Construction Business Loans and Finance for UK Contractors
Fast Business Loans connects UK construction companies with specialist lenders and brokers — fast. Whether you’re a main contractor, CIS-registered subcontractor operating as a limited company, plant hire provider, or a developer, we’ll match your business with finance partners who understand stage payments, retentions, and project risk.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
- Free, no-obligation eligibility check in minutes
- Matched with lenders who understand CIS, stage payments, and retentions
- Funding options from £10,000 to £5m+ (subject to status)
- Your initial enquiry won’t affect your credit score; credit checks may occur later if you proceed
Get Started Free Eligibility Check
We’re an introducer, not a lender. No advice provided.
Quick Answer: What are construction business loans and how do I get the right finance?
Construction business loans are finance solutions tailored to the build cycle — helping UK construction companies fund materials, labour, plant, VAT, and cash gaps between applications for payment. Options include unsecured/secured loans, construction invoice and contract finance, asset and equipment finance, bridging and development finance, and short-term VAT/materials facilities. To get the right finance, tell us about your project and cashflow. We’ll connect you to suitable UK lenders/brokers for personalised, no-obligation quotes — so you can compare terms and proceed only if you’re happy.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Learn more or compare construction business loans.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
What Are Construction Business Loans?
Construction business loans are a set of funding solutions tailored to the realities of UK construction — front-loaded costs, long payment cycles, staged valuations, and retentions. These facilities can bridge cash flow between applications for payment, fund materials and labour, purchase or refinance plant and machinery, and support property-led projects with development or bridging finance.
Typical uses include: buying materials and plant, covering labour, paying deposits, handling VAT, smoothing cashflow between certified applications, or scaling up to larger sites without straining working capital.
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Here’s how they work and where they can help.
How Construction Finance Works
Construction cashflow is unique. Costs are often incurred weeks or months before cash comes in. Applications for payment, retentions, variations and snagging can delay receipts, while suppliers want paying up-front or on short terms.
Specialist finance aligns to this profile:
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- Invoice/contract finance against certified applications for payment or progress billing
- Asset finance and hire purchase for plant, equipment and vehicles
- Short-term loans for materials and VAT to bridge HMRC cycles
- Development and bridging finance for property-led builds and refurbishments
Benefits:
- Maintain smooth cashflow and protect working capital
- Take on larger projects and negotiate better supplier terms
- Invest in plant and equipment to improve productivity
Considerations:
- Interest and fees apply; total cost of finance varies by risk and security
- Security or personal guarantees may be required
- Late or missed payments can have serious consequences for your business
Types of Construction Finance We Can Connect You To
Unsecured and Secured Business Loans
- Working capital for labour, materials, and short-term needs
- Typical terms 3–60 months, subject to lender criteria
- May require a director’s guarantee or security; pricing reflects risk profile
Invoice Finance for Construction (Applications for Payment)
- Release cash against certified applications, stage payments, or eligible contracts
- Verification with the main contractor is common; retention handling varies by lender
- Useful for JCT and similar contract structures; supports progress billing
Asset and Equipment Finance (Plant, Tools, Vehicles)
- Hire purchase, leasing, and refinance of existing assets
- Excavators, telehandlers, scaffolding, vans, and green/low-emission equipment
- Can improve productivity while spreading cost
Development and Bridging Finance
- For ground-up development, conversions, and heavy/light refurb
- Tranche releases linked to valuation and progress
- Common for developers and experienced contractors on property-led builds
Materials and VAT Loans
- Short-term facilities to cover upfront materials and VAT cycles
- Can help secure pricing, beat lead times, and avoid supply bottlenecks
Contract Finance / Trade Finance
- Funding against specific contracts or purchase orders
- Specialist underwriting based on contract terms and counterparties
Availability, rates, and terms depend on your status, security, sector, and lender policies.
Get Quote Now Takes under 2 minutes.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Who We Can Help
- Main contractors and CIS-registered subcontractors operating as limited companies
- Trades businesses: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, scaffolding, groundworks, roofing
- Plant hire and building services companies
- Developers and design-and-build firms
- Newly formed and growing limited companies (subject to lender criteria)
Not sure where you fit? Try our free eligibility check now.
Eligibility: What Lenders and Brokers Look For
Criteria vary by product and provider, but lenders commonly assess:
- Time trading and turnover (some start-up limited companies can be considered)
- Profitability or a clear pathway to payback and affordability
- Credit profile of the company and directors (specialists may consider adverse credit)
- Security available (assets, debentures, PGs) and existing commitments
- Pipeline and quality: contracts, applications for payment, and debtor book
Documents you may be asked for:
- Last 3–6 months’ business bank statements
- Latest filed accounts or up-to-date management information
- Aged debtors/creditors, pipeline schedule, contract copies/AOVs
- CIS statements (if applicable), VAT returns, UTR
Your initial enquiry with us won’t affect your credit score. If you proceed, lenders/brokers may conduct credit searches as part of their assessment.
Costs, Rates, and Terms: What to Expect
Pricing depends on product type, credit profile, security, and sector risk.
- Invoice finance: a service fee plus a discount rate on funds in use; structuring varies by contract and retention rules
- Development finance: often linked to loan-to-gross-development-value (LTGDV), with professional, valuation, and legal fees
- Asset finance: APRs depend on asset age/condition, term, and deposit; refinance and balloon options may be available
- Short-term VAT/materials loans: time-bound facilities with fixed fees or interest
Some partners may charge arrangement, broker, valuation, or legal fees. These will be disclosed in any personalised quote. We don’t guarantee approval or a particular rate; you’ll receive no-obligation quotes to compare.
Where Construction Finance Can Help
- Win larger contracts without straining cash
- Bridge gaps between applications for payment
- Buy or upgrade plant and vehicles to boost productivity
- Fund eco-upgrades and low-carbon equipment
- Cover VAT or materials to secure pricing and meet lead times
Illustrative scenarios (examples only, not promises):
- A groundworks company uses invoice finance against certified applications to smooth cashflow while waiting on 45–60 day main contractor terms.
- A roofing contractor acquires a telehandler via hire purchase, spreading cost over 36 months to keep working capital free for labour and materials.
- A design-and-build firm secures short-term VAT finance to cover a large materials order, avoiding delays and capturing supplier discounts.
How Fast Business Loans Works for Construction
- Complete a quick enquiry (under 2 minutes)
- We match you with suitable UK lenders/brokers who understand construction
- They respond quickly by phone/email to discuss options
- Compare offers and proceed if you’re happy — no obligation to accept
Our service is free for business users. We’re an introducer, not a lender; no advice provided.
Why Choose Fast Business Loans
- Construction sector know-how: contractors, CIS-registered limited companies, developers, plant hire
- Save time vs contacting multiple providers yourself
- No obligation — compare personalised quotes and decide in your own time
- Clear, fair, and not misleading information
- Secure handling of your details
Compare Construction Finance Options
| Finance Type | Typical Use | Common Security | Typical Term | Speed to Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured/Secured Loans | Working capital, materials, labour | PGs and/or business assets | 3–60 months | Days to weeks |
| Construction Invoice Finance | Against certified applications | Assignment of receivables; debenture | Ongoing facility | Days (after setup) |
| Asset & Equipment Finance | Plant, tools, vehicles | Secured on the asset | 1–5 years | Days to weeks |
| Development/Bridging Finance | Property-led builds/refurb | Charge on property/site | Months to 24+ months | Weeks (complex) |
| Materials/VAT Loans | Upfront materials & VAT cycles | PGs and/or business assets | 1–6 months | Days |
For illustration only. Actual terms depend on your circumstances and lender assessment.
Construction Finance FAQs
Can I get construction finance if I’m a start-up limited company?
Possibly. Some lenders consider newly formed limited companies, especially where directors have relevant experience, contracts in hand, or asset-backed options. Availability and terms depend on affordability, security, and sector risk.
Will my enquiry affect my credit score?
No. Submitting an enquiry to Fast Business Loans won’t affect your credit score. If you choose to proceed with a lender or broker, they may conduct credit checks as part of their assessment.
How quickly can funding be arranged?
Simpler facilities can be set up in days. Development, bridging, or complex invoice finance may take longer due to valuation, legal, and underwriting steps. Speed depends on documentation readiness and product type.
What’s the difference between invoice finance and contract finance?
Invoice finance typically advances cash against certified applications or invoices. Contract finance may fund specific milestones or purchase orders, assessed against contract terms and counterparties. Lender appetite varies by contract structure (e.g., JCT) and retention policies.
Can I finance used plant and machinery?
Yes. Many lenders consider used equipment subject to age, condition, and resale value. Hire purchase, lease, or refinance structures are common.
Do I need to offer security or a personal guarantee?
It depends on the product and risk profile. Asset finance is usually secured on the asset. Loans may require additional security or PGs. Any security requirements will be made clear in your quote.
Can I get finance if I have adverse credit or past CCJs?
Specialist providers may still consider you, especially where facilities are asset-backed or contract-backed. Pricing and terms reflect risk. Provide full context so underwriters can assess accurately.
What documents do lenders usually request?
Typically 3–6 months’ business bank statements, latest accounts or management information, aged debtor/creditor reports, contract copies, CIS statements (if applicable), VAT returns, and UTR.
How are retentions handled in invoice finance?
Policies vary. Some funders exclude retentions entirely; others may allow partial advances against certified values minus retention. Expect verification steps with main contractors.
What’s the maximum I can borrow?
Facilities commonly range from £10,000 to £5m+, depending on product, security, and affordability. Submit an enquiry to explore personalised options.
Important Information
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide financial advice. Our service is free for business users. If you proceed with a partner, they may charge fees which will be disclosed in any quote.
Your enquiry with us won’t affect your credit score. If you proceed, lenders or brokers may conduct credit checks as part of their assessment.
Borrowing for your business carries risks. Late or missed payments can have serious consequences for you and your business. If a loan is secured, your assets may be at risk.
For impartial guidance on business borrowing, you may find resources from the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC (CIS) helpful.
Get Your Free, No-Obligation Quote
Tell us about your project, contracts, and cashflow. We’ll match you with trusted construction finance partners quickly so you can compare options and choose with confidence.
Get Started Free Eligibility Check
We are an introducer, not a lender. No advice provided. Enquiry won’t affect your credit score.
– What are construction business loans and how do they work for UK contractors?
Construction business loans are finance solutions tailored to the build cycle that fund materials, labour, plant and VAT while bridging cash gaps between stage payments and retentions.
– How do I apply for construction finance with Fast Business Loans?
Complete a quick enquiry and we’ll match you with UK lenders/brokers who understand CIS, stage payments and project risk so you can compare no‑obligation quotes.
– Will using your eligibility check affect my credit score?
No—your initial enquiry won’t affect your credit score, though lenders may run credit checks later if you choose to proceed.
– How much can I borrow and what terms are available?
Funding typically ranges from £10,000 to £5m+ with terms from 1–60 months for loans/asset finance and up to 24+ months for development/bridging, subject to status.
– How quickly can I get funded?
Simple loans, asset finance and materials/VAT facilities can complete in days, while development, bridging or complex invoice finance may take longer due to valuation, legal and underwriting steps.
– What types of construction finance can you connect me to?
Options include unsecured/secured business loans, construction invoice/contract finance, asset and equipment finance, materials and VAT loans, and development or bridging finance.
– What do construction finance rates and fees look like?
Pricing varies by product, risk and security, and may include service fees, discount rates or arrangement/valuation/legal costs, all disclosed in any personalised quote.
– Am I eligible if I’m a start‑up, CIS‑registered subcontractor, or have adverse credit?
Some specialist lenders can consider start‑ups and businesses with adverse credit—especially where there’s experience, contracts in hand or asset/contract security—subject to affordability.
– Can I fund certified applications for payment under JCT and how are retentions treated?
Many invoice finance providers will advance against certified applications with main‑contractor verification, while retentions are typically excluded or only partly funded depending on lender policy.
– Do I need security or a personal guarantee, and what documents will I need?
Requirements vary by product, but loans may need business security or a director’s PG and lenders typically request 3–6 months’ bank statements, accounts/MI, aged debtors/creditors, contract copies, CIS statements and VAT returns.