Selling in the post-Covid world – from pandemic to a new normal?

Therefore, the expectation is that businesses will be looking to rapidly increase expenditure on capital equipment over the next few years; and the Finance and Leasing Association are already reporting record ‘year on year’ increases in the use of asset finance. In the longer term too, we might see growth in business investment replicating what was achieved in the early 2000’s (5% + per annum), rather than the lack of ‘year on year’ growth experienced between 2015 and 2019. It was widely believed that the pre-pandemic stagnation in business investment was triggered by ‘Brexit uncertainty’ and for better or worse, much of that uncertainty has been removed. A second reason for being more optimistic about longer-term investment is that the supply of relatively cheap labour that discouraged many businesses from investing in new labour-saving technology might be reducing. As we emerge from lockdown, workers in many sectors are in short supply and there is evidence that wages are now starting to increase at a much faster rate than has been the case over recent years. If this trend continues there will come a point when investment in new technology will become an economic necessity.

Whilst we can expect a reasonably helpful sales environment over the next couple of years, some challenges are already emerging and more will follow.

• The shortage of some components, particularly semi-conductors, has disrupted supply chains and resulted in some product unavailability.
• Inflation, about which little has been heard in recent years, is causing concern amongst central bankers, with some now talking of the need to start raising interest rates sooner than expected to control the rate of price increases.
• Further, there is much uncertainty as to how the UK Government will seek to control the debt incurred in supporting the Economy through the Covid-19 crisis. One such measure which has been announced, is the planned increase in the rate of Corporation Tax from April 2023, from 19% to 25%.This will be a factor exercising the minds of many business leaders over coming months; and
• Other tax rises might follow, as might a reduction in Government spending. Either of which will have some impact on certain industries.

Leasing and asset finance offers the funding necessary to meet the expected increase in the short-term demand for capital equipment, and at a time when stock unavailability is of concern, the quick access to funds is of particular importance. BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions have extended some of their credit lines to further increase the speed at which deals can be concluded.

From the perspective of a business acquiring capital equipment at a time when prices are rising and interest rates might follow, an asset finance agreement can be set-up on terms that apply today with no increase in future payments. Additionally, for any operating or finance lease extending beyond April 2023, tax relief on the rental payments could be at the increased rate of 25%, which will have the effect of reducing the ‘real cost’ of the agreement from that time. It is also worth noting, that the Super-Deduction Allowance is available on hire purchase agreements for qualifying expenditure throughout 2021 and 2022.Those agreements might also benefit from having the interest element attracting tax relief at 25% from April 2023.

The role of leasing and asset finance in facilitating business investment has never been more significant, and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions remain committed to forming strong mutually beneficial partnerships with suppliers of capital equipment and finance brokers.

We are committed to your business growth.

Our competitive finance solutions can help you capitalise on new opportunities. Contact us today to discuss your needs with a member of our team.