business finance

Payment Assist can now announce a partnership with procurement group Purchase Direct to deliver a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution across the UK’s franchised dealer network. This collaboration makes it easier for drivers to spread the cost of their repairs with zero fees and interest-free monthly payments, which simplifies transactions.

It’s a partnership that’s mutually beneficial. Dealerships benefit from a greater level of operational efficiency, and drivers get an easier way to manage the cost of keeping their car roadworthy.

Why it Matters for Car Dealerships

Dealers are set to gain a lot from the partnership. Unexpected repairs are often where customers hesitate to go ahead, and if repair centres are able to offer flexible payment terms delivered through a simple platform, they can increase amber work conversion and boost retention.

Because the Payment Assist system plugs straight into Purchase Direct’s payment platform, it also enhances transaction reporting. Businesses can expect to see a reduction in the time spent chasing payments, which reduces administrative burden and improves operational efficiency.

Why This Matters For Drivers

Unexpected repairs are a financial burden on drivers across the UK. Often, such repairs can be highlighted during routine checks like MOTs, presenting motorists with a bill they hadn’t been able to budget for. For jobs like brakes, tyres, and suspension, immediate attention is usually required, which makes access to interest-free car repair finance crucial.

It is in this context that partnering with a procurement group like Purchase Direct makes a tangible difference. Instead of being met with the total repair cost up front, drivers can now spread the cost of car repairs across monthly payments with no added fees or hidden interest. It provides a simple, transparent solution that ensures drivers do not have to choose between road safety and affordability.

Purchase Direct’s simple, ergonomic payment platform already supports almost two-thirds of the franchised dealer network, so the flexible payment option is directly available at the point of payment. The process is simple to use, offering motorists a clear box-tick to choose monthly payments instead of a single bill.

Voices From The Partnership

“Adding Payment Assist technology to our dealer platform is an important step forward. Consistent growth in the BNPL sector shows there is customer demand, and dealer interest is high, thanks to the promise of increased revenue. Ultimately, it’s the driver that benefits most, with affordable monthly payments making it easy to keep their vehicle to the highest standard on the road, so we’re delighted to be working with Payment Assist.” – Sharon Landau, project manager at Purchase Direct.

“Our partnership with Purchase Direct is hugely beneficial in all areas. Adding our BNPL offering to their payment platform will make it easier for customers to pay and for garages to get paid. Minimised up-front costs for drivers, thanks to our flexible, interest-free payments, is a valuable benefit for Purchase Direct customers, and we are excited to bring Payment Assist’s products to such a wide audience.” ­– Marcus Gregory, CEO of Payment Assist

 “This collaboration represents a major milestone in our growth strategy. Purchase Direct’s reach across the franchised dealer sector, combined with our trusted finance solution, creates a powerful proposition for the market. We know from experience how valuable the right payment options can be — for drivers and for dealers.” – Chris Masters, Chief Commercial Officer at Payment Assist.

Need Interest-Free Payments That Work For You?

At Payment Assist, we are proud to be a leading provider of interest-free finance for automotive repairs and servicing. We work with garages, dealerships, and service providers across the country to make it easier for customers to afford the work they need. Our zero-interest, fee-free monthly payment plans remove the pressure of upfront repair bills, helping drivers spread the cost fairly and responsibly. For dealers and garages, our solutions boost conversion rates, retention, and revenue.

If you want to know more about how Payment Assist can support your business, or if you are a driver looking for garages that offer our plans, please contact us today.

FAQ

What does Buy Now, Pay Later mean in car servicing?

It allows drivers to spread the cost of car repairs or servicing into monthly instalments rather than paying everything up front.

Do BNPL options affect credit scores?

We simply check that your card has adequate funds to pay the initial deposit and that your address matches. There is no footprint left on your credit status.

Is it safe for garages to use BNPL solutions?

Yes. Approved BNPL providers handle the payment process securely and ensure garages get paid quickly, reducing financial risk.

Why are more industries moving to BNPL?

Customers prefer manageable monthly payments. It boosts sales and makes services more accessible.

Can BNPL work for emergency repairs?

BNPL is often most helpful in unexpected situations, allowing repairs to be carried out immediately while payments are spread over time.

Further Reading

• How 0% Finance Can Help Your Customers Say Yes
• What to Do When You Get an Unexpected Car Repair Cost
• Repair or Replace a Damaged Car? Understanding Your Customers’ Tipping Point
• Why Your Garage Needs to Provide Flexible Finance

Rising costs, fluctuating demand, and tighter margins mean that companies are having to totally rethink the ways in which they fund growth and manage day-to-day operations. More and more are choosing business finance as a tool to stay agile; among them, flexible finance options are proving the most popular.

Rather than relying on one type of borrowing, businesses are tending to spread the risk. This essentially gives them more breathing space, with various finance options handing them the chance to bridge gaps or seize new opportunities. It’s not just large firms making these moves, either. Small businesses are finding that a tailored approach to finance makes it easier to manage cash flow without missing out on investment opportunities.

Why are Flexible Finance Options on the Rise?

Traditional lending can be rigid, and fixed repayment schedules and lengthy approval processes can tie companies down. Flexible finance allows your business to scale borrowing in line with demand. It might mean short-term support that gives the capacity to cover seasonal fluctuations or longer arrangements to back major projects.

The attraction is simple, really; players across markets want certainty without having to sacrifice on agility. A long approval cycle for a bank loan can delay projects, but a quicker route through specialist providers can free up cash when it’s needed most. The global financial situation is uncertain, too, so speed and flexibility are becoming essential.

You Have to Manage Your Cash Flow

No matter the size or sector, being able to manage cash flow is as critical as ever. Late payments, unexpected costs, or an unexpected rise in overheads drain your reserves quickly. Even businesses that might look profitable on paper can find themselves squeezed if cash isn’t available at the right time.

Business finance helps bridge those gaps.

Rather than dipping into savings or holding back on growth plans, companies can get hold of working capital and spread costs. For many, this isn’t about taking on debt unnecessarily but more about smoothing out the bumps so that day-to-day operations aren’t disrupted.

With flexible finance options in place, businesses can pay suppliers on time, cover wages, and invest in stock without waiting for invoices to clear. That stability keeps teams moving forward and avoids the stress of constant firefighting.

Adapting to Market Shifts

Uncertainty has become part of business life, mainly because of supply chain issues, inflation, and customer demand. These shifts have made long-term planning more complicated. In turn, this has created a stronger demand for finance that can be adapted quickly.

A fixed facility might still work for some, but many companies want the ability to increase or decrease their finance depending on what’s happening in the market. That flexibility is especially useful for industries with peaks and troughs throughout the year, like hospitality, for example.

Supporting Growth Plans

Growth often means upfront investment. Hiring staff, upgrading technology, and expanding premises; all of it puts pressure on your finances. Funding these plans entirely from cash reserves just isn’t realistic for many companies.

With flexible finance options, you can break down these investments into manageable payments. This makes it easier to commit to new projects without overstretching. Instead of pausing plans until reserves are built up, use business lending options to grow when the time is right for you.

There’s also a competitive advantage here.

Businesses that act with speed and decisiveness to secure opportunities are much more likely to gain the upper hand. With access to suitable finance options, they can launch products, expand into new markets, or secure contracts while rivals are still arranging funding.

Building Financial Resilience

As we’ve discussed, global finances are far from reliable, which is why financial resilience has become so important.  Having a single, dependable business finance arrangement that adapts to circumstances reduces the risk of being caught off guard by sudden changes.

Instead of being exposed to cash flow pressures or forced to pause investment, you can continue operating with confidence, and be confident that your finance is working alongside them rather than against them.

This adaptability means that even when unexpected challenges arise, the same facility can still provide the support required. By using flexible finance options in this way, you’re better positioned to manage your cash flow and maintain growth, without having to juggle multiple arrangements from different loan providers.

Get Flexible Finance Solutions with Payment Assist

At Payment Assist, we support businesses across the UK with a range of flexible finance options designed to make funding straightforward and adaptable. Our business lending division focuses on giving you practical ways to manage cash flow and access business finance when you need it the most. To find out more about how our flexible finance options can support you, get in touch with us today.

FAQs

What is the difference between a loan and flexible finance?

A loan usually comes with fixed terms, but flexible finance can adapt repayments to fit the way your business earns and spends money.

Can flexible finance support short-term needs?

Yes. It can be used to cover temporary costs as well as long-term investments, so it can help your business stay stable during busy or quiet periods.

Does flexible finance always mean higher costs?

No, not necessarily. In many cases, spreading payments makes investment more manageable without significantly increasing the total amount paid.

Why do businesses choose finance instead of using cash reserves?

Paying upfront can reduce working capital and limit flexibility. Finance allows businesses to spread costs while keeping reserves available for other needs.

Is flexible finance only for larger investments?

No. It can be used for both small and large expenses, depending on what best suits the company’s plans.

Further Reading

• Managing Increasing Car Repair Costs for Your Customers
• We’re Powering Automotive Growth with Our New Business Lending Division
• How Buy Now Pay Later Boosts Dealership Customer Retention
• Payment Assist and eDynamix Partnership Streamlines Payment Processes