Construction Business Loans — Finance for UK Contractors and Builders

Summary: Construction business loans are funding facilities designed to help UK construction companies manage cash flow, buy plant and vehicles, pay for materials and labour, and deliver projects on time. Fast Business Loans is a free introducer — not a lender and not a financial adviser — that matches UK construction firms (limited companies and incorporated contractors) to suitable brokers and lenders for unsecured/secured loans, asset and equipment finance, construction-aware invoice finance, trade/materials and VAT funding, and bridging/development facilities. Your enquiry won’t affect your credit score; if you proceed, partner brokers/lenders may run credit checks. Minimum funding typically starts from £10,000, with no obligation to proceed.

Common construction pain points we help address:

• Upfront material and labour costs while waiting on stage payments and retentions
• Plant and fuel cost spikes across overlapping jobs
• Cash flow dips caused by applications for payment and long debtor cycles
• Winning new work that requires deposits, mobilisation, and compliance spend

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check (takes under 2 minutes)

Important: We’re not a lender and we don’t provide financial advice. We’re a free introducer connecting UK businesses with relevant brokers and lenders.

What are construction business loans and how do they work?

Construction business loans are funding facilities tailored to the cash flow profile of UK construction companies. They can bridge stage‑payment gaps, fund materials and labour, purchase or lease plant and vehicles, and support bid/win growth. Options range from unsecured working capital and secured term loans to asset finance, construction‑aware invoice finance, and specialist property‑led facilities.

Typical process:

• Enquiry: Tell us about your business, amount, and purpose. Your enquiry through Fast Business Loans won’t affect your credit score.
• Matching: We connect you with one or more suitable brokers/lenders who understand construction.
• Discussion & documents: You speak directly with the provider, supply recent bank statements, accounts/management info, and contract details where relevant.
• Offer: If approved, you’ll receive terms outlining costs, fees, structure, and security (if applicable).
• Drawdown: Funds are released once you accept and complete documentation.

If you choose to proceed with an option, partner brokers/lenders may carry out credit and underwriting checks. Approval is always subject to status and each lender’s criteria.

Types of construction finance we can connect you with

The best-fit facility depends on your pipeline, contracts (e.g., JCT/NEC), debtor quality, assets, and cash flow timing. Here are common options for UK contractors and incorporated trades.

Unsecured and secured business loans

Use for working capital, hiring, mobilisation, compliance costs, or short‑term cash flow gaps. Unsecured facilities may require a personal guarantee. Secured loans can be backed by business assets or property, potentially allowing larger amounts and longer terms. Tenors vary by provider and purpose; structure and repayment profiles are set out clearly before you commit.

Asset and equipment finance (plant, machinery, commercial vehicles)

Fund excavators, telehandlers, cranes, scaffolding, site cabins, vans, HGVs, and specialist tools through hire purchase, leasing, or asset refinance. Benefits include preserving cash, spreading costs over the asset’s life, and potential tax efficiency (seek advice from an accountant). Suitable for upgrading capacity and reducing downtime.

Construction invoice finance (including applications for payment)

Unlock cash tied up in certified applications for payment and stage billing under JCT/NEC frameworks. Specialist construction invoice finance providers can handle applications, variations, and retentions where eligible. Facilities can be selective or whole‑turnover; advance levels depend on debtor quality and contract terms. This can stabilise payroll and supply chain payments during long payment cycles.

Trade/materials finance and VAT/tax funding

Finance bulk materials and supplier invoices to keep sites moving without straining cash reserves. Short‑term VAT or tax funding can smooth predictable peaks, helping you avoid penalties and maintain working capital for delivery.

Bridging and development finance

For property‑led projects, site acquisition, build costs, and exit strategies. These products involve specialist underwriting and higher risk; experienced support is important. Professional advice is recommended.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check (no obligation)

What can construction finance be used for?

• Materials, labour, subcontractors, and fuel
• Plant and machinery purchase/lease; asset upgrades and repairs
• Deposits and mobilisation for new contracts or frameworks
• Managing stage payments, applications for payment, and retentions
• Health & safety, compliance, and accreditations
• Site cabins, welfare, storage, and security
• Fleet upgrades, vans, and HGVs
• Fit‑out and refurbishment
• Technology and software (BIM, estimating, project management)
• Sustainability improvements (e.g., greener plant, EV vans)

Eligibility and what lenders look for

You can enquire if you’re a UK construction company

We support UK limited companies and incorporated contractors across main contracting, subcontracting, building services, civil engineering, and related trades. Newly incorporated firms can be considered; criteria vary by lender and product.

Typical information to have ready

• Company details and director identification
• Recent business bank statements
• Latest accounts or management information
• Order book/pipeline and key contract terms (e.g., JCT/NEC)
• Aged debtor list and retention schedule
• CIS records (where applicable) and proof of experience
• Details of existing borrowing and business assets

Newly incorporated and CIS‑registered companies

Many partners consider newly incorporated construction companies and CIS‑registered limited companies. Evidence of credible project experience, contracts won, and a solid repayment plan can help. Approval is subject to lender criteria and status, and we can’t guarantee acceptance.

Free Eligibility Check (2 minutes — we’ll match you with suitable partners)

Costs, rates, and terms — what to expect

Pricing varies by facility type and your circumstances. Key drivers include trading history, credit profile, security available, sector exposure, contract risk, debtor quality, advance levels, and term length. Unsecured terms often run shorter; asset and property‑backed facilities may enable longer tenors.

Once matched, your broker/lender will set out the total cost in plain English before you decide, including interest, arrangement/document fees, any monitoring or valuation fees (if relevant), advance levels (for receivables), and early settlement provisions. If anything isn’t clear, ask questions and consider independent professional advice.

Responsible borrowing matters: only borrow what you can afford to repay. Late or missed payments can impact your credit profile and your ability to borrow in the future.

How Fast Business Loans works

1. Tell us what you need: Complete a brief online form in under 2 minutes.
2. We match you fast: We connect you with construction‑savvy brokers/lenders suited to your requirements.
3. Get a quick response: Discuss options by phone/email, share documents, and explore structures.
4. Compare and choose: Review your options and proceed directly with your chosen provider — no obligation to accept any offer.

Free to use. Secure. Transparent. We’re not a lender; we introduce you to professionals who aim to treat customers fairly.

Get Started — Match me to a construction finance specialist

Real‑world examples (anonymised)

• Groundworks contractor — asset finance: Financed a new excavator via hire purchase. Outcome: increased capacity, reduced plant hire outlay, and the confidence to take on two overlapping jobs.
• M&E subcontractor — construction invoice finance: Leveraged certified applications for payment under a JCT contract. Outcome: smoothed payroll and supplier payments, enabling the team to mobilise on an additional site without cash flow strain.
• Builder‑developer — bridging/development facility: Secured site swiftly and funded build costs for a six‑unit scheme. Outcome: on‑time delivery and a clear exit strategy on completion.

Why choose Fast Business Loans for construction finance

• Sector expertise: We match you with partners who understand JCT/NEC frameworks, CIS, applications for payment, and retentions.
• Speed: Quick matching and fast responses — so jobs don’t stall.
• Choice: Reach multiple brokers/lenders in one go and compare options without pressure.
• No obligation and free to use: If it’s not right, you don’t proceed.
• Transparent and secure: Plain‑English communication and careful handling of your data.
• Human support: Speak with people who understand construction cash flow.

Explore more about our sector support here: construction business loans.

FAQs: Construction business loans

Does my enquiry affect my credit score?
Submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans won’t affect your credit score. If you proceed with a matched option, partner brokers/lenders may run credit checks.

How quickly can funding be arranged?
Timelines vary by product and documentation. Some unsecured or asset facilities can complete quickly once documents are in order. Bridging/development typically take longer due to valuations and legal work.

What funding amounts are available?
Our partners typically support facilities from £10,000+, potentially up to several million depending on the product, security, and status.

Can newly incorporated construction companies apply?
Yes — many partners consider newly incorporated UK construction companies and CIS‑registered limited companies. Demonstrating experience, secured contracts, and a clear plan helps.

What documents will I need?
Expect to provide company details, director ID, recent bank statements, latest accounts or management figures, CIS records (if applicable), order book/contract terms, aged debtors/retentions, and details of existing borrowing and assets.

We’ve had a previous decline — can we still enquire?
Possibly. Different lenders have different criteria. Matching matters, and each case is assessed individually.

Do lenders understand applications for payment and retentions?
Yes — we connect you with construction‑aware providers who can work with JCT/NEC structures, certified stages, and (where eligible) retentions.

What can funds be used for?
Materials, labour and subcontractors, plant/vehicles, site setup, tax/VAT peaks, technology upgrades, and sustainability improvements — subject to lender terms.

Are you a lender? Do you give advice?
No. We’re not a lender and we don’t provide financial advice. We introduce you to brokers/lenders who present options for you to consider.

Any cost to use your service?
No — it’s free for business owners to submit an enquiry. Any product costs or broker/lender fees are disclosed by the provider before you decide.

Our commitment to transparency

• Clear, fair, and not misleading information — no false promises
• No obligation to proceed at any stage
• Your details are only shared with relevant finance partners to progress your enquiry
• We encourage you to read all terms carefully and seek independent professional advice if needed
• Borrow responsibly — late or missed payments can affect your credit profile

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check (match with suitable lenders/brokers for your construction business)

– Q: What are construction business loans and how do they work for UK contractors and builders?
A: They are funding facilities tailored to construction cash flow that can cover materials, labour, plant/vehicles and stage‑payment gaps, with options matched to you by Fast Business Loans’ partner brokers/lenders.

– Q: What types of construction finance can I access?
A: You can be matched to unsecured or secured business loans, asset and equipment finance, construction‑aware invoice finance (incl. applications for payment), trade/materials and VAT funding, and bridging/development finance.

– Q: Do you fund applications for payment under JCT/NEC and handle retentions?
A: Yes, specialist construction invoice finance can advance against certified applications under JCT/NEC and, where eligible, account for variations and some retentions.

– Q: How quickly can I get construction finance?
A: Timelines vary by product and documents, with some unsecured or asset facilities completing quickly once paperwork is in order, while bridging/development usually take longer due to valuations and legal work.

– Q: What can I use construction finance for?
A: Typical uses include materials, labour and subcontractors, plant and vehicles, mobilisation/deposits, managing stage payments and VAT peaks, site setup, tech, and sustainability upgrades (subject to lender terms).

– Q: What are the eligibility criteria for UK construction companies or CIS contractors?
A: UK limited companies and incorporated CIS contractors can enquire, with lenders assessing trading history, contracts/pipeline, debtor quality, security available and a viable repayment plan.

– Q: What documents will lenders ask for?
A: Expect company and director ID, recent bank statements, latest accounts or management info, contract/pipeline details, aged debtors and retention schedules, CIS records (if applicable), and existing borrowing/asset details.

– Q: Will my enquiry affect my credit score?
A: No—submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans won’t affect your credit score, though matched brokers/lenders may run credit checks if you choose to proceed.

– Q: How much can I borrow and what will it cost?
A: Partners typically fund from £10,000 up to several million, with rates, fees and terms set out clearly in an offer based on your status, security, contract risk and facility type.

– Q: Do I need security or a personal guarantee, and can start‑ups or previously declined businesses apply?
A: Unsecured facilities may require a personal guarantee while larger amounts often need asset/property security, and many partners consider newly incorporated or previously declined firms; our matching service is free with no obligation.