Featured Case Study
Asset Finance Case: Ice Cream Startup
| £100kvan funded (incl. VAT) | 48 mthsHire Purchase term | 20%deposit (covers VAT) |
In brief
A UK startup sourced a high-quality, second-hand ice cream van to launch at a prominent tourist location, but needed £100,000 to secure it quickly. Howe Commercial Finance arranged Hire Purchase asset finance within 48 hours: a 20% deposit covered the VAT and the remaining £80,000 was financed over 48 months, giving the client ownership from day one and a tax-efficient structure while preserving cash to grow.
The challenge
The client had sourced a high-quality, second-hand ice cream van to launch their business at a prominent tourist location, but needed £100k to secure it quickly.
The solution
We offered the client two fast-track options within 48 hours: lease finance, or Hire Purchase. They opted for Hire Purchase, choosing to pay a 20% deposit to cover the VAT and finance the remaining £80k over 48 months.
The outcome
- Van purchased and business launched.
- Ownership secured from day one.
- Working capital preserved for marketing and early operations.
- Tax-efficient structure: interest and capital allowances deductible; VAT reclaimable if VAT-registered.
Key insights
Asset finance allowed this startup to get off the ground without compromise. Hire Purchase gave them ownership and tax benefits, while keeping cash free to grow the business.
 | About the author Paul Howe · Director, Howe Commercial Finance Paul is the Director of Howe Commercial Finance, an FCA-regulated commercial finance brokerage based in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. He has spent decades helping business owners and property investors secure the right finance, often when the high street has already said no. Every case study on this site is based on a real deal Paul has arranged. Names and identifying details have been changed or removed to protect client confidentiality. |