Ice Cream Equipment Finance: Unlock Your Dessert Business Potential with Gable Asset Finance

The UK’s appetite for frozen desserts is on the rise, and every successful catering business knows that the right ice cream equipment can transform customer experience – and bottom line. Whether launching a new gelateria, expanding a café, or upgrading existing machinery, high-quality, reliable ice cream equipment is essential. But making that investment need not be a financial burden. At Gable Asset Finance, specialist business finance and leasing solutions make ownership of modern, efficient ice cream machinery achievable for any operation, no matter the size or budget.

Below, discover why investing in frozen dessert machinery makes sense, the types of equipment available, and how asset finance and leasing from Gable Asset Finance can drive your business growth.

Why Investing in Ice Cream Equipment Makes Business Sense

The Profit Power of Frozen Desserts

Ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and shakes are not just tasty – they’re lucrative menu stars. When served fresh using modern equipment, these desserts have high mark-ups and broad, year-round appeal. Investing in reliable ice cream machinery doesn’t just enable consistent quality; it also boosts operational efficiency, allowing businesses to serve more customers and innovate with new products.

• Profit margins: Soft serve and scoop ice cream often cost less than £0.15 per serving in ingredients, yet retail for £2.00 or more. With equipment capable of 60+ cones per day, the annual product cost is low, and the returns are very attractive.
• Market expansion: Frozen desserts attract families, impulse buyers, and tourists, and allow sites to diversify revenue throughout the year.
• Low wastage: Well-designed commercial machines minimize product loss, making each scoop or swirl a profit generator.

Types of Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Equipment

From batch freezers to display cabinets, the equipment required depends on concept, scale, and menu offering. Gable Asset Finance specialises in funding all major machine types for commercial operators across the UK catering sector.

Core Machinery to Finance:

• Artisan gelato equipment: For scratch recipes and Italian-style desserts.
• Soft ice machines: High-output units for instant service.
• Frozen yogurt machines: For creamy, on-trend dairy or non-dairy product lines.
• Shakes and slush machinery: Expand menus with milkshakes, smoothies, and iced beverages.
• Chocolate & whipped cream equipment: Turn desserts into eye-catching creations.
• Storage and freezing equipment: Chest and display freezers for efficient retail.
• Point of sale items: Tubs, cones, dispensers, and branded extras.

Featured Ice Cream Machine Types:

All of these essential items, whether new or pre-owned, are eligible for business finance and leasing through Gable Asset Finance, opening the door to affordable innovation and growth.

Comprehensive Equipment List Eligible for Finance

• Ice cream machines
• Ice cream freezers and display cabinets
• Soft serve equipment (countertop and floor-standing)
• Gelato machines, batch freezers
• Frozen yogurt machines
• Milkshake and drinks equipment
• Slush and juice dispensers
• Storage chest freezers
• Display freezers
• Scooped ice cream display units
• Chocolate and whipped cream machines
• Point of sale items and machine extras

This expansive asset list can cater to brand-new outlets, pop-up dessert stands, long-standing gelaterias, busy cafes, and full-scale restaurant kitchens.

Understanding Business Finance: Asset Finance, Leasing, and Loan Options

What is Asset Finance?

Asset finance is a straightforward way for businesses to obtain the equipment they need without draining working capital. Instead of purchasing outright, operators agree to regular payments over an agreed period, using the equipment as security for the loan or lease.

Key asset finance products include:

• Hire Purchase (HP): Ownership passes to the business at term end; fixed payments make budgeting simple.
• Finance Lease: The equipment is leased for a set period; at term end, upgrade options or asset transfer are available.
• Operating Lease/Contract Hire: Similar to finance lease, but with flexible terms and optional upgrades at contract renewal.
• Sale and Lease Back: Transfer ownership of existing assets to release tied-up capital and re-lease the equipment.
• Business Loans (Secured/Unsecured): Additional financing options for larger ventures or multi-asset upgrades.

These finance methods can support everything from a single batch freezer to an entire fit-out of a gelato shop. Gable Asset Finance partners with a wide panel of lenders to source competitive rates tailored to each business’ unique needs.

Benefits of Financing Your Ice Cream Equipment

Preserve Capital and Streamline Cash Flow

• No large upfront costs: Allocate funds to stock, staff, or promotional activity.
• Predictable payments: Easier cash flow planning, no surprises.
• Tailored repayments: Seasonal or variable payment structures available for seasonal businesses.

Upgrade and Innovate with Ease

Business asset financing gives operations the flexibility to upgrade machinery, expand menus, or launch new dessert concepts without waiting for cash reserves to build. At the end of lease periods, businesses can upgrade to newer models, maintaining a technological edge in a competitive market.

Tax-Efficiency

Lease payments may be deductible as business expenses, potentially reducing tax liability. Gable Asset Finance advisers will help identify the most tax-efficient structure for your equipment finance agreement, minimising costs and maximising profit.

Maintenance and Support

Many suppliers offer warranties and servicing packages for machines acquired via finance or leasing deals. This ensures operational uptime and minimises costly breakdowns, keeping customers satisfied and sales rising.

Who Can Benefit from Ice Cream Equipment Finance?

• Restaurants and cafés
• Hotels, resorts, and leisure centres
• Fast food chains and takeaways
• Mobile catering units, ice cream vans and stalls
• Pop-up shops and franchise operators
• Pubs, bars, and bistros offering desserts

Whether starting up or scaling up, the right finance solution facilitates access to quality equipment, setting the stage for reliable production and irresistible desserts.

Ice Cream Equipment Start-Up Costs: What to Expect

• Batch pasteuriser (7kg): £7,000–£13,000
• Batch freezer (3–40 litre/hour): £3,000–£18,000
• Blast/chest freezer: £1,000–£5,000
• Display cabinets: £2,000–£10,000
• Soft serve machine: £5,500–£18,000
• Ice cream van (with in-built freezers): £20,000–£60,000

Second-hand equipment is a cost-effective route, and most suppliers and finance brokers, including Gable Asset Finance, can help with deals on refurbished machinery and part exchanges.

New vs Pre-Owned Equipment: Making the Right Choice

• New equipment: Generally comes with longer warranties, training, and latest technologies.
• Pre-owned equipment: Faster depreciation, lower initial cost, but may require more maintenance.

Gable Asset Finance can advise on the relative benefits of each approach and structure finance deals suited to operating budgets.

Key Equipment Brands and Models Available for Finance

• Spaceman: T15, T60A, S70A soft serve and batch freezer models
• Carpigiani: Industry-leading Italian gelato machines
• Taylor: Soft serve and frozen yogurt dispensers
• Electro Freeze
• LCM/Blue Ice: Slush, shake, and frozen beverage units

Ask Gable Asset Finance’s advisers for recommendations tailored to business needs, turnover targets, and budget brackets.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for Ice Cream Equipment Finance with Gable Asset Finance

1. Needs Assessment

• Determine production volumes, menu ambitions, and space requirements.
• Gable Asset Finance experts help assess equipment types, quantities, and desired brands.

2. Asset Sourcing

• Find accredited suppliers of new or refurbished machines.
• Obtain quotes and confirm delivery schedules.

3. Finance Application

• Choose from asset finance, leasing, hire purchase, or business loan options.
• Submit key business details and asset quotes online or over the phone.
• Fast decision process, with experienced advisers on hand for queries.

4. Approval and Agreement

• Once approved, sign finance or lease agreement.
• Gable handles payment to supplier, equipment delivery, and contract setup.
• Optional: Sale and lease back arrangements for existing assets.

5. Equipment Installation and Training

• Installation logistics coordinated between supplier and business.
• Most suppliers provide machine training to staff.

6. Future Upgrades

• At lease-end, discuss upgrade options or asset transfers.
• Flexible refinancing available for ongoing expansion.

Flexible, Fast, and Competitive Financing with Gable Asset Finance

• Quick decisions and rapid turnaround
• Experienced, friendly advisers with industry insight
• Financing for sole traders, SMEs, and large corporations
• Varied access to lenders for the most competitive rates
• Online or phone applications for less paperwork and faster results

Frequently Asked Questions on Ice Cream Equipment Finance

Can my business qualify for ice cream equipment finance?

Most UK catering, hospitality, and retail businesses, whether new or established, qualify for equipment finance – security is typically against the asset acquired.

Can I finance both new and pre-owned machines?

Yes, Gable Asset Finance arranges funding for brand-new or second-hand machinery, and can help source suppliers offering quality refurbished equipment.

Are there minimum or maximum finance values?

Finance packages are available for amounts ranging from £2,000 to £2 million, suitable for everything from a single drinks machine to multiple site renovations.

What about seasonal payment flexibility?

Special payment plans can be structured to match seasonal cash flow or peak sales months, easing financial pressures in slower periods.

Are maintenance and warranty included?

Suppliers and manufacturers usually provide servicing and warranty options for equipment acquired through finance deals. Speak to Gable advisers about inclusive support packages.

How does asset finance affect my tax?

Asset finance payments (on leases) are often tax-deductible as business expenses. Hire purchase interest may also be offset against profits – tailored advice is available.

Ice Cream Business Expansion: Using Finance to Grow

• Open new locations: Finance equipment for each site, retaining vital working capital.
• Upgrade product offerings: Add frozen yogurt or specialist ice cream flavours with new machines.
• Boost production: Scale up manufacturing volume with additional or larger assets.

Gable Asset Finance enables catering businesses to stay competitive, react to shifting market preferences, and seize new opportunities – all with manageable investment and predictable returns.

The Future of Frozen Dessert Equipment: Innovation and Trends

• Energy-efficient models: Lower running costs, reduced emissions.
• Multi-function machines: Produce ice cream, gelato, soft serve, sorbet, and frozen cocktails from one unit.
• Self-cleaning and sanitising features: Enhanced food safety, less manual labour.
• Digital displays and payment integration: Improved customer interaction and impulse sales.

By financing up-to-date machinery, businesses gain access to the latest technology, ensuring their dessert offering is always appealing and cost-effective.

Expert Tips for Success in the Ice Cream Industry

• Monitor trends: Offer popular and niche flavours to attract new customers.
• Calculate profit margins: Keep ingredient costs low, invest in high-output machinery.
• Promote creatively: Use social media, leaflets, and local events to publicise new offerings.
• Present attractively: Invest in quality display cabinets and point of sale extras.

Conclusion: Secure Your Ice Cream Equipment Today

From artisan gelato machines to high-capacity soft serve dispensers, Gable Asset Finance helps UK businesses unlock the full potential of frozen dessert service. Financing through asset-based loans and leasing ensures affordable, innovative upgrades for any venue – allowing entrepreneurs, cafes, restaurants, and catering specialists to grow rapidly in a competitive marketplace.

Ready to upgrade or launch your ice cream offering? Contact Gable Asset Finance for personalised advice, a fast quote, and expert support every step of the way. Apply online or call to speak with a business finance specialist and discover how simple, flexible funding can transform your menu, your profits, and your customer experience.

For further details, expert guidance, or a tailored quote for ice cream equipment finance and leasing, reach out to the Gable Asset Finance team today – your partner for catering industry growth.