Bakery equipment financing and leasing refers to specialist business funding that helps bakeries purchase the machinery, ovens and capital equipment they need to operate and grow. This type of finance can cover new or used equipment and is often more accessible through specialist lenders and online financiers than via traditional high-street banks. At Gable Asset Finance we focus on practical, rapid and tailored funding for the bakery sector, from single-item leasing to full capital equipment packages.
About Gable Asset Finance
We are an established UK financier of commercial bakery equipment, delivering high-quality advice and financial solutions designed around our clients. We work with small family bakeries, artisan bakers, high-class restaurants, multi-site bakery operators and major supermarket suppliers. Our team understands the unique pressures of the bakery industry — margin-sensitive pricing, seasonal demand, hygiene and certification requirements — and we structure finance to support business growth while protecting cash flow.
What can be financed?
We can arrange finance on a comprehensive range of commercial baking ovens and bakery equipment. Common items we finance include (but are not limited to):
Rack ovens
Deck ovens
Convection ovens
Provers
Slicers
Water meters and utilities-related equipment
L-sealers and packaging machines
Mixers (spiral, planetary, tilt)
Pizza ovens and specialist pizza lines
Proofing cabinets, dough dividers and moulders
Blast chillers and refrigeration units
Conveyor systems and production lines
Asset bundles — for full shop or production line fit-outs
Whether you’re buying single items to expand capacity or undertaking a complete bakery refit, we can provide funding that matches the asset mix and lifecycle.
Who we help
Our solutions are suitable for:
Independent retail bakeries and patisseries
Family-run artisan bakeries
Commercial/production bakeries
Restaurant and hotel kitchens
Caterers and contract food producers
Supermarket suppliers and multi-site operators
Operators starting a bakery business (start-ups)
If you are planning to open a retail bakery or commercial bakery anywhere in the UK, or already operate one, we can help finance all the capital equipment required.
Finance and leasing options we provide
We recognise that each bakery is different. Our solutions are therefore flexible and tailored. Typical options include:
Hire Purchase (HP)
Hire Purchase allows you to spread the cost of equipment over a fixed term (typically 2–5 years for bakery equipment) with fixed monthly repayments. Ownership usually transfers to you at the end of the agreement once the final payment is made. HP is straightforward, and monthly payments are predictable — ideal when you want eventual ownership of the asset.
Finance Lease
With a finance lease, you effectively lease the asset for an agreed term. You have use of the equipment while making regular payments. At the end of the lease, you may have options such as a final payment (to buy the asset), return the asset, or re-lease it. Finance leases are useful for assets you want to use for a set period without large upfront cash outlays.
Operating Lease / Rental
Operating leases (rental agreements) are typically shorter-term and allow you to return or upgrade equipment at the end of the lease. These are helpful when technology is changing quickly or you want to avoid ownership responsibilities such as disposal.
Asset Refinance / Sale and Leaseback
If you already own equipment, a sale and leaseback lets you sell the machinery to a financier and lease it back — unlocking working capital while retaining operational use. This can be useful to finance growth or manage seasonal cashflow.
VAT Funding & Deposit Assistance
We can structure funding to include VAT and initial deposits so that you don’t have to pay large sums upfront. This helps especially with VAT-intensive orders or where staging of payment to suppliers is required.
Seasonal and Flexible Repayment Plans
Bakeries are often seasonal. We can build seasonal payment structures or deferred payment start dates so that repayments align with peak trading months rather than quiet periods.
Maintenance & Service Bundles
We can incorporate maintenance packages into repayment plans so that your equipment is covered by service agreements, lowering the risk of unexpected repair costs and downtime.
Benefits of financing bakery equipment
Here’s why many UK bakery operators prefer specialist equipment finance:
Preserve working capital: Keep cash available for ingredients, staffing and day-to-day running costs rather than tying it up in equipment purchases.
Manage cashflow: Predictable monthly payments make budgeting easier and reduce seasonal strain.
Obtain latest technology: Leasing lets you upgrade ovens, mixers and packaging lines without committing to ownership of quickly-outdating equipment.
Tax efficiency: Depending on the structure, repayments may be treated as operating expenses which can be advantageous for tax planning. (Always check with your accountant.)
Speed: Specialist lenders can often approve and complete finance packages faster than traditional banks.
Flexible terms: Terms can be tailored to the asset life and your trading pattern.
Budget for installation & commissioning: We can include installation, training and commissioning costs in a single finance package.
Accounting and tax considerations (UK)
We provide general guidance below, but you should always speak to your accountant for specific tax advice related to your circumstances.
Capital allowances: Purchasing equipment may allow you to claim capital allowances. The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) has historically allowed 100% first-year relief on qualifying expenditure up to an annual limit — check current thresholds with your accountant.
Lease treatment: How a lease is treated for accounting depends on the type of lease (operating vs finance) and relevant accounting standards. Operating leases often treat payments as business expenses for profit/loss, whereas finance leases may be treated as asset/liability on the balance sheet.
VAT: VAT treatment for rentals, HP and purchases varies. VAT can often be reclaimed by VAT-registered businesses on purchases or on lease payments — confirm with your tax advisor.
Who is eligible and what we look for
We aim to support a wide range of bakeries and food businesses. Eligibility criteria are pragmatic and based on risk, but typical considerations include:
Business trading history (start-ups accepted in many cases with appropriate documentation and business plan)
Projected cashflow and affordability
Type and age of equipment (new equipment is easier to finance; used equipment is considered subject to condition and valuation)
Customer credit profile and director guarantees (if required)
Supply chain: reputable suppliers and warranty support are viewed positively
Our underwriters tailor decisions to the bakery sector — for example, they understand variable margins, seasonality and the value of certified second-hand bakery equipment.
Simple application process
We aim to keep the process straightforward and commercial:
Initial discussion: Tell us about your project — what you want to buy, the supplier, whether items are new or used, your preferred term and any seasonal considerations.
Proposal & indicative terms: We provide indicative rates and structures quickly so you can compare options before committing.
Formal application: Complete a short application form and submit supporting documents (minimal paperwork for established businesses; start-ups may need a business plan).
Credit decision & documentation: Once approved, we prepare the agreement for signature. We’ll liaise with the supplier to confirm delivery and installation timing.
Delivery & activation: On completion of documentation, funds are released to the supplier (or estate) and the equipment is delivered and commissioned.
Ongoing support: We remain available throughout the term for assistance — for example, if you need to add more items or re-profile payments.
Typical finance turnaround times vary by deal complexity, but our processes are designed to be faster than many traditional lenders and to match supplier delivery schedules.
Financing new vs used bakery equipment
New equipment is straightforward to finance and frequently qualifies for better terms due to residual values, warranties and manufacturer support.
Used equipment can also be financed, though we will typically require more information on condition, age, maintenance history and valuation. Used asset finance is a great way for bakeries to obtain quality machinery while conserving cash.
Technology, upgrades and keeping pace with change
The bakery sector is constantly changing with new technology — energy-efficient ovens, digital controls, automated dough handling, and improved production-line sanitation. Whatever the needs of our clients, we can provide a range of different finance options to meet the changing needs of customers:
Shorter leases to enable quicker upgrades
Upgrade options at lease-end
Inclusion of installation and commissioning of new technology
Funding for ancillary investments such as extraction, gas/electrical work and refrigeration to support the new asset
Our aim is to help bakeries adopt technology that improves yield, reduces energy use, and maintains quality without causing cashflow stress.
Working with suppliers
We work closely with established bakery equipment suppliers, manufacturers and installers across the UK. This helps us verify equipment specifications, coordinate delivery and manage timing so your new ovens and production lines arrive and are commissioned in step with your agreement.
We’re happy to work with the supplier of your choice and can assist where you need help negotiating supplier terms or staging deliveries.
Illustrative case studies
Case study 1 — Artisan bakery expansion
Situation: A two-site artisan bakery needed a new deck oven, mixer and proofing cabinet to expand production and launch wholesale supply to local cafes.
Solution: We provided a hire purchase package covering the full equipment cost including installation and initial training. A seasonal repayment profile matched the business’ higher autumn/winter sales months.
Outcome: The bakery increased production capacity within six weeks, began regular supply to five local cafes and preserved working capital to hire additional staff.
Case study 2 — Supermarket supplier fit-out
Situation: A small commercial bakery won a supermarket contract requiring a dedicated production line, including rack ovens and automated dividers.
Solution: We arranged a finance lease to cover the bespoke line and coordinated payments tied to delivery milestones.
Outcome: The production line was installed on schedule, the supplier contract commenced, and the bakery preserved bank lines for ingredient purchasing.
Case study 3 — Start-up patisserie
Situation: A start-up patisserie required equipment but had limited capital.
Solution: We agreed a tailored package combining an initial deposit and small monthly payments under a hire purchase agreement and included VAT funding to ease the initial cash burden.
Outcome: The start-up launched on time, achieved break-even in the first year and financed a second oven within 18 months through re-negotiated facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Can start-ups get bakery equipment finance?
Yes. Many start-up bakeries can be financed provided there is a credible business plan, supplier quotes and realistic cashflow forecasts. Start-ups might require slightly different documentation and may be asked for director guarantees depending on circumstances.
Do you finance used equipment?
Yes. We finance good-quality used equipment. We assess the age, maintenance history and resale value and discuss the options with you. Used equipment frequently offers excellent value for growing bakeries.
How long does approval take?
Turnaround depends on complexity and documentation, but we pride ourselves on speed. Simple transactions can often be agreed within a few working days; more complex or bespoke projects may take longer to finalise. We will always outline an expected timetable at the initial discussion.
Can finance include installation and training?
Yes. We can include installation, commissioning and training costs in the finance package so you have one consolidated payment plan.
Is finance available UK-wide?
Yes. We provide solutions for bakeries across the UK, whether you are in central London, the Midlands, the North, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
What happens if equipment breaks down?
Breakdown and servicing are a commercial risk. We recommend adding a maintenance package to your finance agreement or arranging a separate service contract with the supplier. We can incorporate service agreements into your finance where required.
Will leasing affect my balance sheet?
Accounting treatment depends on the lease type and applicable accounting standards. Finance leases may be capitalised on the balance sheet, whereas operating leases may not. Speak with your accountant to understand the effect for your business.
How to get started
Getting finance through Gable Asset Finance is straightforward. To start, we need:
Brief details of the equipment (supplier quote, new or used, model, price)
Preferred term and any seasonal repayment preferences
Basic business information (registered name, trading address, turnover and trading history)
For start-ups: a short business plan and projected cashflow
Contact our team to discuss your requirements and we’ll prepare an indicative quote. We’ll help you compare options and choose the structure that best fits operational and tax needs.
Contact us:
complete our short enquiry form on the website and one of our team will be in touch.
Why choose Gable Asset Finance?
Industry knowledge: We specialise in financing commercial equipment and understand bakery-specific requirements.
Flexible solutions: We offer a range of funding structures — hire purchase, finance leases, operating leases, sale and leaseback and VAT funding.
Supplier relationships: We work with a broad network of UK bakery equipment suppliers to coordinate delivery and ensure smooth installation.
Fast decisions: Our processes are designed to be efficient so you can move quickly from quote to delivery.
Customer service: We support you throughout the agreement and can help re-profile or add assets as your business evolves.
Risk management & compliance
Food production is strictly regulated. When funding equipment, we take into account:
Safety standards and certification for ovens and electrical equipment
Hygiene and cleaning requirements for production lines
Installation standards for gas and electrical appliances
Service and maintenance regimes to reduce downtime
We will discuss statutory obligations and encourage best practice to ensure your investment meets regulatory requirements.
Sustainability & energy efficiency
Modern bakery equipment increasingly offers improved energy efficiency and lower running costs. When planning investment, consider:
Energy ratings and consumption figures for ovens and refrigeration
Opportunities to reduce waste and improve yield with precise temperature control
Potential long-term savings against slightly higher capital cost
We can help you weigh the upfront cost against lifetime operating savings when choosing equipment and structuring finance.
Client testimonials
“Gable Asset Finance made it simple to upgrade our ovens and mixers. The flexibility in repayments meant we could expand production without dipping into cash reserves.” — J. Smith, Head Baker
“Professional service and quick turnaround — the finance team understood our seasonal trading pattern and structured payments accordingly.” — R. Patel, Managing Director
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Practical tips when buying bakery equipment
Plan capacity: Buy for projected demand, not just current orders. Small increases in capacity can unlock new revenue streams.
Check warranties: Prioritise equipment with manufacturer warranties and readily available spare parts.
Consider total cost: Factor in installation, commissioning, running costs and anticipated maintenance when budgeting.
Think about layout: Ensure ovens, mixers and proofers fit into your existing workflow and utility capacities (gas/electric and ventilation).
Energy efficiency: Where possible choose energy efficient models — they may cost more initially but save money over the lifecycle.
Maintenance plan: Arrange a service contract to reduce the risk of unexpected downtime.
Important legal notes
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Terms and conditions apply to all finance agreements. Eligibility, terms and rates depend on individual circumstances and our credit assessment. Always discuss the tax and accounting treatment with your accountant or tax advisor before entering into an agreement.
If you are planning to open a retail bakery or commercial bakery anywhere in the UK or already operate one we can help finance all the capital equipment required.
We are an established financier of commercial bakery equipment in the UK providing high quality advice and financial solutions to our customer focused buying modern bakery equipment,
We can arrange finance on a comprehensive range of commercial baking ovens and bakery equipment designed to meet the specific needs of each customer, be they a small family bakery, high class restaurant or a major supermarket chain.
We can provide Bakery Equipment Finance for items such as
Rack Ovens
Deck Ovens
Convection Ovens
Provers
Slicers
Water Meters
L Sealers
Mixers
Pizza Ovens
The bakery sector is constantly changing with new technology. Whatever the needs of our clients we can provide a range of different finance options to meet the changing needs of our customers,