Simple, flexible and affordable van leasing for UK companies of every size, from sole traders and limited companies to partnerships and new start-ups. Fixed monthly payments, flexible contract terms, and expert support from a team with 30+ years in the trade.
Business van leasing offers companies and sole traders a flexible, cost-efficient way to drive a new or approved-used van without the financial burden of ownership. Choose the van and lease type that suits your business, then make fixed monthly payments over an agreed term. Whether you're a start-up, an established business, or a seasonal operator, our packages make it easy to find an arrangement that fits your budget and supports the way you trade.
With over 30 years of industry expertise, we understand what businesses need: reliability, transparency, and finance solutions that fit the realities of day-to-day trading. Buying a van outright takes a large lump sum out of the business and leaves you carrying the vehicle's resale value, which is the part nobody can predict.
For VAT-registered businesses there's a second incentive: VAT on commercial-van rentals is normally recoverable in full where the van is used for business. The monthly rental itself is an allowable expense, reducing your taxable profit each year. Double-cab pickups are treated differently following recent tax changes, so check your specific vehicle with your accountant.
Lease options
A van for every shape of business
Five distinct routes, pick the one that matches where your business is right now.
Six things that come with every business lease as standard.
Reclaim 100% VAT (qualifying vans)
On qualifying commercial vans, VAT-registered businesses can normally recover the VAT on every monthly rental. Your accountant can confirm it for your vehicle and usage.
A predictable business cost
Rentals are normally deductible against taxable profit, and there's no vehicle to sell on at the end. Your accountant can confirm the treatment for your accounts.
Quick initial decision
Tell us about the business and we'll come back with what's realistic, before you commit to anything.
Fast paperwork
Most applications get an initial decision in 24 to 48 hours. Straightforward cases can be approved same-day.
Hand back, swap up, or extend
Three months before your contract ends we'll quote you a like-for-like next van, or you can simply hand it back. No obligation.
Straightforward cases can be approved the same day, most within 24 to 48 hours.
1
Pick your van
Browse the range by size, body type, manufacturer or budget, from small vans through to tippers, dropsides and crew vans.
2
Tailor the contract
Adjust term (24 to 60 months), annual mileage, and initial rental until the monthly cost suits you.
3
Quick initial decision
Apply online with basic business details, and we'll match you to the right funder on our panel.
4
Sign and drive
Once approved, we'll confirm the paperwork and next steps. Lead times depend on the vehicle and current stock.
New & start-up businesses
Can I get approved without trading history?
Yes. Many funders prefer established companies, but we work with specialist lenders who support new-start businesses. You may be asked for a few extra documents, typically three months of bank statements, proof of ID, or evidence of relevant industry experience.
✓Shorter terms (often 24 to 36 months)
✓Around 10% of the vehicle list price as an initial payment
✓Higher monthly rentals compared to established companies, balancing affordability and lender security
Does personal financial history matter?
Yes, especially where no company credit file exists. A stable address history, good personal credit, or homeownership can all help your approval chances.
Leasing remains one of the best ways for start-ups to secure reliable transport, build credit history, and manage predictable cash flow from month to month.
What counts as a 'new business'?
What counts as a new business for van leasing purposes?
In van-leasing terms, a "new business" is generally any company, sole trader, or partnership with fewer than two years of filed accounts. This includes recently-incorporated limited companies, sole traders who registered with HMRC within the last 24 months, and partnerships without two full years of trading history. It also covers directors of newly-formed companies who may have extensive personal experience in their industry but whose limited company is technically new.
The key distinction for lenders is whether there's a formal financial track record, and for new businesses there usually isn't one yet. Rather than turning those applications away, we place them with funders who will also weigh up alternative evidence of affordability, such as bank statements, contracts in hand and the director's own credit history.
Documents
What you'll need to lease a van as a new business
The documentation for new-business van leasing is straightforward, even if you haven't filed accounts yet. We'll typically ask for: three to six months of business bank statements showing regular income; your Companies House certificate (for limited companies) or UTR number (for sole traders); a copy of your full UK driving licence; and one or two forms of proof of address, such as a utility bill or council-tax statement.
If your business is very early stage or pre-revenue, a personal guarantee from a director may be required, this simply means the director agrees to be personally responsible for the lease payments if the business is unable to pay. We may also ask to see any current contracts, purchase orders, or letters of intent that demonstrate future income.
Our team will tell you exactly what's needed for your situation at the enquiry stage, so nothing is a surprise later.
What's different for new businesses?
Same product, slightly different terms
The fundamentals of the lease, fixed monthly payments, a set contract length, and a mileage allowance, are the same whether your business is two months or twenty years old. The main differences for newer businesses are in the initial rental and the contract length.
Lenders typically ask for a higher initial payment, around 10% of the vehicle list price, and may offer shorter contract terms of 24 to 36 months while your business establishes its track record. Monthly rentals are usually a little higher than an established company would pay, balancing affordability against lender security. The gap is often smaller than people expect, and for many new businesses leasing still works out more affordable than buying outright or taking a high-interest hire purchase.
Every vehicle is brand new, comes with a full manufacturer's warranty, and you can add optional maintenance and breakdown packages exactly as you would on a standard lease.
Tips
How to improve your chances of approval
As a new business, there are practical ways to strengthen your van leasing application. Keep your business bank statements accurate and up to date, lenders look for steady income and sound cash-flow management. If possible, offer a larger initial payment, as this lowers the lender's risk and can broaden your leasing options.
Maintain clear financial records, demonstrate stability, and be upfront about your business plans when speaking with our team. With access to a wide panel of funders, we can match your venture to the right finance solution from the start.
Van sizes & types
Which one is right for your business?
Seven body styles to choose from. Browse the full range or jump straight into a category.
Used van leasing offers an affordable route to quality commercial vehicles without the cost of buying new. Our approved used range covers popular models and body types including small, medium and large vans, crew vans, pickups, dropsides and tippers.
It suits sole traders, seasonal operators, and businesses expanding their fleets without long-term commitment, giving you a checked, road-ready van at a lower monthly cost than the equivalent new vehicle.
✓Lower up-front and monthly costs, ideal for new or budget-conscious businesses
✓Fast turnaround, vehicles are ready to go, often with shorter lead times than new stock
✓Reliable quality, all vans are checked, cleaned and performance-tested
Why VanLeasing
Why choose us for your business lease
Understanding your needs
Many leasing companies focus on a small range of stock deals. We start by understanding your circumstances, how the van will earn its keep, how the business actually trades, then search the wider market to find the right vehicle and the right price.
Dedicated leasing adviser
You get one named adviser based in our office, not a different person every time you call. That means efficient communication and a seamless experience as we get to know your situation.
Personalised review and advice
Every case is reviewed individually. We may ask for a little more information than other brokers, but it's how we tailor leasing options to your budget rather than forcing you into a stock deal that doesn't fit.
Tailored leasing options
We don't just offer the deals on the home page, we provide the lease that genuinely matches your trading model, even when that means a less common funder, a non-standard term, or a different initial rental.
FAQs
Frequently asked
What van leasing options are available for startups and new companies?
Startups can usually access the same van leasing deals as established businesses, though the terms may differ. The main options are business contract hire (fixed monthly payments, return the van at the end) and finance lease (similar structure, but you handle the van’s disposal at the end). For startups that aren’t sure about long-term commitments, short term leasing (6–24 months, rolling contract) is also available – it costs more per month but gives you flexibility while the business finds its feet. The most cost-effective route for most startups is a 36- or 48-month contract hire with a 6-month initial rental, which keeps monthly costs low while giving funders the security they need to approve a newer business.
How do I lease a van if my business is less than a year old?
Leasing a van in your first year of trading is possible, but you’ll likely need to provide more supporting documentation than an established business. Most funders will ask for three months of business bank statements, proof of business activity (such as invoices or contracts), and will run a personal credit check on the director or sole trader. A higher initial rental – 6 or 9 months rather than the standard 3 – is typically required. Some funders also ask for a personal guarantee. At VanLeasing.com, we process new business applications every day and know which funders are most likely to approve first-year businesses in your sector. Start with our online application, and we’ll match you to the right funder.
How long does it take to get approved for van leasing as a new business?
Most applications receive an initial decision within 24 to 48 hours. Straightforward cases can be approved on the same day. Applications from new businesses or those with complex credit histories may take three to five working days if the lender requests additional documentation. Once approved, delivery of an in-stock van can follow within two weeks.
Do I need a personal guarantee to lease a van for my new business?
It depends on your circumstances. If your limited company has been trading for less than two years and has a limited financial history, most lenders will ask for a personal guarantee from at least one director. This means the director is personally liable for the lease payments if the company cannot pay. For sole traders, the lease is already in your personal name, so a separate guarantee isn’t needed. Providing a guarantee can improve your chances of approval and may help secure better rates.
Can I lease a van as a sole trader with no filed accounts?
Yes. Sole traders who haven’t yet filed accounts with HMRC can still apply. Instead of formal accounts, you’ll need to provide recent business bank statements, your UTR number, proof of identity, and proof of address. Evidence of current contracts or confirmed work will strengthen your application.
What documents does a new business need to lease a van?
For a new business, we’ll typically ask for three to six months of business bank statements, your Companies House certificate or UTR number, a copy of your UK driving licence, and proof of address. If your business is very early stage, a personal guarantee from a director and evidence of contracts or confirmed work may also be requested. There’s no obligation at the enquiry stage.
Will applying for van leasing affect my credit score?
A full credit search is only carried out once you have chosen to proceed with a specific finance agreement, so you can explore your options and talk to an adviser first. Your adviser will tell you exactly when that happens, so nothing is a surprise.
Can I lease a van if my business is less than two years old?
Yes. VanLeasing.com works with lending partners who specialise in new business finance. If your business has been trading for less than 24 months, you can typically still secure a van lease by providing recent business bank statements, proof of registration, and, in some cases, a personal guarantee from a company director. You do not need two years of filed accounts to apply.
Do I have to be a company director to apply for a van?
We will require details of the director. If you’re applying on behalf of them, that’s totally fine we will just need to get their details from you.
What kind of companies can lease a van?
At kimiling504873.eu.org we help newly incorporated limited companies, limited liability partnerships or self-employed sole traders.
I’m just starting out, can I lease a van for my new business?
Yes you can, you might just be asked to share a little more information. We know that many leasing companies are unable or unwilling to deal with newly incorporated limited companies or self-employed sole traders but we take a different approach by helping companies get off the ground.
Who is responsible for insuring the van?
It’s your responsibility to get your own van insurance sorted, and this needs to be on a fully comprehensive basis. When that’s done, you just need to send us a copy of the certificate prior to the vehicle delivery date.
What kind of van insurance do I need to have?
It’s written in vehicle insurance law that your vehicle must be kept insured at all times. As well as being a legal requirement it’s also up to you to keep your vehicle insured on a fully comprehensive motor policy during the period of your agreement with us.
What documents will I have to produce?
When you lease a van, there are criteria that you have to meet. This will involve looking at the bank account and director’s information, so can be a concern for businesses that have very little or nothing to show in terms of revenue. All businesses, new or existing will be asked to share their business details, owner details, and bank details along with a full UK driving licence. For a start-up business, it’s likely you’ll be asked to provide further information such as a few months of business bank statements, and draft company accounts.
Can I apply company decals on a lease van?
Yes, you can apply company decals to a leased van—in fact, it’s a great way to promote your business while you’re on the road. However, it’s important to be aware that some types of leasing agreements require the vehicle to be returned at the end of the term. In these cases, any decals or branding must be professionally removed before the vehicle is handed back. If you’re planning to brand your van, it’s best to use a reputable supplier who can both apply and remove the decals properly when the time comes.
