A long-established bus and coach operator wanted to bring their existing Asset Finance facility monthly repayments down on two double decker vehicles – without disrupting the services they deliver for schools and local councils.
They were clear on the outcome: reduce monthly payments by around £4,000 and keep that cash available for essentials like fuel and ongoing operating costs.
“Transport operators don’t need grand promises – they need funding that recognises the reality of keeping services running week in, week out. This refinance opportunity was about practical headroom, not a complicated restructure.”
Stephen Brook | Senior Regional Director, Ultimate Finance
The business behind the wheel
The client runs a well-established bus and coach operation, delivering a mix of contract work, including routes and services for schools and local councils.
In a sector where reliability matters, keeping the fleet moving is everything. But so is keeping the numbers in check – especially when regular costs can fluctuate and cash needs to stay available.
The ask: lower repayments, vehicles kept on the road
The business had an existing facility with Ultimate Finance in place and wanted to refinance it so they could spread repayments over a longer term and reduce monthly payments to help support day-to-day costs.
The assets were:
- A double-decker bus
- A 78-seat double-decker coach
A long-standing partnership. A clear goal.
The business was already an Ultimate Finance client, with a funding relationship that had been in place for almost a decade. When they wanted to refinance the two vehicles, we worked with long-standing introducer partner Crystal Business Finance, via Mike Austin, to shape a solution around that goal.
That combination of relationships mattered. We understood the client’s business, Mike understood what they wanted to achieve, and our long-standing relationship with Crystal Business Finance meant there was already clarity around appetite, process and how to move the opportunity forward.
With all parties aligned from the start, the collaborative approach enabled quick decisions, a smooth route to funding and a deal that could move at pace.
“When a client comes to you with a clear goal like cutting payments by £4,000 a month, you need a funder who understands the end game and keeps the process moving. I’ve known Stephen and the team at Ultimate Finance for over 18 years – that familiarity counts.”
Mike Austin | Crystal Business Finance
Speed, clarity and a facility built to fit
Done well, refinance is about making an existing funding structure better fit the business it supports. In this case, that meant reducing monthly commitments while keeping essential vehicles on the road.
As the client’s funding partner of choice for almost a decade, we already had a strong understanding of how their business operates and the pressures they manage day to day, giving us a clear view of what success needed to look like for them.
“Because we already knew the customer and we worked closely with Crystal Business Finance, we could focus on what mattered: reshaping the repayments so the savings were real, and the business had room to plan ahead.”
Stephen Brook | Senior Regional Director, Ultimate Finance
Longer term, lower monthly commitment
Ultimate Finance provided an Asset Finance refinance facility of £134,000 over 48 months, secured against the two vehicles.
The key outcome was the one the client cared about most: monthly repayments reduced by £4,000.
For a business running contracts and managing day-to-day operating costs, that kind of monthly saving creates immediate breathing space – without asking them to change how they operate.
Cashflow headroom now, options later
With the refinance complete, the business could keep delivering its contract work with more confidence, knowing a sizeable chunk of monthly spend had been taken out of fixed repayments and put back into the operation.
Next, the plan is straightforward and sensible: put money aside for future vehicles, while continuing to focus on existing contracts.
Explore refinancing options with Ultimate Finance
If you’ve got a client who wants to reduce monthly commitments, release cash tied up in vehicles, or simply make their existing deal fit the business they’re running today, we’ll help you get there – clearly, quickly, and with the right support.
