As well as producing one of the biggest pop bands in history, Merseyside is home to over 38,000 VAT registered businesses, worth £25.3bn to the UK economy. The region has experienced a remarkable renaissance over the past decade, with its economy outperforming the rest of the UK during this time.

To cement its position as a thriving hub for business, from world leading multinationals to innovative new start-ups, Liverpool recently hosted the International Festival for Business (IFB). The largest international business event in the world in 2014, the festival connected UK business growth into international markets and attracted some 250,000 visitors from over 125 countries.

As a well established local leasing company, WestWon Limited also has a strong presence in Merseyside and has successfully arranged many local lease agreements for a variety of businesses in the area. With 169 partners and suppliers across the region, which includes 78 in Liverpool, 21 in Southport, 12 in St Helens, 18 in Wirral and 7 in Ellesmere Port, the company can offer businesses a tailored local service as well as highly competitive rates.

Leasing not only allows businesses to improve performance by acquiring the latest technology without tying up capital or existing lines of credit, but it also protects against future obsolescence – a major issue for IT and computing equipment. Plus, leasing payments offer considerable tax benefits and can even be tailored to match a businesses seasonal cash flow.

Unlike buying, leasing means Merseyside businesses can pay for an asset as they use it. After an initial payment, a business can start benefiting from the equipment straight away and spread the cost over its useful life.

Some of the most popular types of equipment leased in the region are:

• IT equipment (e.g. computers, tablets, printers)
• IT software
• Office furniture
• Scientific and medical technology
• Catering equipment
• Industrial machinery
• Hairdressing and beauty equipment
• Sports and leisure equipment
• Processing and packaging machines
• Retail equipment
• Manufacturing equipment (e.g. cutting machines, injection moulding systems)
• CCTV and security systems
• Scaffolding and construction equipment
• Waste and recycling equipment

For more advice on leasing and selecting a reputable leasing partner, download your free Essential Guide to Leasing for Business.