The restrictions of the credit crunch needn't mean you can't invest in equipment to improve your efficiency and productivity - so says Stertil Koni. With lines of credit severely limited and many businesses nervous of using capital in the current climate, the vehicle lifting specialist says a leasing arrangement makes sound business sense.

Although leasing has always been popular with businesses of all sizes, it is a particularly attractive option in times of recession when companies' prime requirement is equipment that is available at minimum cost whilst offering maximum productivity and reliability. There can be many benefits to leasing, not least the conservation of working capital and reduced pressure on your cash flow. Future costs are fixed, so you know exactly what and when you'll have to pay and leasing also allows you to maximise your tax deductions. Stertil Koni's flexible leasing terms also mean you can choose to replace or upgrade equipment as you go along.

Under a Stertil Koni leasing deal, you can opt to cover all equipment with a full parts and labour warranty, including regular service contract visits. This gives customers peace of mind in the knowledge that they are fully covered if any problems occur. An operating lease is 'off balance sheet', which reduces financial gearing and improves return on capital employed (ROCE). The fixed cost of a contract helps to simplify budgeting and forecasting processes and, because a lease allows products to be purchased from a company's revenue budget, there is no need to have capital expenditure approved - an important consideration for larger groups and businesses.

"Flexible funding of equipment makes sense for many of our customers, especially in the current economic slowdown," says Tony Edge of Stertil Koni. "It minimises capital outlay, so they can buy equipment now and pay for it from future earnings. With many businesses struggling to obtain credit and experiencing other financial pressures, a flexible leasing arrangement can be extremely helpful."

Stertil Koni's vehicle lifts are known for their reliability, long lifespan and high resale value. All models are rigorously tested during development and parts are guaranteed to be in stock for at least 25 years after production. Stertil Koni was the first lifting system manufacturer to be awarded ISO 9001 and is part of the Stertil Group.