Outdoor spectacles rely on kit that rarely comes cheap. Replacing or upgrading gear like stages, lighting towers, generators, vehicles, trackways, and toilets can tie up your cash flow. That’s why many organisers turn to business asset finance to spread costs over time. Despite the growing popularity of asset finance, there are still a few myths circulating, especially when it comes to finance for outdoor events.
Myth 1: Business Asset Finance is Only for Big Companies
Outdoor projects might be seasonal or pop-up, but business finance options like ours don’t discriminate by size. We’ve got a lot of experience working with SMEs and are happy to fund purchases from £5,000 upward, whether it is a single walk-in fridge or an entire site’s perimeter fence. In many ways, it’s the perfect business finance option for a smaller business because it focuses on trading performance and forward bookings. This means that even a young brand can access business asset finance that matches its revenue rhythm.
Myth 2: It Locks You into Rigid Payment Dates
If you run an events company, you understand the ebb and flow of income. A smart business asset finance provider needs to mirror that rhythm with payment profiles that are in line with ticket drops, sponsorship tranches, or grant milestones.
It might be quarterly or seasonal schedules; either way, your finances for outdoor events can flex when taking a dip in winter and ramp up over the summer months. Some plans even allow lump-sum overpayments after a sell-out weekend, which can sometimes shorten the term.
Myth 3: Interest Makes it More Expensive Than Buying Outright
Comparing headline interest to sticker price misses the wider picture. Paying in cash upfront drains your working capital and might force you to make compromises in other ways, like marketing or staffing. When finance charges are spread across the useful life of the kit, you keep your operating capital much more flexible.
Well-structured and intelligent business asset finance can, therefore, actually end up costing less in net terms than paying a lump sum upfront, especially once you factor in downtime, depreciation and lost opportunities.
Myth 4: You Have to Take the Equipment the Finance Provider Chooses
If you choose the right provider, then this choice stays with you, the organiser. We maintain long supplier lists and are happy to discuss adding new ones, meaning you can find the exact equipment that’s right for your business.
Agreements can also cover second-hand gear, auction wins, and private sales, which broadens your options even more. The finance sits behind the purchase, not in front of it, so production control remains where it belongs.
Myth 5: You’re Stuck with Outdated Kit at the End
We know that events technology evolves fast, which is why our lease and hire-purchase products can build in an upgrade path. This means you can potentially trade in assets part-way or add bolt-ons without resetting the whole contract. Refurbished or resold items feed the circular economy while guests enjoy the latest tech. That beats being stuck with tired gear and risking negative reviews.
Myth 6: The Paperwork Takes Forever
In the past, this might have been the case, but it’s not the case anymore. Many deals reach credit sign-off the same day, with e-signatures completed on a smartphone. Delivery and installation can then be booked immediately. The speed rivals a cash transaction but doesn’t leave you stuck with the cash drain.
Myth 7: It Only Covers Physical Assets
The word ‘asset’ is broad. Software licences for ticketing platforms, contactless EPOS, RFID wristbands, and even insurance premiums can be included in business finance options. Bundling hard and soft costs into one plan makes your monthly budget much cheaper and can unlock bulk discounts from suppliers.
Myth 8: Seasonal Businesses Can’t Pass Credit Checks
Our team understands the highs and lows of your sector. We look at multi-year averages and pre-sold revenue rather than a single slow quarter. Security is usually the asset itself, not property, so supplying a realistic cash-flow forecast plus copies of headline contracts might secure a limit that surprises you as a first-time or seasonal applicant.
Want Reliable Finance for your Outdoor Event?
At Bluestar Business Finance, we’ve got years of experience in providing finance for outdoor events businesses to make sure you get the gear you need without tying up your cash. So, if you’re looking to scale up your stage setup, upgrade your power supply, or add to your fleet, we’ll help you find funding that fits.
We understand how this industry works and offer finance plans built around seasonal income and event timelines. We work fast, keep things simple, and stay in your corner from quote to completion. Check out our finance for outdoor events, or drop us a line; we’re ready when you are.
FAQ
What’s the difference between asset finance and a bank overdraft?
An overdraft is short-term revolving credit, while asset finance funds a specific purchase over an agreed term, with the asset itself acting as security.
Can an asset finance agreement be settled early?
This depends on the provider. Some will allow early settlement; they’ll provide a rebate calculation showing any savings on future interest.
Does asset finance always require a personal guarantee?
No, requirements will likely vary by deal size and credit profile. Strong trading history and asset quality can sometimes remove the need for personal guarantees.
How quickly can funds be released?
This depends on the deal and the funds in question. The best way to find out more about this is to get in touch with us.
