9 October, 2025
9 October 2025
Speirs Finance is seeing increased business investment enquiries, particularly from equipment distributors, civil construction and infrastructure businesses, as the Reserve Bank lowers the Official Cash Rate and wholesale funding costs continue to fall.
Early signs of a shift
Michelle Herlihy, CEO of Speirs Finance, says some businesses are beginning to feel conditions may be turning.
“There’s a growing sense we’re through the worst. Lower rates, planned infrastructure work and the Government’s Investment Boost scheme are helping confidence,” Herlihy says.
She says while the improvement is encouraging, business confidence hasn't yet returned to pre-COVID.
"We're starting to see confidence developing, but it's gradual. This week's business survey showed many firms remain cautious, and that's understandable. Businesses have been through a tough period and they're being careful about how they deploy capital and debt facilities. What we are seeing is more willingness to have conversations about investment than there was six months ago."
Beyond maintenance to growth
Some businesses are beginning to look at opportunities beyond standard equipment upgrades, including acquisitions and mergers.
"When confidence returns, we tend to see businesses start thinking about growth – not just maintaining what they have. Some are looking at acquiring competitors or merging with other businesses to build scale. That's a sign the mindset is shifting from survival to opportunity."
Equipment distributors and civil construction businesses in particular are showing increased activity.
"These sectors tend to be good indicators of broader economic confidence. When distributors are ordering inventory and construction companies are investing in equipment, it suggests they're seeing demand pick up. We're certainly seeing more enquiries from both sectors."
Strategic approach matters
"With rates reducing businesses will certainly see pricing benefits as they look to invest," says Herlihy. "But two businesses on the same rate can get very different results. The businesses that come through uncertain cycles in strong shape are often those that structure longer repayment terms to preserve cash flow, allow for seasonality, and build in options to adjust as conditions change.”
Herlihy says overall, signs are encouraging in this early-stage recovery.
"Strategic, well-structured investment will put businesses in the best position as conditions improve.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is now a good time to invest in business equipment?
Conditions are improving, with government infrastructure projects, the Investment Boost Scheme, and lower interest rates creating momentum. However, each business situation is different. The key is to approach investment strategically – understanding what you genuinely need, how to structure it sensibly, and building in flexibility for changing conditions.
Contact our team today to find out how we can provide funding solutions that align with your business cashflows and offer flexible finance solutions that make the most sense for your business.
What should I consider when structuring asset finance?
The businesses that come through economic cycles in strong shape typically:
- Structure longer repayment terms to preserve cash flow
- Allow for seasonality in their cash flow
- Build in options to adjust repayments as conditions change
- Think beyond just the interest rate to the overall structure.
Every business is different. Contact our team today to discuss how we can structure asset finance to suit your specific needs and help your business grow.
Are businesses only replacing existing equipment, or are they looking at growth?
We're seeing a shift. While many businesses spent recent years focused on maintaining operations, some are now thinking about growth opportunities – including equipment upgrades that improve efficiency, and in some cases, acquisitions or mergers to build scale. This shift from survival to opportunity thinking is an encouraging sign.
Contact our team today to discuss how we can structure asset finance to suit your specific needs and help your business grow.
How can I find out if asset finance is right for my business?
Every business has different needs and circumstances. We recommend contacting us to have a conversation with our team to discuss your specific situation, investment plans, and how finance can be structured to support your business objectives.