Britain is built on hard work — farms, construction sites, workshops, transport yards, factories, and small businesses up and down the country. And behind all of that graft lies a fleet of machines and vehicles that make it possible.
At Forest Road Finance, we’re proud to support the assets that keep the country moving.
That’s why we’ve launched Backbone of Britain — a four-week content series celebrating the iconic workhorses powering UK industry.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be diving into the stories, evolution, and impact of some of Britain’s most important machines — and the businesses that rely on them every single day.
Week 1 — The Land Rover Defender: A British Icon of Grit and Capability
We kick things off with one of the most recognisable vehicles in British history: the Land Rover Defender.
From its origins as a post-war farm tool to its modern reinvention as a technologically advanced 4×4, the Defender has been part of Britain’s story for more than 75 years.
We explore the original models, its evolution through the decades, and why the Defender continues to be a favourite among estates, construction firms, agricultural businesses, and trades.
Read the full article once released
Week 2 — Ford Transit: The Van That Built Britain
The Ford Transit needs no introduction.
Whether it’s a Custom, Connect, Courier or the full-size Transit, this van series has been the backbone of British trades for generations.
We break down the evolution of the Transit range, why it became the van of choice for small business owners, and how modern versions — including electric models — are shaping the future of UK transport.
Read the full article once released
Week 3 — JCB: Engineering Excellence on Home Soil
From a small UK workshop to a global construction powerhouse, JCB represents British engineering at its best.
We’ll look at the machines that made JCB famous — from backhoe loaders to telehandlers — and also explore the company’s other ventures, including the world-class JCB Golf & Country Club.
Read the full article once released
Week 4 — Tractors & Agri Assets: Powering Britain’s Fields
No industry is more essential than agriculture — and no machines are more iconic than the tractors that drive it.
From the likes of John Deere and Massey Ferguson to New Holland, Case IH, and Fendt, we pay tribute to the machines that cultivate the land, feed the nation, and support thousands of rural businesses.
We also highlight the wider assets that make up Britain’s agricultural fleet: balers, sprayers, telehandlers, ATVs, and more.
Read the full article once released
Why We’re Doing This
These machines aren’t just assets — they’re part of our national identity.
They’re the tools that build homes, grow food, keep goods moving, and support millions of livelihoods.
And for many businesses, accessing them affordably through asset finance is what makes growth possible.
At Forest Road Finance, we’re here to support that progress — whether you’re running a fleet of vans, managing an estate, expanding your construction capabilities, or working the land.
Get in Touch
If your business needs new vehicles, machinery, or equipment, we can help you finance the assets that keep Britain moving.
Email: hello@forestroadfinance.co.uk
Phone: 0115 794 0226
Forest Road Finance — supporting the businesses that are the backbone of Britain.
