Market Data

Asset finance new business grew by 8% in January 2023

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New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that total asset finance new business (primarily leasing and hire purchase) grew in January 2023 by 8% compared with the same month in 2022. In the twelve months to January 2023, new business was 6% higher than in the same period in 2022.

The commercial vehicle finance and business new car finance sectors reported new business up in January by 9% and 57% respectively, compared with the same month in 2022. The plant and machinery finance sector reported new business 3% lower over the same period.

Commenting on the figures, Geraldine Kilkelly, Director of Research and Chief Economist at the FLA, said: “The asset finance industry made a positive start to 2023, recording its ninth consecutive month of growth. The strong performance of the vehicle finance sectors reflected an easing of supply shortages. The latest figures suggest that demand for asset finance from SMEs remained robust, increasing by 13% compared with January 2022.

“The asset finance industry funds as much as 40% of investment in machinery, equipment and vehicles by businesses across the UK. We urge the Chancellor to recognize the importance of the industry in supporting business investment and improving productivity by ensuring that any new capital allowances regime includes leased assets or those acquired via short term rental.”

  Jan 23

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Jan 23

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Jan 23

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Total FLA asset finance (£m) 

2,628  8 8,677 12 33,938 6
Total excluding high value (£m)  2,514 16 8,329 17 32,072 7
Data Extracts:
By asset:
Plant and machinery finance (£m)  504  -3 1,773 0 7,785 5
Commercial vehicle finance (£m)  686  9 2,231 9 8,854 4
IT equipment finance (£m)  81  -1 361 19 1,567 -3

Business equipment finance (£m)

123  1 450 -6 1,938
Car finance (£m)  897  40 2,884 40  9,890  16 
Aircraft, ships and rolling stock finance (£m)  38  -56 97  -10  301  -22 
By channel:      
Direct finance (£m)  1,250  31  3,943  32 14,222 11 
Broker-introduced finance (£m)  561 17 1,845  15  7,495  11 
Sales finance (£m)  703  -3 2,541 10,356
By product:      
Finance leasing (£m)  243  14 14,893  17  3,423 
Operating leasing (£m)  605  50 2,026 37 6,542
Lease/Hire purchase (£m) 1,412  4 4,566 8 19,123 9
Other finance (£m)  301  -22 943 -1 3,651 -4