Shire Leasing
Shire Leasing is the UK's largest independent asset finance company, providing equipment leasing, hire purchase, and business loans to UK SMEs via direct origination and an embedded vendor/supplier channel, with a proprietary Aurora-powered Click2Finance e-commerce platform and an on-balance-sheet book exceeding £200m.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersTamworth, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Shire Leasing does
Shire Leasing Plc is the largest independent asset finance company in the United Kingdom, founded in 1990 by cousins Martin Smith and John Worton and headquartered in Tamworth with a second sales office in Henley-on-Thames. The company provides equipment leasing, hire purchase, finance leases, and business loans to more than 66,000 UK SMEs since inception, with an on-balance-sheet "Own Book" exceeding £200m and over £225m available to support British SMEs. Revenue is generated through interest and fees on hire agreements and finance leases, broker commission from a limited panel of third-party funders, and ancillary services through group subsidiaries Shire Insurance Services, Shire Professional Funding, and the recently acquired Shire Securities Limited.
The company's technology platform centres on Aurora, the proprietary engine behind Click2Finance — an e-commerce financing module that embeds automated lease origination (6-second decisions, 65% acceptance rate, e-signature, real-time underwriting and fraud checks) directly into B2B supplier checkout flows via API. Shire Online provides a vendor-facing self-service portal for application management. Vertical-specific sub-brands include Finance for Farms (agricultural equipment and cattle leasing, supported by a Cowculator ROI tool), Shire Vehicle Solutions (classic and supercar finance), and a Clean Air Zone Financial Assistance product administered on behalf of multiple UK councils.
Shire operates a dual GTM motion combining direct SME origination via phone and web with a deep vendor/supplier channel that introduces business through formal trading agreements and e-commerce integrations. Distribution is exclusively UK-domiciled, supported by FCA authorisation (FRN 313055), FLA membership with board representation, and BVRLA membership, with funding lines from the British Business Bank (£40m, 2014) and British Business Investments (£25m, 2024). Founders retain over 95% ownership, and the company has been recognised by the Financial Times as one of Europe's Long-Term Growth Champions.
Shire Leasing firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Shire Leasing
- Legal name
- Shire Leasing Plc
- Website
- https://shireleasing.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Shire Leasing is the UK's largest independent asset finance company, providing equipment leasing, hire purchase, and business loans to UK SMEs via direct origination and an embedded vendor/supplier channel, with a proprietary Aurora-powered Click2Finance e-commerce platform and an on-balance-sheet book exceeding £200m.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Shire Leasing industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Asset Finance / Equipment Leasing
- NAICS
- Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing (5324), Sales Financing (52222)
- SIC
- Finance Lessors (6172), Miscellaneous Business Credit Institution (6159), Mortgage Bankers & Loan Correspondents (6162)
- akta.pro primary industry
- SME Equipment & Asset Finance (Leasing, Fleet, Capex) (FSABABAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Leasing & Lease Buyout Financing (FSAKADAC), Equipment Financing / Leasing (Venture-backed) (FSANAIAE)
Keywords
Where Shire Leasing is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tamworth
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Shire Leasing business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Asset Finance and Leasing: Shire provides asset finance solutions to business customers, generating revenue through interest and fees on hire agreements, hire purchase agreements, and finance leases for equipment.
- Business Loans: Fixed-rate business loans repaid monthly or quarterly, including the £6m Business Loan portfolio acquired from Shire Securities Limited.
- Broker Commission: As a broker working with a limited panel of funders, Shire receives commission for introducing customers to lenders. Commission is either fixed, discretionary within a band, or percentage-based of the vehicle's taxable list price.
- Commission from Introducers: Where customers are introduced by a supplier, dealer or broker, Shire pays the introducer a commission disclosed in a commission disclosure letter.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time | Standard Broker Services Fee |
| Unit Pricing | One time | Order Cancellation Fee |
| Unit Pricing | One time | Reschedule / Extension Fee |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Click2Finance — Minimum Order Value |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Low-Start Lease for Beauty Sector |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Shire Leasing product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Shire Leasing is the largest independent funding house in the UK, providing asset finance solutions including hire agreements, hire purchase, finance leases, and business loans to UK SMEs. Founded in 1990, the company enables businesses to acquire equipment without large upfront costs through flexible repayment structures, with automated 6-second finance decisions and an e-commerce checkout integration called Click2Finance that allows B2B equipment suppliers to embed leasing at point of sale.
Product overview
Shire Leasing is an independent UK asset finance company operating since 1990, offering a unified equipment leasing and business lending platform for SMEs. The core offering is Asset Finance, encompassing hire agreements, hire purchase, finance leases, and business loans. This is extended through Click2Finance — an e-commerce checkout integration module that enables B2B suppliers to embed leasing at point of sale — and Shire Online, a vendor-facing self-service portal for application management. The product portfolio also includes specialist sub-brands: Finance for Farms (agricultural equipment and cattle leasing) and Shire Vehicle Solutions (classic and supercar finance), each with tailored financing structures. The Cowculator ROI tool supports the Finance for Farms offering by illustrating cattle leasing returns. A Clean Air Zone Financial Assistance product administers government grant and subsidized finance schemes for vehicle upgrades. The portfolio is unified around flexible repayment structures, fast automated decisioning, and a limited panel of third-party funders.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Finance for Farms: Agricultural finance branch of Shire Leasing offering farming finance solutions including cattle leasing, equipment leasing, and business loans for farms.
- Click2Finance
- Driving Clean Air
Products and services
- Asset Finance Core equipment leasing and asset finance offering for UK SMEs, providing hire agreements, hire purchase agreements, finance leases, and business loans to acquire equipment without large upfront costs.
- Click2Finance E-commerce integration product enabling B2B equipment suppliers to offer leasing options directly within their online checkout process. Features automated lease applications, real-time underwriting, fraud and identity checks, and e-signatory documentation. Available for orders over £500 with 2-5 year terms and 65% average acceptance rate.
- Shire Online Self-service online portal for equipment suppliers to submit, track, and manage finance applications, view quotes, and process agreements.
- Finance for Farms Specialist agricultural finance sub-brand offering cattle leasing, tractor and machinery leasing, milking equipment financing, and farm diversification funding tailored to the agricultural sector.
- Shire Vehicle Solutions Specialist vehicle finance division offering Hire Purchase (with balloon), equity release, and refinance options for classic and supercar collectors and enthusiasts.
- Clean Air Zone Financial Assistance Government scheme partnership product delivering grants, interest-subsidised finance, or combination funding to eligible businesses upgrading vehicles under Clean Air Zone mandates. Shire administers schemes for Bath, Greater Manchester, Bristol, and Newcastle/Gateshead councils.
- Business Loans Fixed-rate business loans repaid monthly or quarterly, including the £6m Business Loan portfolio acquired from Shire Securities Limited, with Merchant Cash Advance and Commercial Mortgages offerings.
Quantifiable outcome
- Automated finance decisions in 6 seconds
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Shire Leasing
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Shire Leasing technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Shire Leasing partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Finance and Leasing Association (FLA)coreThe Finance and Leasing Association is the leading trade association in Europe for UK consumer credit, motor finance, and asset finance sectors. Shire's Managing Director sits on the FLA board of Directors. Shire won the FLA ESG Award for Exemplary Commitment in B2B Funding.
- Newcastle and Gateshead CouncilscoreJoint council scheme appointed Shire Leasing PLC as a partner to deliver financial support to eligible businesses impacted by the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone. Shire delivers funds in the form of grants, interest-subsidised finance, or a combination of both.
- Play It GreenminorThrough a new partnership with Play It Green, an organisation offering a simple and accessible way to support reforestation whilst lowering carbon footprints, every new lease transaction Shire funds results in a tree being planted. The scheme also promotes fair employment in impoverished communities.
- Bath and North East Somerset CouncilcoreShire was involved in the development and support of the Bath and North East Somerset CAZ Financial Assistance Scheme framework in 2019.
- British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA)coreShire is a member of the BVRLA, which runs an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service available to customers unsatisfied with a decision regarding vehicle complaints or appeals.
- Greater Manchester Combined AuthoritycoreShire administers CAZ financial support for Greater Manchester Combined Authority as part of Clean Air Zone financial assistance schemes.
- Bristol City CouncilcoreShire Leasing was appointed by Bristol City Council to deliver their Clean Air Zone Financial Assistance Scheme, providing financial support to eligible businesses.
- Jurni LimitedcoreShire is a partner of Jurni Limited, introducing business under a collaboration agreement. Jurni is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 631448) for consumer credit activities. In vehicle finance transactions, Jurni acts as a credit broker connecting Shire with a panel of funders.
- Finance and Leasing AssociationcoreShire's business is covered by the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) and the FLA provides conciliation services for complaints.
- Financial Ombudsman ServicecoreThe business is covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service. If Shire cannot settle a financial services complaint within 8 weeks, the complainant may refer it to FOS.
- Leasing FoundationminorShire has representation on the Leasing Foundation Board and Diversity and Inclusion Group, contributing to industry development and governance.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Shire Leasing competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Close Brothers Asset Finance: Close Brothers operates a UK asset finance division providing hire purchase, leasing and business loans to SMEs across equipment, vehicles and technology — directly comparable to Shire's core offering and SME customer base.
- Paragon Bank: Paragon runs a UK asset finance and business banking operation focused on SMEs and consumer credit, with comparable equipment leasing, hire purchase and broker-network distribution to Shire Leasing.
- Time Finance: Time Finance is a UK-listed specialist lender providing asset finance, invoice finance and business loans to UK SMEs, with a similar independent-funding-house profile and SME target market to Shire Leasing.
- White Oak UK: White Oak is a UK asset finance provider for SMEs owned by a PE consortium, offering hire purchase and leasing on business equipment with a similar SME-only focus to Shire, but backed by institutional capital.
- Together Money (Together Financial Services): Together Money is a specialist UK lender providing asset finance, bridging, commercial and development lending to SMEs and individuals, with a privately-held, peer-comparable product mix in business asset financing.
Broad incumbents
- Aldermore Bank: Aldermore is a UK challenger bank with a well-established asset finance and business lending franchise serving SMEs, overlapping Shire's customer segments but operating as a deposit-funded, regulated bank rather than an independent funder.
- Novuna (formerly Hitachi Capital UK): Novuna is the rebranded Hitachi Capital UK business, part of the broader Mitsubishi HC Capital group, providing asset finance, vehicle finance and consumer lending in the UK — a much larger incumbent with broader product breadth than Shire.
- Lloyds Bank Asset Finance: Lloyds is the largest UK high-street bank with an asset finance unit serving SMEs through hire purchase and leasing, structurally comparable in customer base though much larger and balance-sheet-funded relative to Shire.
- Bibby Financial Services: Bibby Financial Services is a privately held UK specialist funder providing asset finance, invoice discounting and business loans to SMEs, comparable in funding-house positioning though broader across working capital products than Shire.
Emerging players
- Praetura Asset Finance: Praetura Asset Finance is a Manchester-based specialist UK asset finance provider focusing on SMEs and vendor partnerships, offering hire purchase and leasing through a more regional and emerging footprint relative to Shire's national scale.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Shire Leasing social profiles
Digital presenceShire Leasing financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Shire Leasing leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Shire Leasing subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Shire Leasing funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Shire Leasing M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Shire Leasing
What does Shire Leasing do?
Shire Leasing is the largest independent funding house in the UK, providing asset finance solutions including hire agreements, hire purchase, finance leases, and business loans to UK SMEs. Founded in 1990, the company enables businesses to acquire equipment without large upfront costs through flexible repayment structures, with automated 6-second finance decisions and an e-commerce checkout integration called Click2Finance that allows B2B equipment suppliers to embed leasing at point of sale.
Is Shire Leasing a public or private company?
Shire Leasing is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Shire Leasing founded?
Shire Leasing was founded in 1990. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Shire Leasing based?
Shire Leasing is headquartered in Tamworth, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Shire Leasing make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Asset Finance and Leasing is the primary driver. The others are business Loans, broker Commission and commission from Introducers.
Who are Shire Leasing's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Close Brothers Asset Finance, Paragon Bank, Time Finance, White Oak UK and Together Money (Together Financial Services). Broad incumbents are Aldermore Bank, Novuna (formerly Hitachi Capital UK), Lloyds Bank Asset Finance and Bibby Financial Services. Praetura Asset Finance is listed as an emerging player.
Does Shire Leasing have an API?
No public API is recorded for Shire Leasing.
What industry is Shire Leasing in?
Shire Leasing's product category is Asset Finance / Equipment Leasing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSABABAH, SME Equipment & Asset Finance (Leasing, Fleet, Capex), with a secondary code of FSAKADAC, Leasing & Lease Buyout Financing. Its NAICS code is 5324 and its SIC code is 6172.