Running your own business means every decision matters, and that includes choosing the right vehicle. Whether you're a tradesperson, courier, mobile service provider or self-employed entrepreneur, van leasing offers sole traders a flexible and financially savvy alternative to buying outright.
If you're a sole trader, your van is more than just a vehicle – it’s a vital part of your business. Whether you’re a self-employed builder, delivery driver, electrician, mobile technician or caterer, your van supports everything you do. Choosing the right vehicle solution is crucial, and that’s where leasing comes in.
At Silverstone Leasing, we offer van leasing solutions specifically designed for sole traders. Our flexible lease agreements give you access to reliable, modern vans without tying up your cash flow or saddling you with vehicle depreciation. Instead, you get predictable costs, business-friendly tax benefits, and a vehicle that works as hard as you do.
One of the most significant advantages of leasing a van as a sole trader is that it helps protect your cash flow. Instead of paying a large lump sum up front as you would when purchasing a van outright, leasing often requires little to no initial deposit. You’ll then pay a fixed monthly fee that’s easy to budget for, with no surprises.
Another key benefit is access to the latest vehicles. With leasing, you can drive a brand-new van every few years, complete with up-to-date features, improved fuel economy, and the newest safety technology. This not only enhances your driving experience but also reflects positively on your business when visiting customers or clients.
For sole traders who use their van solely for business purposes, lease payments may also be classed as an allowable business expense. This means you could benefit from tax relief on your monthly payments, significantly reducing the overall cost of leasing.
Best of all, leasing means you never need to worry about depreciation. Unlike ownership, where your vehicle’s value drops over time, leasing lets you hand the van back at the end of the contract and move on to your next one — no need to worry about resale values or part exchange negotiations.
At Silverstone Leasing, we collaborate with leading manufacturers, including Ford, Citroën, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Renault, and more, to offer a diverse range of vans tailored to suit every trade and profession. Whether you’re looking for a compact van for city deliveries, a spacious long-wheelbase van for tools and equipment, or an electric van to future-proof your business, we can help.
Need something more specific? We can also source crew vans, refrigerated models, and conversions such as internal racking systems to match your business needs.
Van leasing is a smart, flexible, and affordable way for sole traders to stay mobile without compromising on quality. With tax benefits, low initial outlay, and the ability to drive a new van every few years, it’s easy to see why so many self-employed professionals are making the switch.
If you're ready to find the perfect van to support your business, speak to the Silverstone Leasing team today or browse our latest van leasing deals. We're here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Hear from Our Happy Customers
At Silverstone Leasing, we believe the best way to understand the quality of our service is to hear directly from the people who matter most – our customers. In these short video testimonials, you’ll see real experiences from individuals and businesses who’ve leased with us. From first-time drivers to fleet managers, their stories highlight the care, transparency, and expertise that set us apart.
Yes, you can absolutely lease a van as a sole trader. In fact, van leasing is a popular and practical choice for self-employed individuals who rely on a vehicle for their business. Leasing provides access to a brand-new van without the high upfront costs associated with purchasing. You’ll make fixed monthly payments over an agreed period, and at the end of the lease, you can return the van, upgrade to a new model, or explore your next leasing option. As a sole trader, leasing can also offer tax advantages and allow for better budgeting and cash flow management, making it an efficient way to run your business.
Leasing a van can be up to 100% tax-deductible, depending on how the van is used. If the vehicle is used exclusively for business purposes, the lease payments may be considered a fully allowable business expense by HMRC, meaning you can deduct 100% of the cost from your taxable profits. However, if the van is used for both business and personal use, only the business portion is deductible. It’s important to keep accurate records of usage and seek advice from an accountant to ensure you’re claiming the correct amount in line with HMRC guidelines.
Yes, you can lease a van privately through personal van leasing (also known as Personal Contract Hire or PCH). This option is ideal for individuals who need a van for non-business purposes, such as hobbies, DIY projects, or general use. With personal leasing, you make fixed monthly payments over an agreed term, and at the end of the lease, you return the van. However, if you intend to use the van for your business, it’s usually more beneficial to lease it through a business or sole trader agreement to take advantage of tax efficiencies.
Yes, Silverstone offers free delivery nationwide on your van lease.
Yes, it is possible to lease a van without paying a deposit. This is known as a zero-deposit lease. Call us today on 01604 978480, and we can discuss this option with you. It is becoming a popular choice in 2025.
A van can be 100% tax-deductible for a sole trader, but only if it is used solely for business purposes. In this case, both lease payments and running costs (such as insurance, servicing, and fuel) may be fully claimed as business expenses. However, if you use the van for both business and personal use, you’ll need to apportion the expenses accordingly and can only deduct the business-related portion. To ensure compliance with HMRC and maximise your tax efficiency, it’s advisable to keep detailed mileage records and consult with a qualified accountant.
It may be difficult to lease a van with very bad credit, as most leasing companies require a good credit score to be approved for a lease. However, some leasing companies may be willing to work with customers who have lower credit scores, but this may result in higher interest rates or the need for a deposit. It is best to speak with us to find out what options may be available to you.