Shire Leasing PLC

Shire Leasing PLC: equipment finance for UK businesses and their suppliers

Shire Leasing PLC is a UK financing specialist that funds equipment and assets for businesses. It operates on two fronts: it lends to business customers who need to acquire equipment, and it works with suppliers who want their own customers to be able to buy through leasing arrangements. The company describes its model as an SME-friendly alternative to conventional funding, aimed at improving cash flow and avoiding large upfront costs and devaluation risk.

Its registered office and trading address are at 1 Calico Business Park, Sandy Way, Tamworth, Staffordshire. Shire Leasing Plc is registered in England (company no. 02476571) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for certain types of consumer credit lending and credit-related activities under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. For some products it acts as a lender and a broker, and for others as a broker only; its firm reference number is 313055.

What can be financed

The company states that it can lease almost anything a business needs, from coffee machines to specialist equipment. Its own materials cite vehicles, machinery, technology and catering equipment among the asset categories it funds, and it points to operations of very different scale, from solar ventures to large farming operations. The criterion it sets out is commercial: if the asset makes business sense, it is prepared to lease it.

Services for suppliers

For manufacturers, dealers and other suppliers, Shire Leasing positions its leasing solutions as a route to higher sales, allowing their business customers to acquire products without paying the full price upfront. The supplier side of the business is supported by sections on the equipment it finances, the ways to offer leasing, training and marketing resources. The company invites suppliers to make contact through a short process it describes as taking less than two minutes.

Services for business customers

Business customers are offered guidance on comparing leasing with buying, on what can be leased and on the Growth Guarantee Scheme. Existing customers can make payments online through the Shire Online portal. The company also operates Shire Funding, presented as an alternative for businesses interested in a loan rather than leasing.

Scale and track record

Shire Leasing reports that it has supported more than 200,000 UK customers since 1990, a history it describes as over 35 years of helping businesses. It states that £225m+ is available to support British SMEs and that automated finance decisions can be produced in six seconds. It also reports a high acceptance rate, which it links to the funding and flexibility behind its approvals.

Recognition and corporate initiatives

The company reports several distinctions in its own communications: it was named a double winner at the annual Leasing World awards, was included in the Financial Times ranking of Europe's long-term growth champions, and renewed a two-year contract with Cover Group for a third consecutive term. It also states that it was Certified by Great Place To Work for the first year, with 74% of employees saying it is a great place to work. On the environmental side, it has publicised a commitment to plant 70 trees a day for The Queen's 70th Jubilee.

People and internal organisation

Shire Leasing describes its staff as its greatest asset and refers to regular engagement with teams on sustainable strategies, compliance and internal training. It maintains an employee forum intended to give all staff a voice, alongside an incentive scheme called All Ideas Matter (AIM) for collecting suggestions for improvement.