Complete this online form with details of your enquiry and one of our advisors will call you back.
Gable Business Finance is a specialist provider of asset finance and business funding for Materials
Handling Equipment (MHE) used across the UK economy. From forklifts and conveyors to cranes, racking,
and automated handling systems, materials handling equipment plays a critical role in keeping supply
chains moving efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.
The UK Materials Handling Equipment sector supports virtually every productive industry, including
manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, retail, food production, construction, and recycling. As
businesses face increasing pressure to improve productivity, manage labour costs, enhance safety,
and meet customer expectations, investment in modern MHE has become essential.
Asset finance enables businesses to acquire the right materials handling equipment without the need
for large upfront capital expenditure. Gable Business Finance works with UK businesses of all sizes to
arrange flexible funding solutions that support growth, efficiency, and long-term operational
resilience.
Industrial trucks form the backbone of MHE operations across the UK, supporting lifting, pallet
movement, and goods transport within warehouses, factories, yards, and distribution centres.
Storage and handling systems support efficient organisation, space utilisation, and inventory flow
across warehousing and manufacturing operations.
Engineered handling systems and automation technologies are increasingly adopted across the UK as
businesses seek higher efficiency, improved safety, and faster order fulfilment.
Lifting and access equipment supports safe handling of heavy loads, maintenance tasks, and work at
height in industrial environments.
Gable are here to finance all typical assets used in the UK materials handling sector including:
Gable Business Finance specialises in arranging asset finance for a wide range of transport and
logistics assets used within the UK materials handling industry. These assets form the operational
backbone of warehouses, factories, distribution centres, ports, retail hubs, and industrial sites,
supporting the safe, efficient, and continuous movement of goods.
From forklift trucks and powered pallet equipment to access platforms and specialist lifting
machinery, materials handling assets are mission-critical investments. Asset finance allows
businesses to acquire, upgrade, or refinance this equipment while preserving cash flow, supporting
growth, and maintaining operational resilience.
Below is an overview of the key transport and logistics assets we regularly finance, along with how
they are used across the UK materials handling sector.
Forklift trucks are among the most widely used materials handling assets in the UK. They support
almost every sector of the economy, from manufacturing and retail to logistics, food production,
construction, and recycling.
Gable Business Finance arranges funding for all types of forklift trucks, whether purchased new,
used, refurbished, dealer-supplied, or privately sourced.
Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type of forklift used in the UK materials handling
industry. They are designed with a counterweight at the rear of the truck to balance loads carried
at the front.
These machines are used extensively in warehouses, factories, distribution centres, and retail
back-of-house areas to lift and transport palletised goods. Available in electric, diesel, and LPG
variants, counterbalance forklifts are versatile assets suitable for both indoor and outdoor
operations.
Asset finance enables businesses to select the right power type and lifting capacity without the
need for significant upfront expenditure.
Fork trucks is a broad term often used to describe forklifts designed for general materials handling
tasks. These machines are used for loading and unloading vehicles, stacking pallets, and moving
goods between storage and production areas.
Gable Business Finance supports funding for fork trucks across a wide range of industries, ensuring
businesses can maintain efficient goods flow and reduce manual handling risks.
Reach trucks are designed for high-racking warehouse environments where vertical space utilisation
is critical. They feature extending forks that allow operators to reach deep into racking systems
while maintaining stability.
Reach trucks are commonly used in large distribution centres, e-commerce fulfilment hubs, and
high-density storage facilities across the UK. Financing reach trucks allows businesses to invest
in vertical storage strategies without tying up capital.
Side-loaders are specialist forklifts designed to carry long or bulky loads such as timber, steel,
pipes, and panels. Loads are carried sideways, allowing operation in narrower aisles.
These machines are frequently used in manufacturing, timber yards, and building materials
distribution. Asset finance enables businesses to invest in these specialist assets while spreading
costs over time.
Telescopic forklifts combine lifting capability with extended reach, making them suitable for both
materials handling and site-based operations.
Used across construction, agriculture, logistics yards, and industrial sites, telescopic forklifts
support tasks such as loading vehicles, placing goods at height, and handling oversized materials.
Gable Business Finance arranges funding for telescopic forklifts of all sizes and specifications,
including those fitted with specialist attachments.
Powered pallet trucks are essential for short-distance pallet movement in warehouses, retail
environments, and distribution centres. They reduce manual handling effort and improve efficiency in
loading, unloading, and internal transport.
These assets are particularly popular in high-throughput environments where speed and ergonomics
are critical. Asset finance allows businesses to upgrade from manual to powered solutions with
minimal upfront cost.
Access platforms are critical materials handling assets used to safely work at height. They support
maintenance, installation, stock access, and facility management tasks across the UK.
Gable Business Finance arranges funding for a wide range of access platform types used in logistics,
warehousing, manufacturing, construction, and industrial environments.
Boom lifts provide extended reach and flexibility, allowing operators to access difficult-to-reach
areas safely. They are available in articulated and telescopic designs, with electric, diesel, and
hybrid power options.
These machines are commonly used in large warehouses, distribution centres, ports, and industrial
facilities for maintenance, inspection, and installation work. Financing boom lifts allows
businesses to select the most appropriate reach and power configuration for their environment.
Scissor lifts provide stable vertical access and are widely used in indoor and outdoor materials
handling environments. They are ideal for tasks requiring lifting personnel and equipment directly
upwards.
Scissor lifts are commonly used in warehouses for maintenance, lighting installation, and stock
management tasks. Asset finance enables businesses to invest in safe access solutions while managing
costs effectively.
Vertical lifts are compact access platforms designed for confined spaces. They are commonly used in
warehouses, retail environments, and manufacturing facilities where space is limited.
These machines support maintenance and picking tasks at moderate heights. Financing vertical lifts
allows businesses to improve safety and productivity without large capital expenditure.
Telehandler platforms are attachments fitted to telescopic handlers, allowing them to be used as
access platforms for working at height.
They are widely used on industrial and construction sites where flexibility is required. Gable
Business Finance can arrange funding for telehandler platforms as part of a wider equipment package.
Truck mounted platforms provide mobile access solutions, allowing operators to travel between sites
or locations efficiently.
These assets are commonly used by logistics operators, maintenance contractors, and infrastructure
services. Asset finance enables businesses to acquire these specialist vehicles while spreading
costs over the life of the asset.
Cherry pickers are a widely recognised form of access platform used to reach elevated work areas in
warehouses, logistics hubs, and industrial facilities.
They are essential for tasks such as racking inspection, lighting maintenance, and building
services. Financing cherry pickers supports compliance with health and safety requirements while
maintaining operational efficiency.
Gable Business Finance offers a range of flexible funding solutions designed to support investment in
materials handling transport and logistics assets.
Hire purchase is a popular option for businesses that want to own their equipment outright at the
end of the agreement. The business uses the asset from day one while spreading the cost over an
agreed term.
This solution is well suited to forklifts, access platforms, and powered handling equipment that
form a long-term part of operational infrastructure.
Leasing provides flexibility for businesses that prefer to upgrade equipment regularly or do not
require ownership. Lease agreements allow predictable monthly payments and can be aligned with
equipment usage.
Leasing is commonly used for access platforms and high-utilisation assets where technology and
safety standards evolve rapidly.
Asset refinance allows businesses to unlock capital tied up in materials handling equipment they
already own. By refinancing forklifts, access platforms, or other transport assets, businesses can
release cash for working capital, expansion, or additional equipment purchases.
Gable Business Finance regularly arranges refinance solutions for UK materials handling operators,
supporting growth while maintaining operational continuity.
Transport and logistics assets are fundamental to the efficiency, safety, and competitiveness of the
UK materials handling industry. By arranging finance for forklifts, access platforms, and specialist
handling equipment, Gable Business Finance enables businesses to invest in the assets that keep goods
moving through the supply chain.
Our expertise ensures that funding structures are aligned with operational needs, equipment life,
and cash flow, supporting sustainable growth across warehousing, manufacturing, logistics, and
industrial sectors.
Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) refers to the machinery and systems used to move, store, control,
and protect goods throughout the supply chain. This includes everything from simple manual handling
equipment to advanced automated systems operating in high-volume distribution centres.
MHE supports the entire lifecycle of goods, from raw materials entering a factory, through production
and storage, to order fulfilment and final delivery. Without effective materials handling, businesses
face inefficiencies, bottlenecks, increased costs, and higher safety risks.
Common categories of materials handling equipment include:
The UK materials handling sector is a major contributor to the national economy, valued in the
billions of pounds and supporting thousands of businesses across manufacturing, logistics, and
retail. Recent estimates place UK MHE-related revenues at over $14 billion, with continued growth
driven by supply chain expansion, e-commerce demand, and automation.
Industry bodies such as the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) represent manufacturers,
suppliers, and service providers, promoting best practice, safety, and innovation across the sector.
As UK supply chains become more complex and time-sensitive, materials handling equipment has moved
from a background operational cost to a strategic investment that directly impacts competitiveness
and profitability.
UK businesses invest in materials handling equipment to address several key operational challenges.
Modern MHE enables faster movement of goods, reduced handling time, and smoother workflows. This is
particularly important in high-volume environments such as warehouses, factories, and distribution
centres.
Efficient materials handling reduces labour requirements, minimises product damage, and lowers
operating costs over time. Well-specified equipment can deliver strong returns on investment.
Manual handling remains a major cause of workplace injuries in the UK. Properly designed MHE reduces
manual lifting, improves ergonomics, and supports compliance with health and safety regulations.
As businesses grow, materials handling systems must scale with them. Investing in the right equipment
allows operations to expand without disruption.
The materials handling sector covers a wide range of equipment types, each supporting different
operational needs.
Forklifts, pallet trucks, reach trucks, and order pickers are among the most widely used MHE assets.
They support daily goods movement in warehouses, factories, ports, and retail environments.
Conveyor systems automate the movement of goods across production lines, sorting areas, and
distribution centres. They are essential for high-throughput operations.
Cranes, hoists, and lifting systems handle heavy or oversized loads in manufacturing, construction,
and industrial environments.
Efficient storage systems maximise space utilisation and improve picking efficiency, particularly in
warehouses facing rising land and property costs.
Automated Guided Vehicles, robotics, and autonomous handling systems are increasingly used for
repetitive tasks, improving consistency and reducing reliance on labour.
The UK materials handling sector is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, data, and changing
business requirements.
AGVs and robotic handling systems are increasingly deployed to handle repetitive or high-volume
tasks, improving efficiency and reducing error rates.
Smart sensors, AI, and real-time location systems are being integrated into MHE to improve safety,
monitor performance, and optimise workflows.
Modern warehouses combine handling equipment, software, and data analytics to improve inventory
accuracy, order speed, and customer service.
Energy-efficient equipment, electric vehicles, and systems designed to reduce waste and emissions
are becoming standard as businesses pursue environmental goals.
Materials handling equipment often represents a significant capital investment, particularly when
multiple machines or integrated systems are required. Asset finance allows businesses to spread this
cost over time while benefiting from the equipment immediately.
Gable Business Finance arranges funding solutions that align with operational cash flow, expected
equipment life, and business growth plans. Typical finance structures include:
Finance can often include not just the core equipment, but also attachments, installation costs, and
associated systems.
Many UK businesses purchase used or refurbished materials handling equipment to manage costs while
maintaining capability. High-quality MHE often has a long service life when properly maintained.
Gable Business Finance can arrange funding for:
This flexibility allows businesses to choose equipment based on operational fit rather than finance
restrictions.
Gable Business Finance understands that materials handling equipment finance is not generic. It
requires insight into how equipment is used, how it generates value, and how repayments fit within
day-to-day operations.
We support businesses across manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, retail, and industrial sectors,
providing:
Whether you are upgrading a single forklift or investing in a fully automated handling system, our
role is to make funding straightforward and commercially sensible.
Materials handling equipment underpins the efficiency, safety, and competitiveness of UK supply
chains. As the sector continues to evolve through automation, data integration, and sustainability,
access to flexible finance will remain essential.
Gable Business Finance supports UK businesses by arranging asset finance solutions that enable
investment in the equipment that keeps goods moving – from raw materials to final delivery.
© 2026 Gable Business Finance. Specialist asset finance brokers for the UK materials handling,
manufacturing, and logistics sectors.