Construction Business Loans: Fast, Flexible Finance for UK Contractors and Builders

Summary: Cash flow in construction can be tight — you often pay for materials and labour before clients pay you, and retentions can delay profit. Fast Business Loans connects UK construction companies and contractors (Ltd and LLP only) with trusted lenders and brokers who understand CIS, JCT/NEC contracts, staged payments and development cycles. Submit a quick enquiry for a free, no-obligation eligibility check and get options for working capital, invoice finance, asset and equipment finance, bridging and development, VAT/tax funding and more — from £10,000 upwards.

Cash flow in construction is tough — materials upfront, labour weekly, clients on 30–90 day terms and retentions biting into profit. Fast Business Loans connects UK construction firms with specialist lenders and brokers to secure the funding you need, fast.

• Free eligibility check, no obligation
• Enquiry won’t affect your credit score
• Sector-experienced finance professionals

Get Quote Now •
Free Eligibility Check

We’re an introducer, not a lender. No financial advice.

What Are Construction Business Loans?

Construction business loans are funding solutions designed for contractors, developers, trades and building services firms to smooth cash flow, buy materials and plant, hire labour, bridge payment gaps and scale projects. They can be short or longer term, secured or unsecured, and aligned to how you invoice (staged, milestones, applications for payment) and how you get paid under JCT/NEC frameworks.

Fast Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide financial advice. We introduce you to UK-based finance brokers and lenders who will discuss options directly with you. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Start Your Enquiry (fast, free, no obligation)

How Construction Finance Helps Day-to-Day Operations

• Buy critical materials upfront without draining cash reserves
• Bridge lengthy client payment terms and retentions
• Hire additional labour for newly won contracts
• Purchase or lease plant, vehicles and tools
• Fund site setup, compliance, health and safety and insurances
• Manage VAT, PAYE, CIS and seasonal revenue dips
• Run multiple projects in parallel without cash bottlenecks

Types of Construction Finance We Can Connect You To

Working Capital Loans (Unsecured/Secured)

• Typical use: close cash flow gaps, materials, labour, urgent expenses
• Facility sizes and terms vary by lender and your trading profile
• Unsecured options may require a personal guarantee; secured loans may use assets/property as collateral
• Note: borrowing costs vary; an affordability assessment is required

Invoice Finance for Construction (Including CIS/JCT)

• Advance a percentage of certified applications/invoices to keep cash flowing
• Suited to contractors with staged payments and retentions
• Facilities can include credit control support (product dependent)
• Note: fees apply; assignment of receivables is common

Asset Finance (Plant, Machinery, Tools, Vehicles)

• Hire purchase, finance lease, and refinance of owned equipment
• For excavators, telehandlers, scaffolding, formwork, vans, HGVs and more
• Note: secured on the asset; risk of repossession if repayments are missed

Equipment Finance and Refinance

• Acquire new or used equipment or release equity tied up in owned kit
• Often quicker underwriting than general term loans
• Note: total cost depends on asset age, usage and condition

Bridging and Development Finance

• Short-term funding for acquisitions, refurbishments and ground-up projects
• Use to acquire, build, and exit via sale or refinance
• Note: usually secured on property; interest may roll up; exit strategy essential

Trade Finance and Purchase Order Finance

• Fund imported materials and large purchase orders
• Suited to firms with verifiable end buyers and documented supply chains
• Note: documentation heavy; lender due diligence on counterparties applies

VAT and Tax Finance

• Spread scheduled VAT or tax liabilities into monthly payments
• Helps reduce HMRC pressure and protects working capital
• Note: must evidence ability to meet repayments

Vehicle and Fleet Finance (Construction)

• Finance or lease vans, pickups, tippers, HGVs and site vehicles
• Options for electric vehicles and low-emission zones
• Note: mileage/condition terms apply on leases

Get Started — 2-Minute Enquiry

Eligibility: What Lenders Typically Look For

Criteria vary, but lenders commonly look for:

• UK-registered Limited Company or LLP (no sole traders)
• 3–12+ months trading preferred; start-up options exist with contracts/evidence
• Turnover level proportionate to facility sought
• Active contracts, POs or invoices (for invoice/trade finance)
• Clean, clear business bank statements (3–6 months)
• Credit profile considered but not decisive; some adverse may be considered
• Security and guarantees may be required depending on the product

Sectors commonly supported:

• Main contractors and subcontractors
• Groundworks, civils, roofing, scaffolding, electrical, plumbing/HVAC
• Housebuilders, developers and specialist trades

Documents Checklist (Improve Speed to Funding)

Have these ready where possible:

• Last 3–6 months’ business bank statements (PDF)
• Management accounts and/or filed accounts
• CIS statements (if applicable)
• Sample contracts, POs, JCT/NEC agreements (if relevant)
• Aged debtor/creditor lists (for invoice finance)
• Asset list with serial numbers (for asset refinance)
• ID and proof of address for directors/owners
• Project appraisals and exit plan (for development finance)

Pro tip: disclose CCJs, arrears or historic issues upfront — many specialist lenders can still help when they understand the story.

Free Eligibility Check

Costs, Terms and Security: What to Expect

• Pricing depends on product type, risk, security, term and your trading profile
• Some products carry arrangement, service or exit fees — disclosed before you decide
• Secured borrowing places assets or property at risk if you cannot maintain repayments
• Always compare total cost of finance and read full terms before proceeding

We don’t quote headline rates here because each case is unique. You’ll receive clear, itemised terms directly from the broker/lender.

How Fast Business Loans Works

1. Complete a quick enquiry form — under 2 minutes.
2. We match you with trusted UK brokers/lenders experienced in construction.
3. Expect a rapid response — often within hours during business hours.
4. Review your options. You choose if and how to proceed — no obligation.

Important: Submitting an enquiry with us does not affect your credit score. Credit checks may occur later with a lender if you proceed.

Get Quote Now

Why Choose Fast Business Loans for Construction

• Sector-aligned matching: We connect you with finance specialists who understand CIS, retentions and contract-based risk.
• Save time, improve fit: Skip cold outreach and generic products and go straight to relevant options.
• No obligation, free to use: You only proceed if the option suits your project and budget.
• Transparent approach: Clear, balanced information so you can make informed decisions.

Typical Timelines

• Working capital loans: 24–72 hours after full submission
• Invoice finance facilities: 3–10 business days (faster with complete documentation)
• Asset finance: 2–7 business days
• Bridging/development: 2–6+ weeks depending on complexity, legals and valuations

Example Scenarios (Illustrative Only)

• Bridging payment terms: Electrical contractor on 60-day terms uses invoice finance to unlock up to 85% of invoice value within 24–48 hours, covering labour and materials.
• Plant purchase: Groundworks firm finances a £120k excavator via asset finance, preserving cash and matching payments to project income.
• Developer acquisition: Small developer uses bridging finance to buy a site at auction, transitions to development finance for build, and exits via refinance.

Start Your Enquiry

FAQs: Construction Business Loans

Are you a lender? Will my enquiry affect my credit score?

No — we’re not a lender and we don’t provide financial advice. We introduce you to trusted brokers/lenders. Your enquiry with us has no impact on your credit score. If you proceed, a lender may perform credit checks.

Can start-ups or newly formed contractors get funding?

In many cases, yes. Options may include asset/equipment finance, smaller working capital facilities, or invoice finance based on confirmed contracts. Criteria vary by lender.

What security is required?

It depends on the product. Unsecured options often require a personal guarantee. Secured options may be collateralised against property, plant, vehicles or receivables.

What documents do I need?

Typically bank statements (3–6 months), accounts, CIS statements if relevant, contracts/POs, ID/address for directors, plus any product-specific documents.

Can I get finance if I have adverse credit or a CCJ?

Potentially. Some specialist lenders consider adverse credit where the business case and affordability are sound.

Do you support JCT/NEC contracts and retentions?

Yes — many lenders we introduce understand JCT/NEC frameworks and retention mechanics; invoice finance products are commonly structured around them.

How fast can I get funds?

Simple working capital products can fund in 24–72 hours post-approval. Invoice/asset finance may take a few days. Bridging/development is longer due to legals and valuations.

How much can I borrow?

From around £10,000 to £5 million+ subject to assessment, product and security.

What does your service cost?

It’s free for business owners to submit an enquiry and be matched. If you proceed, any broker/lender fees will be clearly disclosed before you decide.

Is there any obligation to proceed once I’m matched?

No. You remain in control. Compare options and only proceed if it suits you.

Free Eligibility Check

Important Information and Compliance

• Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender, and does not provide financial advice.
• All finance is subject to status, affordability and underwriting by the lender.
• Secured borrowing: your property or assets may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments.
• We aim to ensure our promotions are clear, balanced and not misleading. Final terms and disclosures are provided by the broker/lender before you decide.
• Please ensure any finance meets your needs. Consider independent advice if required.

Related and Useful Links

• Unlock cash flow from unpaid invoices
• Finance plant, vehicles and machinery
• Spread the cost of equipment
• Finance vans and HGVs
• Property and development projects
• Sustainability loans for green upgrades

Looking for a sector-specific overview? See our guide to construction business loans.

Match Me With Lenders

Fast Business Loans is a trading style of Fast Business Loans. We are an introducer, not a lender, and do not provide financial advice. Finance is subject to status and affordability. Terms, conditions and fees apply. Your property or assets may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments.

– What are construction business loans?
Construction business loans are tailored UK funding solutions that smooth cash flow for contractors and builders—covering materials, labour, plant and payment gaps under JCT/NEC contracts.

– Who is eligible to apply?
UK-registered Limited Companies or LLPs typically qualify, with 3–12+ months’ trading preferred (start-ups considered with contracts) subject to affordability and underwriting.

– How much can I borrow?
Facilities usually range from £10,000 to £5 million+ depending on product type, security and your trading profile.

– How fast can I get the money?
Working capital loans can fund in 24–72 hours after full submission, invoice/asset finance in a few days, and bridging/development in 2–6+ weeks.

– Will enquiring affect my credit score?
No—your enquiry with Fast Business Loans won’t affect your credit score; checks may occur later with a lender if you choose to proceed.

– What documents do lenders ask for?
Expect 3–6 months’ bank statements, accounts, CIS statements (if relevant), contracts/POs, director ID/address, plus product-specific items like aged debtors or asset lists.

– Do I need security or a personal guarantee?
Unsecured options often require a personal guarantee, while secured facilities may be backed by property, plant, vehicles or receivables.

– Can start-ups or newly formed contractors get construction finance?
Yes—options may include smaller working capital facilities, asset/equipment finance or invoice finance based on confirmed contracts.

– Do lenders support CIS, JCT/NEC contracts, staged payments and retentions?
Yes—many partners offer construction-specific facilities structured around certified applications, milestones and retention mechanics.

– What will it cost and are there fees?
Pricing varies by product, risk, security and term, and any arrangement/service/exit fees are clearly itemised by the broker/lender before you decide.