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Introduction
According to a 2025 report from Airwallex, an international finance for business platform, the top capital equipment purchases UK SME owners are planning this year are related to green sustainability, with 44% of those surveyed citing this as a top investment priority. More than half of those surveyed within that bracket are looking to invest in equipment that helps reduce energy usage to mitigate rising energy costs.
The next highest priority at 27% of those surveyed are business owners looking to invest in equipment and new workplace features that help boost employee wellbeing. In third place, 20% of SMEs want to buy enhanced machinery and equipment to improve product development and realise business growth plans. Finally, 16% are looking to invest in technology innovation and overwhelmingly planned purchases within this field are related to using AI to get a competitive advantage.
One of the main hurdles for SMEs investing in new equipment and machinery is the high up-front costs before any return on investment, with many items costing thousands of pounds. Businesses can access funding to purchase items using capital grants from the Government, local authorities and enterprise support agencies.
Here Is A Selection Of The Latest Purchasing Business Equipment Grant Schemes
i) Business Growth Fund
The North of Tyne Combined Authority is providing capital funding to businesses looking to expand or establish new operations in the region. Projects must contribute to outcomes including the creation and safeguarding of jobs, improved productivity, adoption of new processes and technologies and an increased amount of investment in equipment and machinery. Funding up to £300,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
ii) Growing Hull and East Yorkshire Business Investment Grants
HEY Business Growth and Skills Hub is providing capital grants for SMEs in the local region to support and incentivise business growth, investment in equipment and machinery and job creation. Funding up to £250,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
iii) Nelson Town Deal Grants
Pendle Borough Council provides a scheme for Nelson that aims to help manufacturing businesses become more resilient and help them grow. Funding will cover investments in new plant or machinery, energy efficiency/carbon reduction and premises improvements or adaptations. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
iv) SME Capital Grants
Coventry City Council is running a scheme enabling B2B businesses to invest in capital assets such as machinery or equipment, hardware/software and the refurbishment or purchase of new premises. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
v) West Midlands SME Grant Programme
West Midlands Combined Authority provides a scheme that aims to increase productivity by improving business confidence, stimulating business activity, attracting investment and safeguarding existing and creating new jobs. Eligible activities can include capital investment, improving systems and processes, innovation, developing new market opportunities, promotional activities and energy efficiency and waste management. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
vi) Business Growth Grant
Swansea City Council is providing funding to support business growth through the introduction of a new product or service. The funding can cover costs including equipment, IT systems and machinery. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
vii) Small Business Assistance Special Grant Award
East Renfrewshire Council is running a scheme where businesses that have been trading for over 12 months who can demonstrate the ability to grow their income and workforce by at least 10% within 12 months of receipt of the grant can access funding towards costs including new equipment, IT hardware purchases, tooling costs, property extensions or improvements and exhibiting at home or overseas. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
viii) Economic Development Grant Scheme
Shetland Islands Council is providing grants for businesses to help them fund projects that will enable them to grow. Eligible costs can include, but are not limited to, buildings, new equipment and salary costs. Funding up to £25,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Purchasing Business Equipment Schemes
Full details about how to apply for schemes and the eligibility criteria is available on each individual scheme page on the relevant website. Any deadlines, who can apply and what eligible costs the grants will cover will also be outlined on these pages. Interested businesses can speak to funding advisors based at each provider who can guide them through requirements and eligibility criteria to see if the relevant funding is a match with their needs and help them to apply. There are also application forms and other supporting guidance available on scheme pages as well.
Want To Find More UK Purchasing Business Equipment Funding Opportunities?
If you want to see the full set of UK purchasing business equipment funding currently available, please visit https://getbusinessgrants.com/