Construction Business Loans: Fast Funding for UK Contractors

Short answer: Construction business loans are finance solutions designed around applications for payment, certified valuations, retentions and staged drawdowns. Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies and LLPs in construction with trusted lenders and brokers for quick, no‑obligation quotes—typically £10k and up. We’re not a lender and we don’t provide financial advice. Your enquiry won’t affect your credit score; partners may run checks if you proceed. Funding speed ranges from c. 24–72 hours (unsecured working capital) to several weeks (development/bridging). Compare options and proceed only if you’re happy. Free Eligibility Check

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Table of Contents

• Who this page is for
• What are construction business loans?
• Common uses of funds
• Construction finance options we can connect you with
• How our free matching service works
• Eligibility: what lenders look for
• Costs and terms explained
• How fast can funds be available?
• What to prepare (document checklist)
• Why choose Fast Business Loans
• Mini case examples
• Risks and important information
• FAQs
• Ready to move your project forward?

Finance for Main Contractors, Subcontractors and Trades

Designed for UK construction businesses structured as limited companies or LLPs:

• Main contractors managing stage and milestone payments
• Subcontractors operating via Ltd/LLP (including CIS) facing “pay‑when‑paid” and retentions
• Trades: electricians, plumbers, groundworks, roofing, M&E (Ltd/LLP only)
• Developers and building firms scaling teams and sites
• Plant-hire, scaffolding, civils, shopfitters and fit-out specialists

Minimum facility sizes typically start at £10,000+. Get Quote Now

What are construction business loans?

Construction business loans are funding facilities tailored to the sector’s cash cycle—applications for payment, certified valuations, milestone drawdowns, retentions and VAT timing. These solutions can cover materials, labour, plant, mobilisation and gaps caused by late or staged payments.

Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend money and doesn’t give financial advice. We’re an introducer that connects UK construction companies (Ltd/LLP) with trusted lenders and brokers who understand JCT/NEC contracts, RAMS, valuations and debtor quality. Enquiries are free and there’s no obligation to proceed. Free Eligibility Check

Common uses of funds

• Materials and supplier payments
• Labour and subcontractor costs
• Plant and machinery purchases
• Hires, leases and fuel
• Mobilisation for new contracts
• Retention and late payment gaps
• Insurance, accreditation and compliance
• VAT and tax obligations
• Site cabins, storage and security
• Refurb, fit-out and expansion

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Construction finance options we can connect you with

The right solution depends on your project pipeline, contract terms, debtors and risk profile. We’ll introduce you to partners who specialise in construction and contractor funding.

Unsecured Business Loans

Working capital loans for general site costs, mobilisation or short-term cash flow. Typical facilities for eligible firms from around £10k and up, subject to status. Decisions can be quick once information is complete. No asset security is usually taken, though personal guarantees may be required. Useful when you need a straightforward injection and predictable fixed repayments.

Revolving Credit / Line of Credit

Draw, repay and redraw up to an agreed limit. Helpful for fluctuating costs across multiple sites. Interest is commonly charged on the amount used. Good for businesses with regular payment cycles who want ongoing flexibility rather than a single lump sum.

Construction Invoice Finance / Applications for Payment

Advance a percentage of the value of certified applications or invoices to bridge the gap to client payment. Particularly useful where valuations are monthly and retentions delay cash. Retentions are often excluded or capped by lenders. Can integrate with main contractor portals and certification processes for smoother drawdowns.

Contract Finance

Funding linked to a specific contract, with drawdowns aligned to milestones. Lenders review contract terms, RAMS, client quality and programme. Can suit firms with strong contracts but cash-intensive mobilisation and front‑loaded material/labour profiles.

Asset Finance

Hire purchase or leasing for plant, tools and equipment—excavators, MEWPs, telehandlers, compaction, site generators, tooling and more. Spreads cost over time; hire purchase may lead to ownership at term end. Helps preserve working capital and can be aligned to expected asset life and utilisation.

Vehicle and Fleet Finance

Finance for vans, pickups, HGVs and specialist vehicles via lease or HP. Options may include maintenance packages. Useful for logistics, site transport and expanding fleets without large upfront outlay.

VAT and Tax Funding

Short-term facilities to smooth HMRC payments, particularly helpful when large VAT quarters coincide with slow client remittance or retention periods. Keeps projects moving while staying compliant.

Bridging / Development Finance

For site acquisition, refurbishments and ground‑up builds. Facilities are assessed on LTV/LTC/LTGDV, valuation and legal due diligence. Timescales are longer than unsecured options due to surveys, QS reports and legals. Suitable for experienced developers and contractors on property projects.

Revenue-based Finance

In certain construction‑adjacent scenarios (e.g., merchants with card takings), revenue‑linked funding may suit. Repayments flex with receivables or card turnover. Less common for site‑based contracting but can fit associated retail/merchant arms of a group.

Refinance / Consolidation

Restructure existing obligations to improve monthly cash flow (subject to affordability and status). Can extend terms, reduce payment peaks or shift short‑term pressure into manageable instalments.

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How our free matching service works

1. Tell us about your business and funding needs (under 2 minutes).
2. We match you with trusted UK lenders and brokers who know construction.
3. Expect a fast call/email to discuss options.
4. Compare terms and proceed only if you’re happy.

There’s no obligation to proceed. We may receive an introducer fee from partners—this doesn’t change how options are presented. Start Your Enquiry

Eligibility: what lenders look for

Criteria vary by product and lender, and our partners can consider a wide range of circumstances—even if you’ve been declined elsewhere. Minimum facility sizes are usually £10k+.

Business profile

• UK limited companies or LLPs (we do not support sole traders)
• Time trading and turnover (start‑ups can be considered in context)
• CIS status where relevant (via Ltd/LLP)
• Insurance (e.g., PL) and any accreditations (CHAS, SafeContractor, etc.)

Contract and debtor quality

• End clients (tier 1/2, public sector, developers, FM providers)
• JCT/NEC terms, certified valuations and applications for payment
• Debtor concentration and payment track record
• Retentions, variations and adjudications

Financials and bank conduct

• 3–6 months bank statements
• Management accounts and aged receivables/payables
• VAT returns and filed accounts (where available)

Credit and security

• Company and director credit profiles
• PGs, debentures or asset security for secured products

Have to hand: ID, company registration number, UTR, recent bank statements, details of major contracts, latest accounts. See If You Qualify (Free Check)

Costs and terms explained

Every facility is bespoke. The notes below are indicative only—not an offer.

• Unsecured loans: fixed repayments; terms can range from months to several years; arrangement fees may apply.
• Invoice finance: service fee plus a discount rate on funds used; minimum terms may apply; recourse vs non‑recourse options.
• Asset finance: fixed term with interest and fees; HP may lead to ownership at term end; leases can include maintenance.
• Development/bridging: facility fees, monthly interest, possible exit fees; valuation, QS and legal costs apply.

Important:

• Total cost depends on your circumstances and the lender’s product. Any quote you receive will include fees and key terms.
• Early repayment policies vary; confirm with your broker/lender before proceeding.

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How fast can funds be available?

• Unsecured loans/lines: as fast as 24–72 hours once info is complete
• Invoice finance: 1–2 weeks to set up; ongoing drawdowns same/next day
• Asset finance: a few days to c. 2 weeks depending on asset and supplier
• Bridging/development: typically 2–6+ weeks due to valuation and legals

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What to prepare (document checklist)

• 3–6 months business bank statements
• Latest management accounts (P&L, balance sheet)
• Aged debtors/creditors lists
• Key contract details (values, durations, payment terms, retentions)
• Photo ID and proof of address (owners/directors)
• Company incorporation details, UTR, VAT reg (if applicable)
• Insurance certificates (e.g., public liability)

After your enquiry, you’ll be able to share documents securely with matched partners. Upload Securely After Enquiry

Why choose Fast Business Loans

• Free and fast: enquiry takes less than 2 minutes
• Sector expertise: partners experienced in construction finance
• No obligation: compare options and choose when ready
• Transparent and secure: details shared only with relevant partners
• Broad panel: solutions from c. £10k to multi‑million, subject to status

Explore more on our industry hub for construction business loans. Then Start Your Enquiry.

Mini case examples

• Subcontractor cash flow: A Ltd company under CIS advanced funds against certified applications to cover labour and materials during a 45‑day term. Once live, subsequent drawdowns landed same/next day after certification, smoothing month‑end.
• Plant acquisition: A regional builder financed a telehandler via HP, spreading cost over the project programme. Mobilised quickly, won larger contracts, and preserved working capital for materials.
• Fast-track fit‑out: A shopfitter used a short‑term unsecured facility to mobilise multiple crews and order joinery upfront. Repaid from staged client payments after completion.

Risks and important information

• We are not a lender and we do not provide financial advice. We act as an introducer to UK finance brokers and lenders.
• Enquiries won’t affect your credit score. If you proceed, partners may carry out credit checks.
• Late or missed payments can negatively affect your credit rating and make future borrowing more difficult.
• For secured finance, your property or assets may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments.
• All promotions aim to be clear, fair and not misleading. Terms depend on individual circumstances.
• We may receive a commission from partners if you proceed. This doesn’t affect how options are presented to you.

FAQs

Are start-ups eligible for construction finance?

Some partners will consider newly formed limited companies or LLPs where there’s relevant sector experience, confirmed contracts or strong director profiles. Product choice, limits and terms vary by lender and your circumstances. Enquire to see what may be possible for £10k+ facilities.

Can you help if a lender has declined me before?

Potentially, yes. We introduce you to a wider panel—including specialists in construction, invoice finance and asset‑backed options—that may assess risk differently. There’s no obligation, and your initial enquiry with us won’t affect your credit score.

What’s the difference between invoice finance and contract finance?

Invoice finance advances cash against issued invoices or certified applications, helping bridge delays. Contract finance links funding to a specific contract, with drawdowns aligned to milestones and additional due diligence on terms, client and programme.

How do retentions and applications for payment affect funding?

Many lenders advance against certified amounts excluding retentions, which are often capped or excluded until released. Facilities can still work well around applications for payment, but the structure and advance rate will reflect certification and debtor quality.

Will my enquiry impact my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry on our site will not affect your credit score. If you decide to proceed with a lender or broker, they may run credit checks as part of their assessment.

What’s the typical loan size and term available?

Facilities we see for eligible construction firms start from around £10,000 and can scale substantially depending on product, turnover and contracts. Terms range from short‑term working capital to multi‑year asset finance and development facilities.

How quickly will someone contact me?

Usually the same business day (often within hours) during working hours. They’ll discuss your needs, documents and the best route for a tailored quote. Get Quote Now

Do you support CIS subcontractors?

Yes—if operating via a limited company or LLP. We do not support sole traders. Our partners understand CIS, valuations and retentions and can consider a range of solutions.

What information will I need to provide?

Typically 3–6 months bank statements, management accounts, aged debtors/creditors, company and director ID, plus details of key contracts. For asset or property facilities, expect additional KYC, valuations and legal work.

Do you cover development and bridging finance?

We can introduce you to partners who arrange bridging and development finance for acquisitions, refurbs and new builds. Expect property valuation, QS input and legal due diligence; timelines are longer than unsecured options.

Are your partners regulated?

Our role is to introduce construction businesses to trusted lenders and brokers in the UK. Partners follow relevant regulation for their products. We are not a lender and do not provide financial advice.

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Ready to Move Your Project Forward?

Get matched to trusted construction finance partners in minutes. It’s free to use and there’s no obligation to proceed.

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Fast Business Loans is not a lender and does not provide financial advice. We introduce UK businesses to selected finance brokers and lenders. Enquiries are free and with no obligation. Your details are handled securely and only shared with relevant partners. See our Privacy Policy, Terms, Cookies and Complaints pages.

– What are construction business loans and how do they work?
Construction business loans are UK funding solutions tailored to contractors’ cash cycles—advancing against certified valuations, milestone drawdowns and applications for payment—to cover materials, labour and mobilisation.

– Who is eligible for construction finance?
UK limited companies or LLPs are eligible (no sole traders), including CIS subcontractors operating via Ltd/LLP, with start-ups considered where there’s relevant experience, live contracts or strong director profiles.

– How much can I borrow and over what term?
Facilities typically start from around £10,000 and can scale subject to status, with terms ranging from short‑term working capital to multi‑year asset and development finance depending on the product.

– How fast can I get funding?
Unsecured working capital can fund in 24–72 hours once information is complete, invoice finance usually takes 1–2 weeks to set up with same/next‑day drawdowns thereafter, asset finance takes a few days to c. 2 weeks, and bridging/development commonly 2–6+ weeks due to valuations and legals.

– What types of construction finance can you connect me with?
We can introduce you to unsecured business loans, revolving credit lines, construction invoice finance against applications/certified valuations (including under JCT/NEC), contract finance, asset and vehicle finance, VAT/tax funding, and bridging/development finance.

– How do retentions and applications for payment affect funding?
Lenders typically advance against certified amounts while excluding or capping retentions until released, so advance rates reflect certification, debtor quality and contract terms.

– Will my enquiry affect my credit score?
No—submitting an enquiry with Fast Business Loans won’t affect your credit score, although partners may run credit checks if you choose to proceed.

– Do I need security or a personal guarantee?
Unsecured facilities often require a director personal guarantee, while secured products may be backed by a debenture or specific assets/property depending on lender assessment.

– What documents do lenders usually require?
Expect 3–6 months’ bank statements, latest management accounts, aged debtors/creditors, ID and company details (CRN, UTR, VAT if applicable), insurance certificates, and key contract info (values, terms, retentions, debtor profile).

– Are you a lender and can you help if I’ve been declined before?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer (not a lender or adviser) and our free, no‑obligation matching service can connect you to specialist brokers/lenders even if you’ve been declined elsewhere.