What Is Asset Finance and Are Gyms Eligible?

Asset finance is a type of financing that allows businesses to acquire the assets they need to operate, such as equipment, vehicles, or machinery. Instead of paying for the assets upfront, the business obtains financing from a lender, which allows them to spread the cost over time through regular payments.

Gyms and fitness companies can certainly be eligible for asset finance, as they often require specialised equipment to operate, such as cardio machines, weightlifting equipment, and fitness accessories. Depending on the type and cost of the assets they need, gyms and fitness companies can choose from a variety of asset finance options, including:

• Hire purchase: This type of financing allows the business to acquire the asset immediately, while paying for it in installments over a set period of time. Once all payments have been made, the business owns the asset outright.
• Lease finance: With lease finance, the business pays a regular fee to use the asset for a set period of time, after which they can either return the asset or purchase it outright. This option can be particularly useful for businesses that require high-value assets that are subject to rapid technological advancements, such as fitness equipment.
• Asset refinance: This option allows businesses to release cash from existing assets, such as equipment or vehicles, which can then be used to invest in new assets or for other purposes.

As with any type of financing, it's important for businesses to carefully consider their options, compare offers from different lenders, and ensure that they have a solid plan for repaying the financing over time.

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Why Should Fitness Businesses Utilise Asset Finance?

Asset finance can be a valuable tool for gyms and fitness businesses looking to grow and develop their operations. By providing access to the latest equipment, preserving cash flow, improving budgeting and planning, offering tax benefits, and providing flexibility, asset finance can help these businesses stay competitive and succeed in a fast-paced industry.

Here’s a breakdown of how asset finance is able to do this:

Access to the latest equipment

Fitness equipment can be expensive, and technology in the industry is always evolving. By using asset finance, gyms, and fitness businesses can access the latest equipment without having to pay for it all upfront, allowing them to stay competitive and offer the latest and greatest to their customers.

Preserve cash flow

Asset finance allows businesses to spread the cost of equipment over time, which can help to preserve cash flow. This can be particularly important for smaller businesses or startups that may not have large amounts of capital available to invest in equipment.

Better budgeting and planning

With asset finance, businesses know exactly how much they'll be paying each month for their equipment, making it easier to budget and plan for the future. This can help businesses avoid unexpected expenses and better manage their cash flow.

Tax benefits

Depending on the type of asset finance used, businesses may be able to claim tax deductions for the interest and other fees associated with their financing. This can help to reduce the overall cost of financing and provide additional savings.

Flexibility

Asset finance can be tailored to the specific needs of each business, allowing them to choose the type of financing that best suits their needs. This can include options such as hire purchase, lease finance, or asset refinance, depending on the business's goals and requirements.

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What Assets Can Gyms Finance?

The exact types of assets and products worth considering will depend on the specific needs of each business. It's important to work with a lender who understands the fitness industry and can help businesses choose the financing options that are right for them. These are just a few examples of the types of assets that gyms and fitness businesses may be able to finance.

• Fitness equipment: This can include a range of equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, weight machines, and free weights. Examples of popular equipment manufacturers include Life Fitness, Precor, Cybex, and Hammer Strength.

• Flooring and mats: Gyms and fitness businesses may need specialised flooring and mats to protect their equipment and provide a safe workout environment. Products from companies like SportCourt and Ecore can be financed.

• Locker room equipment: This includes lockers, benches, and showers, as well as specialised amenities like steam rooms or saunas. Popular manufacturers include Hollman, Hallowell, and CFC.

• Sound systems and AV equipment: Many gyms and fitness businesses use music and other audio-visual equipment to create a motivating workout environment. Sound systems from companies like Bose, Sonos, or Klipsch can be financed.

• Software and technology: As technology continues to play a bigger role in the fitness industry, gyms, and fitness businesses may need to finance software or hardware to manage their operations. Examples of software and tech that can be financed include billing software from Mindbody, scheduling software from GymMaster, or membership management software from ABC Financial.

• Vehicles: Larger gyms and fitness businesses may need vehicles to transport equipment, staff, or clients. Vehicles from manufacturers like Ford or Chevrolet can be financed.

• Security equipment: Gyms and fitness businesses may need security equipment such as cameras, alarms, or access control systems to protect their clients and assets. Products from companies like Hikvision, Axis Communications, and ADT can be financed.

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Why Gyms and Fitness Companies Should Be Investing In Their Growth

Gyms and fitness businesses in the UK should be invested in their growth for several reasons. The fitness industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, and there is high demand for fitness services in the UK. This growth is driven by factors such as an increased focus on health and wellness, a rise in the number of people participating in sports and fitness activities, and an aging population with a greater focus on maintaining their health. According to a report by IBISWorld, the UK fitness industry is expected to reach a value of £7.6 billion by 2025, up from £4.9 billion in 2015.

With high demand comes increased competition, and gyms and fitness businesses need to stay competitive to attract and retain customers. Investing in growth can help businesses stay ahead of the competition by offering new and innovative services or facilities, updating equipment, or expanding their offerings. By offering new and innovative services or facilities, businesses can keep customers engaged and motivated, reducing the likelihood of them switching to a competitor.

Investing in growth can help gyms and fitness businesses future-proof their operations. By staying ahead of industry trends and investing in new technologies or equipment, businesses can position themselves for long-term success. This can help businesses stay relevant and competitive in an ever-changing industry.

Gyms and fitness businesses in the UK should be invested in their growth in order to stay competitive, retain customers, and take advantage of the significant revenue potential in the industry.

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What to Look For in an Asset Finance Broker

As an asset finance broker, Bluestone understands the unique needs and challenges that gyms and fitness businesses face when it comes to financing equipment and facilities. When choosing an asset finance broker, gym and fitness business owners should look for a broker who has experience working with businesses in the fitness industry, understands the equipment and facilities needed for a successful fitness business, and offers a range of financing options to meet their specific needs.

At Bluestone, we specialise in asset finance and have a deep understanding of the equipment and facilities required for a successful gym or fitness business. We work with a variety of lenders to offer a range of financing options, including leasing and hire purchase, to help businesses acquire the equipment and facilities they need to grow and thrive. Our team of experienced finance professionals takes the time to understand the unique needs of each business and offers personalised solutions to help them achieve their goals.

Furthermore, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service and support throughout the financing process, from application to funding and beyond. We are committed to building long-term relationships with our clients and helping them achieve long-term success. If you're looking to utilise asset finance for your business, get in touch today, we'd love to hear from you!

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