If you’re looking to finance one minibus or a whole fleet, finding the right lender can be harder than you think — especially when you’re trying to run your business at the same time.
At First Oak Capital, we help businesses of all sizes secure the minibus finance they need — quickly and without the usual headaches. Whether you’re a school, a community transport operator, a care provider, or a private hire company, we can help you secure competitive rates and get your application approved.
We know the lenders, we know what they want to see — and we prepare your application in a way that increases your chances of being accepted. We also have finance options you might not even know exist.
We Help You Avoid the Common Pitfalls
It’s easy to leave finance until the last minute. Many business owners come to us after they’ve already been declined, or when a vehicle is about to be sold to someone else. That’s why acting early — and letting us manage the process — can save you time, stress, and money.
We work with:
- Companies expanding their minibus fleets
- Operators buying from dealers or private sellers
- New startups with no trading history
Even if your accounts are behind or your credit isn’t perfect, we may still be able to help.
Call us or fill in the form on our website to get a quote.
MINIBUS FINANCE
Finance new or used vehicles
Rates from 4.25%
Borrow £10k – £500k
12 – 84 month terms
VAT deferral available
What is Minibus Finance?
Minibus finance is a way for businesses to purchase or lease a minibus without needing to pay the full amount upfront. It helps preserve cashflow while giving you access to the vehicles your business needs.
We offer two main types of minibus finance:
Hire Purchase
Hire purchase allows you to spread the cost of a minibus over a fixed term, typically 2 to 5 years. You pay a deposit and then fixed monthly payments. At the end of the term, you own the vehicle outright.
This is a popular option for businesses that want to eventually own the minibus and use it long-term.
Benefits:
- Ownership at the end of the term
- Fixed monthly costs
- No mileage restrictions
Finance Lease
With a finance lease, you pay to use the vehicle over an agreed period. At the end, you can either extend the lease, return the minibus, or sell it and keep a portion of the sale proceeds.
This option suits businesses that want lower upfront costs and more flexibility at the end of the term.
Benefits:
- Lower upfront costs
- VAT can often be reclaimed (check with your accountant)
- Flexible options at the end
WHY FIRST OAK CAPITAL?
Helping Since 1994
Benefit from our 30 years of experience and expertise in commercial finance brokering
Competitive Industry Rates
Increase business growth and save money with highly competitive industry rates
Access Over 100 Lenders
Access to more than 100 lenders in the UK finance market
Funding Within 48 Hours
Once approved, funding can be provided in as little as 48 hours
Minibus Finance Calculator
Here Is Your Finance Illustration
- Monthly Payment :
- Estimated Interest Rate : 4%
- Total Amount Payable :
*This interest rate is for illustrative purposes only, your interest rate may differ and will be confirmed during your application.
Credit score information
Excellent : This category is for companies with an outstanding credit rating. Your business will be profitable, well established, and have a consistent or growing turnover. With no missed payments.
Fair : This category is for companies with a decent credit rating. They have a history of making payments on time, with possibly a few missed or late payments in the past.
Poor : This category is for companies with a poor credit rating or who may have had financial difficulties in the past. This could include a County Court Judgments (CCJs) on their record.
FAQs
Yes. We regularly help startups secure minibus finance, even with little to no trading history. The key is presenting your application correctly — and that’s what we do best.
Yes, we can help you finance a brand-new minibus from a dealer or a used one from another UK business. We’ll find the right lender for the age and condition of the vehicle.
We mainly offer Hire Purchase and Finance Lease agreements. Both allow you to spread the cost over time while keeping cash flow manageable.
If you’re VAT-registered it may be possible to reclaim the VAT either on the vehicle on on the payments — but always check with your accountant for advice tailored to your business.
There’s no set score. We work with a wide panel of lenders, some of whom consider applicants with less-than-perfect credit. We’ll match you to the right one.
Yes. Whether you need one or a full fleet, we can help you finance multiple vehicles — ideal for expanding businesses or fleet renewals.
Yes, we can arrange finance for vehicles purchased from both dealers and other UK businesses, subject to standard checks.
Finance terms typically range from 2 to 7 years, depending on the vehicle’s age and your preferences.
Yes, most agreements can be settled early. We’ll explain any early settlement fees or savings before you commit.
Absolutely. We regularly finance specialist vehicles, including those with wheelchair access and other custom adaptations.
With Hire Purchase, ownership transfers to you at the end of the agreement. With Finance Lease, the vehicle remains in the lender’s name, but you control its use.
Typically, we’ll need ID, recent bank statements, and basic business details. Don’t worry — we’ll guide you through everything step-by-step.
If unsure the best thing would be to check the government website.
Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
Call us today to get help securing minibus finance. In addition, we would be happy to provide you with more information about our services. Call us on 0800 066 3677 or email us to get the ball rolling. Alternatively, if you’d like to get your finance approved today just click on the quote button, complete the short form and we’ll be in touch.