Financing a franchise is one of the most important decisions a new or expanding franchisee makes. Whether you are covering the initial franchise fee, investing in equipment, or funding working capital in the early months of trading, getting the right finance in place can make the difference between a business that grows confidently and one that is held back by cash flow pressure. TFC has partnered with Portman Asset Finance to give franchisees access to fast, flexible funding options tailored specifically to their situation.
About Portman Asset Finance
Portman Asset Finance is a specialist provider of franchise finance solutions for both start-up franchises and established franchise businesses across all industry sectors. Since being established in 2007, Portman has arranged close to £1 billion in funding, helping thousands of UK businesses grow by securing the finance they need quickly and without unnecessary complexity.
Portman is both a direct lender and a broker, giving it access to over 40 specialist lenders. This dual position means Portman can tailor each finance package to the individual franchisee’s needs and circumstances, and significantly increases the likelihood of approval even where credit history is less than straightforward. Portman is Trustpilot rated Excellent.
Why use finance to fund your franchise?
Most franchisees, even those with significant personal capital, benefit from using finance as part of their funding structure. It preserves working capital, provides flexibility, and allows the business to generate revenue while repayments are being made. Specific advantages include:
- Get what your franchise needs now, without waiting to accumulate the full amount
- Afford the equipment or assets that will give your business the best start
- Buy at today’s prices and protect against future cost increases
- Repay while your investment is already generating revenue
- Potential tax advantages depending on the finance structure chosen
- Terms of up to six years to keep monthly payments manageable
- Fixed monthly repayments make budgeting straightforward
- Preserve your free cash for day-to-day operational costs
- A structured alternative to credit cards and overdrafts
Why use Portman for franchise finance?
- Competitive rates tailored to your franchise finance needs and circumstances
- Finance from £10,000 to £2,000,000
- Both a lender and broker, giving you a greater chance of acceptance
- Fast approvals, sometimes within hours
- Access to over 40 specialist lenders to cater for differing needs and credit profiles
- Flexible repayment schedules and terms of up to six years
- Considers all types of franchise businesses and all credit histories
- A dedicated account manager from start to finish, no complex call centres
- Portman handles the bulk of the admin and application forms on your behalf
- Trustpilot rated Excellent
Franchise finance products
Portman offers four core finance products, each suited to different funding needs within a franchise business. Your dedicated Portman account manager will identify which structure best fits your situation.
Lease financing
Lease financing allows a franchise to access the equipment, assets, or technology it needs now, with fixed monthly repayments over an agreed term. It works for both soft assets (such as software and IT) and hard assets (such as machinery and vehicles). At the end of the term, options include continuing to lease, returning the asset, or purchasing it outright. Lease financing is a particularly efficient way to keep up with equipment needs without tying up capital in depreciating assets.
Hire purchase
Hire purchase provides a structured path to outright ownership of an asset. A deposit is agreed at the outset, followed by fixed monthly repayments over the term. At the end of the agreement, ownership transfers to the business. Hire purchase typically works best for hard assets and vehicles, and may allow the business to claim capital allowances. There can be tax advantages, depending on circumstances, and your accountant can advise on the appropriate treatment.
Business loans
Portman’s business loans provide a lump sum from £10,000 to £2,000,000 that can be used for any legitimate business purpose, including covering the franchise fee, working capital, marketing spend, staff costs, or bridging seasonal cashflow gaps. Business loans offer a clean alternative to unarranged overdrafts and credit cards, with fixed repayments and a clear end date.
Equipment refinance
If a franchise already owns high-value equipment or hard assets, equipment refinance allows it to release equity from those assets through a sale-and-leaseback arrangement. Portman can refinance recent purchases at up to their full invoice value, allowing the business to free up capital for other uses while retaining full use of the equipment throughout. This is useful for franchises that have invested heavily in assets and need to improve their working capital position.
Get a quote
To enquire about franchise finance via Portman, use the button below or call Portman directly on 01604 321995, quoting Franchise Consultant to ensure your enquiry is handled through TFC’s partner arrangement.
Regulatory information
Portman Finance Group includes Portman Asset Finance Limited (Reg No: 06226530), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for its credit broking activities and dealing with a panel of lenders (FRN: 719988); Portman Leasing Limited (Reg No: 06797365), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for Consumer Hire lending (FRN: 723730); and Portman Commercial Finance Limited (Reg No: 10011121). All companies within Portman Finance Group are registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 1 Pavilion Court, 600 Pavilion Drive, Northampton, NN4 7SL.