optional.
Email us anytime
hello@sorbusfinance.co.ukFree. Takes 5 minutes
Know your lending position before you apply
Our Business Finance Health Check scores your Readiness to Lend, business protection, and exit strategy, so you walk into a lender conversation prepared.
Asset finance questions from Leicester businesses
Common questions we hear from business owners in Leicester, Leicestershire.
Ready to finance your Leicester business assets?
Independent broker. An extensive panel of 150+ lenders. No upfront fees. Speak to a specialist today.
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