Complete this online form with details of your enquiry and one of our advisors will call you back.
Gable Business Finance is a specialist UK finance company
arranging funding for manufacturing equipment, plant, and machinery. One key area of demand across UK
industry is finance for tanks – industrial storage vessels used for liquids, fuels, chemicals,
water, and bulk materials. These assets are widely accepted by lenders as
fixed or mobile storage equipment and are eligible for asset finance across multiple sectors.
Industrial tanks are critical infrastructure assets. Whether installed permanently on-site or mounted
on skids, trailers, or vehicles, tanks enable businesses to store, process, and manage essential
materials safely, efficiently, and in compliance with UK regulations.
At Gable Business Finance we specialise in arranging
asset and business finance for industrial storage tanks used across UK industry. Tanks are
mission-critical assets, supporting fuel storage, water management, chemical processing, bulk material
handling, and emergency power resilience.
Whether installed as fixed on-site infrastructure or deployed as mobile storage assets,
tanks are widely accepted by lenders as suitable for asset finance due to their long service life,
essential operational role, and clear commercial use.
This guide explains how asset finance works specifically for tanks, the different finance options
available, the benefits and risks, and how UK businesses can choose the most appropriate funding
solution.
Asset finance allows a UK business to acquire industrial tanks without paying the full purchase price
upfront. Instead, the cost of the tank is spread over an agreed term through regular repayments, enabling
the business to preserve cash flow and working capital.
In the context of tanks, asset finance is commonly used to fund:
The finance provider uses the tank itself as security for the agreement. This means businesses can
acquire high-value storage assets without needing to provide additional collateral such as property or
personal assets.
Asset finance is particularly well suited to tanks because they are durable, have predictable
depreciation profiles, and are essential to ongoing operations.
Gable Business Finance arranges a range of asset finance solutions for industrial tanks. The most
appropriate option depends on whether the tank is fixed or mobile, the expected lifespan, and whether
the business intends to own the asset at the end of the term.
With a finance lease, the finance provider purchases the tank and leases it to the business over an
agreed period. The business makes regular monthly payments covering the cost of the tank plus interest.
Throughout the lease term, the business is responsible for insuring, maintaining, and operating the
tank. This option is commonly used for fixed industrial tanks installed at manufacturing sites,
processing plants, and utilities infrastructure.
At the end of the lease, the business typically has three options:
Finance leases are particularly suitable where ownership is not essential but long-term use is required.
An operating lease allows a business to use a tank for a defined period without taking on long-term
ownership risk. This structure is most commonly used for mobile tanks, modular systems, or temporary
storage requirements.
In many operating lease arrangements, the finance provider retains responsibility for certain aspects
of maintenance, making this a lower-commitment option for businesses with changing storage needs.
Contract hire is less common for fixed tanks but may be suitable for specialist mobile storage solutions,
particularly where tanks are supplied as part of a managed service.
Under contract hire, the provider sources the tank, manages servicing where applicable, and the business
pays fixed rentals over the agreed term. This provides cost certainty and reduces administrative burden.
Hire purchase is one of the most popular finance options for industrial tanks where the business intends
to own the asset outright.
The business pays an initial deposit followed by fixed monthly repayments. Once all payments are made,
ownership of the tank transfers to the business.
Hire purchase is commonly used for:
During the agreement, the business is responsible for maintenance, compliance, and insurance of the
tank.
This option is similar to standard hire purchase but includes a larger final (balloon) payment at the
end of the term. Monthly repayments are lower because they primarily cover interest rather than the full
capital value.
This structure can be attractive where cash flow is a priority, particularly for high-value tank
installations. However, the final payment must be planned for carefully, as total costs over the term
may be higher.
Asset finance offers several advantages for UK businesses investing in industrial storage tanks.
Asset finance typically requires a modest deposit or, in some cases, no upfront payment. This allows
businesses to deploy essential tank infrastructure without tying up large amounts of capital.
By spreading repayments over the useful life of the tank, businesses can align costs with the revenue
the asset supports. This is particularly valuable for tanks used in income-generating or contract-based
operations.
Fixed monthly payments provide predictable costs, helping businesses plan budgets and manage working
capital more effectively.
Because the tank itself acts as security, there is usually no need to provide property or other assets
as collateral. This is especially beneficial for growing businesses.
In many cases, asset finance for tanks can be more cost-effective than unsecured lending, particularly
for large or specialist storage assets.
While asset finance is a powerful tool, it is important to understand the potential risks.
Until the agreement is completed, the finance provider retains ownership of the tank. This may place
restrictions on modification, relocation, or disposal of the asset.
The business is responsible for maintaining the tank in accordance with the finance agreement. Damage,
non-compliance, or misuse could result in additional costs.
Tank finance agreements often run for several years, reflecting the long life of the asset. Businesses
should ensure the term aligns with operational plans.
Failure to maintain repayments could result in repossession of the tank and potential impact on credit
profiles.
Asset finance is used to acquire a new or replacement tank. Asset refinance, by contrast, allows a
business to unlock capital from tanks it already owns.
With asset refinance, the existing tank is used as security for a loan, releasing cash that can be used
for working capital, expansion, or debt consolidation.
Gable Business Finance regularly arranges asset refinance for fuel tanks, water tanks, and industrial
storage systems already installed at client sites.
Most UK businesses can be eligible for asset finance for tanks, including:
Eligibility is based on factors such as affordability, asset type, usage, and business profile.
Because lender criteria vary, specialist advice can significantly improve approval outcomes.
Choosing the right lender is critical when financing industrial tanks, particularly where assets are
fixed, bespoke, or safety-critical.
As an independent specialist broker, Gable Business Finance works with a wide panel of UK lenders
experienced in funding industrial storage assets. This allows us to:
Asset finance is a flexible and powerful way to fund industrial storage tanks, but every business and
application is different.
Seeking independent, specialist advice ensures you choose the right structure, term, and lender for
your circumstances. Gable Business Finance provides expert guidance at every stage, from initial enquiry
through to funding and beyond.
UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rely heavily on industrial tanks as part of their daily
operations. Tanks are used to store fuels, oils, water, chemicals, food-grade liquids, waste, and bulk
materials across manufacturing, construction, agriculture, logistics, utilities, and environmental
services.
Industrial storage tanks are a fundamental component of infrastructure across a wide range of UK
industries. These tanks are used to store liquids, fuels, chemicals, water, and bulk materials that are
essential to daily operations, supply chains, safety systems, and regulatory compliance. Tanks may be
installed as fixed assets at permanent sites or deployed as mobile storage solutions
mounted on skids, trailers, or vehicles.
From agriculture and manufacturing to data centres, transport fleets, and government operations,
industrial tanks support continuity, efficiency, and resilience. Their widespread use across multiple
sectors makes them well-established assets for commercial and industrial finance.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the main UK sectors that rely on industrial storage tanks, how those
tanks are used, and why they are considered critical assets within each industry.
The UK agricultural sector is one of the largest users of industrial storage tanks. Farms and
agricultural businesses rely on tanks to store fuels, water, fertilisers, pesticides, and liquid feed
ingredients. These tanks are essential to maintaining productivity, efficiency, and operational
independence, particularly in rural locations where supply access may be limited.
Fuel storage tanks are widely used to hold diesel for tractors, harvesters, telehandlers, generators,
and grain dryers. On-site fuel storage reduces reliance on frequent fuel deliveries and allows farmers
to purchase fuel in bulk at more competitive prices.
Water storage tanks are used for irrigation, livestock watering, crop spraying, and washdown
operations. Rainwater harvesting systems are increasingly common, helping farms improve sustainability
and reduce mains water dependency.
Agricultural tanks are typically fixed installations but may also include mobile bowsers for refuelling
equipment across large sites. Because these tanks support income-generating activities, they are often
financed as long-term productive assets.
Transport and logistics companies across the UK make extensive use of industrial fuel storage tanks to
support large vehicle fleets. Bulk diesel storage allows operators to refuel HGVs, vans, and specialist
vehicles on-site, reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and providing greater control over fuel
costs.
Many logistics operators install above-ground or bunded fuel tanks equipped with fuel management
systems. These systems track usage by vehicle and driver, helping businesses manage costs, prevent
fuel loss, and meet compliance requirements.
In addition to fuel tanks, logistics companies may use tanks for AdBlue storage, oils, lubricants, and
washdown water. Distribution centres and depots often rely on backup generator fuel tanks to ensure
continuity during power outages.
Both fixed and mobile tanks are common in this sector, making asset finance a flexible and practical
solution for fleet operators of all sizes.
Manufacturing and engineering businesses are among the most diverse users of industrial storage tanks.
These organisations use tanks to store raw materials, chemicals, process liquids, hazardous waste,
coolants, oils, and water required for production processes.
Chemical tanks are commonly used in surface treatment, coating, plating, and fabrication processes.
Process water tanks support cooling, cleaning, and production consistency. Waste tanks are essential
for the safe storage of effluent and by-products prior to disposal or treatment.
Many manufacturing facilities also rely on fuel storage tanks for backup generators. These generators
power critical systems during outages, preventing production losses, equipment damage, and safety
risks.
Industrial tanks in manufacturing environments are typically fixed installations designed for long
service life. Their importance to continuous production makes them ideal candidates for structured
asset finance.
The construction sector uses industrial tanks extensively, particularly in the form of mobile fuel
storage solutions. Mobile bowsers are used to refuel plant and machinery directly on-site, including
excavators, cranes, dumpers, and generators.
Mobile tanks reduce the need to transport equipment off-site for refuelling, saving time and improving
site productivity. They also help contractors manage fuel usage across multiple projects and locations.
In addition to mobile fuel tanks, construction sites often use static tanks to support site generators,
temporary offices, welfare facilities, and lighting systems. Water tanks may also be used for dust
suppression, concrete mixing, and washdown.
Because construction projects are time-sensitive and capital-intensive, financing tanks allows
contractors to deploy essential infrastructure without tying up working capital.
The energy and utilities sector relies heavily on industrial storage tanks to support power generation,
distribution, and emergency resilience. Fuel and oil tanks are used in power stations, substations,
renewable energy sites, and utility infrastructure.
Backup fuel tanks are critical for ensuring uninterrupted power supply to essential services such as
hospitals, water treatment plants, and telecommunications facilities. These tanks store diesel or oil
for generators that activate during grid failures.
Water utilities use tanks for treatment, storage, and distribution processes. Chemical dosing tanks are
used to treat water and wastewater safely and efficiently.
Given the critical nature of these assets, energy and utility organisations often invest in high-quality,
long-life tanks financed over extended terms to match operational requirements.
Data centres are one of the fastest-growing users of industrial fuel storage tanks in the UK. These
facilities rely on uninterrupted power to maintain servers, cooling systems, and network
infrastructure.
Large diesel storage tanks are installed on-site to supply backup generators capable of powering data
centres for extended periods during outages. In some cases, multiple tanks are linked to provide
redundancy and increased capacity.
Fuel storage for data centres is a mission-critical asset. Tanks must meet strict safety, environmental,
and performance standards. Because of their high value and long-term use, they are commonly financed as
strategic infrastructure assets.
The chemical and pharmaceutical industries depend on industrial tanks to store a wide range of
substances, including solvents, intermediates, active ingredients, and finished products. Commonly
stored liquids include ethanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), acids, and other regulated chemicals.
Bulk liquid terminals and on-site storage tanks play a vital role in supply chain management, allowing
companies to manage inventory, production schedules, and distribution efficiently.
These tanks are often manufactured from specialist materials such as stainless steel or lined carbon
steel to ensure compatibility and safety. Because of their cost and regulatory importance, finance is
frequently used to support acquisition and installation.
Marine and offshore industries use industrial tanks for fuel, oil, water, and other liquids required
for vessels, ports, and offshore energy installations. These tanks must withstand harsh environments,
including saltwater exposure and extreme weather.
Ports and harbours use tanks to store marine fuels, lubricants, and waste liquids. Offshore platforms
rely on tanks for fuel storage, chemical injection systems, and water management.
Due to the demanding conditions and specialist design requirements, marine tanks represent significant
capital investments and are commonly financed as long-term assets.
Government bodies and military organisations rely on secure, high-capacity fuel and liquid storage
tanks to support operational readiness and logistics. These tanks are used at bases, depots, training
facilities, and strategic locations across the UK.
Fuel tanks support vehicle fleets, aircraft, generators, and emergency response infrastructure. Water
and chemical storage tanks may also be used for firefighting, decontamination, and civil contingency
planning.
The emphasis in this sector is on reliability, security, and long-term availability, making industrial
tanks a core infrastructure asset.
Across all sectors, industrial tanks provide resilience, cost control, and operational continuity.
Whether installed permanently or deployed as mobile units, they are integral to modern UK industry and
are widely recognised as financeable commercial assets.
For many SMEs, tank infrastructure is not optional. Reliable storage capacity supports continuity of
supply, operational resilience, and regulatory compliance. As businesses grow, expand capacity, or take
on new contracts, the need for additional or upgraded tanks becomes increasingly important.
Tanks can be manufactured from steel, stainless steel, plastic, or composite materials and may be
installed as fixed assets or deployed as mobile storage units. Values typically range from £10,000 for
small modular tanks to several hundred thousand pounds for large, bespoke installations.
Because tanks have long operational lifespans and clear commercial use, they are well suited to asset
finance. UK SMEs increasingly use finance to acquire tanks without placing strain on working capital or
cash reserves.
Demand for industrial storage tanks across the UK has grown steadily in response to changing supply
chains, environmental regulation, and operational requirements. Organisations of all sizes are
investing in tank infrastructure to improve efficiency, resilience, and compliance.
Businesses are increasingly installing on-site fuel storage tanks to protect against supply disruption
and volatile pricing. This trend is particularly strong in construction, logistics, agriculture, and
emergency services.
UK regulations governing storage of fuels, chemicals, and waste have become more stringent. Modern
tanks with bunding, monitoring systems, and safety controls help businesses meet compliance requirements
and reduce environmental risk.
As UK manufacturing output grows and diversifies, so does the need for raw material and liquid storage.
Tanks enable businesses to scale production while maintaining quality and consistency.
Water treatment, recycling, and utility infrastructure projects rely heavily on industrial tanks.
Private-sector contractors and operators increasingly invest in their own storage assets to support
long-term contracts.
These factors have driven increased adoption of asset finance solutions, allowing organisations to
deploy capital efficiently while investing in essential infrastructure.
Gable Business Finance arranges tailored funding solutions for industrial tanks, whether fixed, mobile,
new, or used. The most appropriate finance structure depends on asset type, installation method, and
business objectives.
Hire Purchase is a common solution for businesses acquiring tanks as long-term assets. The business
pays an initial deposit followed by fixed monthly repayments, with ownership transferring at the end of
the term.
A finance lease allows businesses to use tanks over an agreed term while paying regular rentals. This
option suits businesses that upgrade or expand storage capacity over time.
Operating leases may be available for certain mobile or modular tank systems. The asset is returned at
the end of the lease, reducing long-term ownership risk.
Businesses that already own tanks outright can unlock capital through asset refinance. This releases
cash tied up in existing infrastructure without disrupting operations.
Gable Business Finance works with specialist UK lenders experienced in funding industrial infrastructure,
ensuring competitive terms even for complex or bespoke tank installations.
Yes. Industrial tanks are widely accepted for asset finance when used for commercial purposes.
Yes. Fixed tanks installed on-site can often be financed, subject to lender criteria and valuation.
Many lenders will consider used tanks, depending on age, condition, and remaining useful life.
VAT treatment depends on the finance structure. Hire purchase usually requires VAT upfront.
Finance arranged for multiple stainless-steel tanks to support increased production capacity.
Hire purchase used to fund an on-site diesel storage tank for plant and machinery.
Asset finance enabled installation of additional water storage without impacting cash flow.
Bespoke finance structured around contract revenue streams.
Finance supported compliance with hygiene and production standards.
Multi-asset finance used to fund tanks deployed across multiple sites.
Mobile storage financed to improve fleet efficiency and reduce downtime.
Structured finance aligned repayments with long-term service contracts.
Hire purchase allowed staged expansion of storage capacity.
Startup-approved finance supported infrastructure investment with a modest deposit.
Industrial Tank Finance UK – Gable Business Finance arranges specialist funding for tanks and
storage vessels used for liquids, fuels, and bulk materials. Flexible hire purchase, leasing, and asset
refinance solutions for UK businesses.