Unsecured Loans vs Asset Finance: Cost Gap for Contractors

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Building Services Business Loans & Finance Solutions

Summary: Fast Business Loans helps UK building services companies (HVAC, electrical, mechanical, facilities management and maintenance contractors) find the best finance solutions for mobilisation, cashflow, equipment and contract working capital. We do not lend directly — we match businesses to specialist lenders and brokers. Our quick, no‑obligation enquiry helps you access funding from around £10,000 upwards. Complete a short form to get matched fast.

Building services team working on-site installing HVAC and electrical systems

Why building services firms need specialist funding

Building services contractors face unique cashflow and capital pressures. Projects often require upfront purchases of materials, subcontractor payments, plant hire and mobilisation costs while invoices and retention monies can take 30–120 days to clear. On top of that, compliance work, equipment upgrades (eg. heat pumps, HVAC, lifts), vehicle fleets and staff training create irregular funding needs.

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.

Typical pain points:

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  • Long payment cycles and delayed retentions.
  • Large up‑front materials and mobilisation costs to start contracts.
  • Need to replace or acquire specialist plant and vehicles quickly.
  • Seasonal peaks in labour and materials demand.
  • Costs of compliance, certifications and ESG improvements.

Specialist lenders and brokers understand these sector dynamics and can structure facilities to suit contract-backed cashflow, asset finance or invoice-based funding.

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Less than 2-minute form. No obligation, no impact on credit score.

How Fast Business Loans supports building services providers

Fast Business Loans acts as a time-saving introducer. We do not underwrite or supply finance — instead we match your funding need to brokers or lenders with relevant experience in building services. That means you avoid hunting through dozens of providers and get connected quickly to those who understand your contracts and cashflow cycles.

How it works (simple 4-step overview):

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  1. Complete a short enquiry describing your business, turnover, time trading, amount required and purpose.
  2. We match you to one or more specialist brokers/lenders on our panel.
  3. A matched partner contacts you to discuss terms and next steps.
  4. You compare offers and choose the best option — any credit checks are completed by the lender if you proceed.

We tailor matches by company size, contract profile (M&E, HVAC, FM), asset needs and geography to improve the chances of a suitable offer.

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We only share details with relevant partners who can help with your request.

Common funding scenarios in building services

Here’s how building services businesses typically use finance — and why the right product matters.

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.

Mobilising new contracts

Short-term working capital to buy materials, hire subcontractors and set up sites so you can deliver large frameworks without straining cashflow.

Bridging retentions & payment lags

Invoice delays and retention holds can hurt margins. Invoice finance or short-term working capital bridges the gap so operations continue uninterrupted.

Investing in equipment & vehicles

Asset and equipment finance can spread the cost of vans, access platforms, testing equipment and major plant, preserving working capital.

Health, safety & compliance upgrades

Funding for training, certifications, or energy-efficiency upgrades helps you meet tender criteria and win larger contracts.

HVAC unit being craned into place financed through equipment finance

Finance products available through our partner panel

Different needs require different products. Below is a quick comparison to help you decide which route to explore.

Finance TypeTypical UseFunding RangeKey Notes
Unsecured business loansWorking capital, small plant£10k–£250k+Quick decisioning; rates vary with credit profile.
Asset & equipment financeHVAC, lifts, vans, plant£10k–£1m+Structured to match asset life; preserves cashflow.
Invoice finance / factoringBridge unpaid invoices/retentions£25k–£5m+Release cash tied up in debtors; facility fees apply.
Secured loans / commercial mortgagesProperty purchase, large projects£50k–£5m+Lower rates possible when secured against assets.
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Matching you with the right lender or broker

We match based on sector experience (M&E, HVAC, mechanical, facilities management), company turnover, trading history and the purpose of the funds. Our panel includes brokers and lenders experienced with contract-backed finance, equipment deals and invoice-based facilities.

What we ask for on the enquiry form:

  • Company name, contact details and location (UK).
  • Time trading and annual turnover.
  • Amount required and intended use (eg. mobilisation, equipment purchase).
  • Basic credit/background info so we can target suitable partners.

Your details are handled securely and only shared with partners we believe can help. Matched providers will outline their regulatory status and full terms when they contact you.

Eligibility snapshot for building services businesses

Each lender has different criteria, but the following gives a practical snapshot:

  • Typical facilities available for limited companies and LLPs (we do not arrange sole trader products on this page).
  • Many lenders consider businesses trading for 12+ months; some lenders will consider newer companies if directors have sector experience.
  • Minimum funding usually starts around £10,000; upper limits depend on collateral and turnover.
  • Adverse credit or CCJs do not automatically rule you out — alternative lenders and specialist brokers may be available.
  • We arrange finance UK-wide.

Costs, terms & what to expect

Costs depend on product, term and credit profile. Typical ranges:

  • Representative APRs for unsecured loans: varies widely — expect higher rates for short-term or higher-risk profiles.
  • Asset finance: rates often lower as asset acts as security; terms commonly 2–7 years.
  • Invoice finance: facility fees plus discounting rates; structure tailored to debtor profile.

Fast Business Loans does not charge you for introductions — our service is free. Any lender or broker fees will be explained by the matched provider before you commit. All offers are subject to individual lender assessment, affordability and satisfactory checks.

Preparing your building services finance application

Getting documents ready speeds up decisions. Typical items lenders/brokers request:

  • Recent management accounts and profit & loss statements.
  • Contract schedule or pipeline showing upcoming work.
  • Aged debtor and creditor reports (if applying for invoice finance).
  • Asset lists and valuations (for secured asset finance).
  • Identification for directors and basic company information.

Pro tip: keep your contracts and references organised, highlight recurring income from framework agreements, and ensure VAT/RTI filings are up to date. A clear project cashflow forecast often helps secure better terms.

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Success stories & sector insights

Real examples (anonymised and illustrative):

  • Case A — National HVAC contractor: matched to an invoice finance facility that released £250k in working capital, enabling them to take on two national contracts without cashflow strain.
  • Case B — Mechanical services SME: asset finance secured for £120k of testing equipment; spread payments over 4 years and preserved working capital.
  • Case C — Facilities maintenance firm: short-term bridging loan to cover retentions while waiting for release, preventing supplier defaults and project delays.

These examples show how tailored funding lets firms bid for bigger work and manage operations reliably.

Why choose Fast Business Loans for building services finance?

  • Speed — quick matching reduces time spent sourcing providers.
  • Sector focus — we understand M&E, HVAC, electrical and FM funding needs.
  • Free to use — no charge for introductions.
  • Simple process — complete one short form and let us do the searching.
  • Wide panel — access to brokers and lenders experienced in construction and building services finance.

For more in-depth sector guidance, see our specialised resource on building services business loans.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can building services firms access funds?

Initial broker responses often come within hours; completion depends on the product and documentation. Asset finance and unsecured loans can be quick, while invoice facilities and secured facilities may take longer.

Can newly incorporated contractors get finance?

Some lenders consider newer companies where directors have relevant sector experience and can supply supporting documents; availability varies by lender.

Can specialist equipment like HVAC systems or lifts be financed?

Yes. Asset and equipment finance are commonly used to spread the cost of expensive plant and systems over their usable life.

What if we have adverse credit or CCJs?

Adverse history doesn’t always rule you out. Specialist lenders and brokers may have options, though terms may be different. Disclose issues up front for accurate matching.

Will applying through Fast Business Loans affect our credit score?

No — submitting our enquiry does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks only if you progress with an offer.

Do you charge fees for the introduction?

No. Fast Business Loans is free for businesses to use. Any provider fees will be clearly explained by the matched lender or broker.

Start your building services finance enquiry

Getting matched is simple:

  1. Complete our short enquiry form (takes less than 2 minutes).
  2. We match you with the best lenders or brokers for your needs.
  3. Your matched partner contacts you with options and next steps.
  4. You choose the offer that suits your business — no obligation.
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No obligation. Introductions only — matched providers will outline full terms.


Compliance disclosure: Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender. We do not provide regulated financial advice. Any finance is offered by the matched broker or lender and is subject to their terms, status checks, affordability and credit approval. Please review all provider documentation and seek independent advice if required.

– How quickly can UK building services firms access funding?
After completing our short, no‑obligation enquiry, matched brokers/lenders often respond within hours and, subject to assessment and documents, funding from about £10,000 can be arranged quickly.

– What types of building services business finance can I get?
Options include unsecured or secured business loans, asset and equipment finance for HVAC/lifts/vans/plant, and invoice finance/factoring—tailored for HVAC, electrical, mechanical and FM contractors to mobilise contracts and bridge retentions.

– Is Fast Business Loans a direct lender?
No—Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects you to specialist UK brokers and lenders who issue any offers.

– Can invoice finance help with retentions and long payment terms?
Yes, invoice finance can unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices and retentions to smooth cashflow between milestones.

– Are newly incorporated building services contractors eligible?
Many partners prefer 12+ months trading for UK limited companies/LLPs, but some will consider newer firms where directors have relevant sector experience.

– Can we still get funding with adverse credit or CCJs?
Potentially yes—specialist lenders may consider adverse credit cases, though pricing and terms will reflect risk and full disclosure helps accurate matching.

– How much can we borrow and over what term?
Typical facilities start around £10k and can exceed £1m depending on product and turnover, with terms from short‑term working capital to multi‑year asset finance.

– What can building services finance be used for?
Funding can support contract mobilisation, materials and subcontractors, equipment and vehicle purchases, compliance and training, and bridging cashflow gaps.

– What documents will speed up my application?
Recent management accounts, a contract pipeline, director ID, and where relevant aged debtor/creditor reports or asset details help lenders assess quickly.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score or incur fees?
No—our enquiry is not a credit application and is free to use; any credit checks or provider fees are handled and disclosed by the matched lender or broker if you proceed.

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