Case Study
Sector: Electrical & Renewables Wholesaling
Client: Independent Electrical Wholesaler in the Midlands
Service Provided: Asset Finance for Plant Machinery
Facility Type: Hire Purchase Facility – Telehandler Finance
Overview
At Sorbus Finance, we understand that having the right equipment can be the difference between progress and missed opportunity. When a growing electrical and renewables wholesaler based in the Midlands approached us with a need to acquire a JCB Telehandler, we delivered a tailored Telehandler Finance solution that aligned with their cash flow, growth strategy, and operational needs.
The business had historically rented lifting equipment, but rising hire costs and inconsistent availability led them to explore ownership. Sorbus Finance helped them secure a Hire Purchase agreement that enabled full ownership of the machine while preserving working capital and offering flexible repayment terms.
The Client’s Challenge: Rising Costs and Operational Delays
The wholesaler, still a relatively young business, specialises in supplying both electrical and renewable materials and components to contractors and organisations nationally. Their growth had accelerated rapidly in the past 24 months, leading to an increased demand on their supply chain and distribution.
Three key challenges emerged:
- High Equipment Hire Costs: Renting a Telehandler could cost up to £1,800 per week, particularly during busy project periods.
- Unpredictable Availability: Delays in accessing hired machinery means that they might not always be able to meet client schedules or optimise their storage operations.
- Inefficient Site Handling: Manual and forklift-only unloading causes time delays and increased labour costs.
The client decided it was time to invest in their own Telehandler—but needed a cost-effective finance structure that wouldn’t disrupt daily cash flow or growth plans.
How Sorbus Finance Responded
From our first consultation, it was clear the business had strong fundamentals: healthy turnover, a clear growth trajectory, and a strategic reason for purchasing their own Telehandler. Our team reviewed their financials, discussed future pipeline contracts, and identified the most suitable Telehandler Finance facility to match their needs.
We structured a Hire Purchase agreement that enabled the client to acquire a JCB 516-40 Telehandler, with the option to own the asset outright at the end of the term.
1. Customised Hire Purchase Facility
We sourced a finance facility with the following features:
- Competitive fixed monthly payments aligned with their seasonal cash flow
- A 10% deposit to keep upfront costs manageable
- Ownership at the end of the term for full asset control
- No mileage restrictions or overuse penalties—unlike with leased alternatives
This structure gave them financial predictability while investing in a high-value asset that would deliver returns from day one.
2. Preserving Working Capital
By choosing Telehandler Finance over an outright purchase, the business retained over £30,000 in working capital that could be redeployed for other priorities:
- Increasing inventory of in-demand products.
- Invest in their logistics team.
- Expanding their marketing outreach to new regions.
This approach allowed them to invest in both operational infrastructure and future growth without compromising on either.
3. Fast Turnaround & Minimal Disruption
Speed was essential. Delays in acquiring the Telehandler would have meant continued reliance on unreliable hire options. Sorbus Finance moved quickly:
- Initial consultation to approval took just 2 business days
- Paperwork and payout completed within 48 hours after approval
- Supplier paid directly, enabling prompt delivery of the Telehandler to the client’s warehouse
This ensured seamless integration into their operations ahead of a major contract mobilisation.
Results: Greater Efficiency, Higher Profitability
With the Telehandler Finance facility in place, the client was able to:
- Take delivery of a new JCB 516-40 Telehandler equipped with pallet forks and lifting chains
- Improve site efficiency, reducing unloading time by 35%
- Eliminate potential hire costs—saving approx. £6,000 per month
- Meet tighter project deadlines thanks to having equipment readily on hand
These operational gains quickly translated into financial results:
- The asset paid for itself in cost-savings within 12 months
- Labour reallocation increased warehouse throughput
- Improved service delivery enhanced client satisfaction
Why Telehandler Finance Was the Right Fit
Opting for Telehandler Finance over cash purchase or hire delivered key strategic advantages:
- Financial Efficiency: Spread the cost over a term that suited their budget
- Tax Benefits: Potential eligibility for the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), enabling significant capital allowance claims
- Asset Ownership: Full control and usage rights without restrictions or return conditions
- Future Planning: Predictable costs aided accurate budgeting and business forecasting
By working with Sorbus Finance, the client accessed finance that was tailored, compliant, and aligned with their business trajectory.
Working with Sorbus Finance
What made this project a success was more than just securing finance—it was about understanding the client’s operations and providing guidance every step of the way. Sorbus Finance delivered:
- Tailored Funding: A facility designed around their specific operational and cash flow requirements
- Dedicated Support: End-to-end guidance from application through to supplier payment
- Market Expertise: A deep understanding of both equipment finance and the renewables sector
- Compliance and Clarity: FCA-compliant advice and clear documentation throughout the process
We don’t just source funding—we build financial partnerships that support growth and performance.
Final Thoughts
In sectors like electrical and renewable wholesaling, efficiency is everything. Investing in essential plant machinery through Telehandler Finance can be a game-changer—freeing up cash, improving operations, and enhancing service delivery.
Whether you’re scaling your logistics capabilities, planning for long-term growth, or simply looking to reduce your reliance on hire equipment, a strategic approach to asset finance can transform your business.
At Sorbus Finance, we help businesses do exactly that—by providing funding that’s smart, flexible, and built around your goals.
Need Telehandler Finance?
Speak to Sorbus Finance today to explore how we can help you:
- Acquire essential plant and machinery
- Improve operational efficiency
- Retain cash for strategic investments
Flexible funding. Smarter business growth. That’s the Sorbus way.
P.S. Also considering financing for electric vans or solar installation equipment? Check out our other case studies or download our free guide to asset finance for the renewables sector.