For almost 40 years, Close Brothers Asset Finance has worked with businesses to invest, grow and achieve their ambitions through flexible funding solutions designed around real commercial needs.
Supporting the businesses that keep water, wastewater and drainage moving
For water, wastewater and drainage professionals, reliable vehicles and specialist equipment are essential. They help keep services running safely and efficiently. From drainage contractors and tanker operators to businesses working in sewer maintenance, trenchless technology, wastewater services and environmental support, the sector relies on robust assets that can perform in demanding conditions.
With rising costs, regulatory demands and environmental expectations, businesses need the confidence to keep investing in modern equipment. Practical, flexible funding can help them plan ahead. Close Brothers Asset Finance works with SMEs across the UK, supporting the purchase of new and used assets, spreading the cost of investment and releasing working capital from existing fleets, vehicles and equipment.
With dedicated teams who understand asset finance and the industries they support, Close Brothers Asset Finance takes a relationship-led approach. Its specialists work closely with customers to understand their business, ambitions and pressures. They then develop funding solutions tailored to each customer’s individual requirements.
Industry knowledge that makes a difference
Asset finance is most effective when it reflects the realities of the business using it. For specialist contractors and operators in this space, that means understanding what matters day to day: vehicle uptime, specialist equipment, cash flow, project-led demand, replacement cycles, compliance requirements and the ability to respond quickly to urgent callouts or new contract opportunities.
Close Brothers Asset Finance has dedicated sector teams with experience arranging finance for commercial vehicles, plant, machinery and equipment across a wide range of industries. For drainage and wastewater businesses, this expertise can help structure agreements around the way operational assets are used. That could be for day-to-day service work, larger planned maintenance or infrastructure projects.
Whether a business is investing in HGVs, vans, tankers, tippers, trailers, vacuum excavators, jetting units, CCTV survey equipment, plant or other specialist drainage and wastewater equipment, the aim is the same. Finance should support growth while helping preserve cash flow. By spreading the cost of investment over time, customers can acquire the assets they need without tying up large amounts of capital upfront.
Flexible funding solutions designed around customers
Every business has different priorities. Some may be looking to expand their fleet to meet demand. Others may need to replace ageing vehicles, invest in new equipment, support environmental performance or unlock capital from assets they already own. Close Brothers Asset Finance offers a range of funding options designed to support these different needs, including Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, Operating Lease and Refinance.
Hire purchase enables businesses to acquire the vehicles or equipment they need while spreading the cost over an agreed term. This supports budgeting by giving customers visibility over regular repayments, with the option to own the asset at the end of the agreement.
Finance lease allows businesses to access equipment while repaying its value over the lease period. This is particularly useful for operators who want to use an asset without paying the full cost upfront, while retaining flexibility at the end of the agreement.
Operating lease gives businesses the ability to rent equipment for a defined period without taking on the responsibilities of ownership or disposal. For some operators, this provides a practical way to manage asset lifecycles and maintain access to the equipment they need.
Refinance, sometimes referred to as capital release, enables businesses to unlock value tied up in existing assets. This provides additional working capital to support cash flow, fund new investment or respond to changing market conditions.
Helping businesses invest with confidence
For many drainage and wastewater businesses, investment decisions are closely linked to cash flow and operational performance. A vehicle, tanker, jetting unit or piece of specialist equipment may be essential to winning new work, improving reliability, meeting customer expectations or replacing older assets. But the timing of that investment still needs to make commercial sense. Close Brothers Asset Finance works with customers to build finance arrangements that reflect their goals, trading patterns and future plans.
Seasonality can also be an important factor. Some businesses experience peaks and troughs throughout the year. This may be driven by consumer demand, project cycles or contract timings. Flexible repayment structures can align finance with the way a business generates income, supporting cash flow while enabling essential investment.
This practical approach is underpinned by a commitment to long-term relationships. Rather than focusing solely on a single transaction, Close Brothers Asset Finance aims to support customers throughout the life of a finance agreement and beyond. That means being available to discuss future requirements, adapt to changing circumstances and help customers make informed decisions as their business develops.
Part of a leading UK bank
Backed by Close Brothers, the asset finance team combines specialist sector knowledge with the strength and experience of an established financial services group. This gives customers the reassurance of working with a finance provider that understands the importance of responsible lending, personal service and lasting relationships.
Close Brothers’ wider purpose is to support people and businesses to thrive. For customers operating across essential environmental services, that purpose is reflected in funding solutions that give them access to the vehicles, plant and equipment they need to operate, compete and grow. Whether supporting a fleet expansion, releasing capital from existing equipment or funding specialist assets, the focus remains on practical support tailored to each customer’s ambitions.
Looking ahead
These essential industries will continue to evolve. Businesses will need to balance investment in fleet capability, specialist equipment, efficiency, environmental performance and service quality. In this environment, the right finance partner can make a meaningful difference. Businesses need lenders who understand the pressures they face, the assets they rely on and the opportunities they are working towards.
Close Brothers Asset Finance continues to support SMEs with flexible funding solutions backed by experience, sector insight and a commitment to helping customers invest with confidence. For businesses in this space, that means finance designed to support the vehicles and equipment that keep essential services moving. By taking time to understand each business and its ambitions, the team can provide finance that works for today’s needs and future growth.
If your business is looking to invest in vehicles, plant or specialist equipment, Close Brothers Asset Finance can talk you through funding options tailored to your goals. To speak to the team or find out more, visit www.closeassetfinance.co.uk.
Products and services are subject to eligibility, status, terms and conditions and availability. All lending is subject to status and our lending criteria. The right to decline any application is reserved.