Chapter 01
Why structure matters more than headline rate
The cheapest quoted rate rarely produces the lowest true cost. This chapter compares three real deals we structured last season and shows why matching payments to farm income delivered a stronger balance sheet than shopping on rate alone.
Chapter 02
AIA, full expensing and the machinery decision
A partnership, sole trader and limited company each face a different tax picture on the same £180,000 combine. We walk through the numbers with a rural accountant's commentary and show where HP wins on tax and where a finance lease is the smarter home for the same asset.
Chapter 03
Payment shapes for a single-harvest year
Seasonal, stepped, deferred, balloon — and when each is appropriate. Includes a worked example for an arable farm structuring a £340k tractor and drill package around a September-only income cycle.
Chapter 04
SFI 2024 capital items alongside asset finance
How to layer capital grants (SFI, Countryside Stewardship, Farming Equipment and Technology Fund) with HP and finance lease without breaking grant conditions. Includes a decision tree for the most common overlaps.
Chapter 05
Refinance: releasing capital from paid-down kit
The most overlooked lever on a UK farm. We show how refinancing a fleet of paid-off machines released £215k of working capital for a Lincolnshire mixed farm at a lower cost than an overdraft extension.
- 01AIA and full expensing explained for partnerships, sole traders and Ltd companies
- 02Seasonal, stepped and balloon payment structures matched to harvest income
- 03How SFI 2024 capital items sit alongside HP and finance lease
- 04Decision framework: when to buy, when to lease, when to refinance