Instrument Finance

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to buy a new instrument. There are a number of ways you can finance your new instrument purchase at Howarth.

Please click on one of the options below for further details.

Take It Away

‘Take it away’ is a scheme that, since its inception in 2007, helps music retailers, such as Howarth of London, to provide interest-free finance on instruments, accessories, and music. The ‘Take it away’ scheme is a Creative United programme, partnered by Arts Council England, Arts Council Northern Ireland with credit provided by Omni Capital Retail Finance.

At Howarth of London, in partnership with the Take it Away scheme, we can provide an interest free loan of between £100 and £5000 to purchase new instruments and accessories with just a minimum 10% deposit. Loans of £100 – £2000 are paid back over 9 months, loans of £800 – £5000 are paid back over 18 months in equal instalments.

The scheme supports people of all ages to get involved in learning and playing music. To apply for an interest-free loan through Take it away, you must:

Be over 18
Be a permanent UK resident
Have a regular income of over £5000 per year
Have a bank account that allows direct debit payments
Be able to provide either a valid UK driving licence or passport

For help with choosing an instrument get in contact with us or for further information on this scheme, please visit the ‘Take it away’ website.

Omni Capital Retail Finance

With the support of Omni Capital Retail Finance, Howarth of London is able to offer finance on the purchase of instruments and accessories. The application for finance is quick and easy and offers a range of solutions to help you make your purchase. It is a paperless system and can be carried out in store or online at home, with decisions made almost instantly. To be eligible for the scheme applicants must:

Be over 18
Have been a permanent UK resident for at least three years
Have a regular income working a minimum of 16hrs per week, or in permanent residence with a spouse or partner that is
If retired and on a pension, registered as disabled, or unable to work, you will be asked to prove sufficient income
Have a bank account that allows direct debit payments
Be able to provide either a valid UK driving licence or passport

For further information on this scheme, please visit the Omni Capital website

Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS)

The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS) is a government scheme that allows the parents or guardians of pupils in full time education at local authority and academy schools or a music centre to purchase an instrument without paying VAT.

After choosing an appropriate instrument, you must approach your child’s school, academy or music centre to purchase the instrument on your child’s behalf, that will officially place the order on your behalf. They will then be eligible to claim back the VAT. Howarth will then be able to deliver that instrument to that establishment, where you can then collect it. Payment is made to that establishment directly, free of VAT, though they may charge an administration fee.

Please click on the button below to send the form to your child’s school or music centre. Please note that pupils receiving regular tuition at a music centre might still be eligible for the scheme, even if they attend an independent school.

Form