Call us on: 01322 912578
Finance for main contractors
From progress claims and retentions to mobilising the next site, we provide funding that helps main contractors keep projects moving and take on new opportunities with confidence.
How business finance can support main contractors
Being a main contractor means balancing projects, teams and supply chains. Business finance gives you the flexibility to:
​
Start a new contract: cover mobilisation costs without waiting for previous jobs to finish.
Delays in payment: bridge the gap when progress claims or retentions take months to land.
Run multiple sites: ensure payroll and prelims are covered across every project.
Invest in equipment: upgrade or refinance plant and vehicles without draining cash.
Managing deadlines: handle VAT, tax and insurance bills without disrupting cashflow.
​
Seasonal challenges: smooth out the peaks and troughs of workload, from winter slowdowns to summer surges, so your business stays steady year-round.
​
In short: finance is there to support growth, smooth cashflow, and give you breathing space to focus on running your business.
Funding options tailored for main contractors
Every contractor runs projects differently, which is why a single finance product rarely fits all situations. We match facilities to the way you deliver work — whether that’s releasing funds tied up in contracts, covering payroll across multiple sites, or investing in new equipment. The goal is always the same: to keep projects moving and give you the flexibility to focus on growth.
​
​
Understanding your equipment needs
Every contractor relies on the right equipment to deliver projects — from everyday site vehicles to specialist machinery. We provide finance that helps you access, upgrade or refinance the tools you need without tying up working capital.
​
Typical assets we support include:
​
-
Heavy machinery: excavators, dumpers, loaders and piling rigs
-
Processing equipment: crushers, compactors and conveyor systems
-
Construction vehicles: vans, tippers, grab lorries and HIABs
-
Specialist kit: vacuum excavation units, quarrying and aggregate machinery
​
This isn’t an exhaustive list — if there’s an asset you need to finance, we’ll work with you to find the right solution.
Supporting you through peaks and troughs
Construction rarely runs to a steady rhythm. Work can slow in winter and surge in the summer. Finance gives you the flexibility to smooth out the dips and make the most of the busy season.
​
-
Cover running costs during quieter months.
-
Keep your teams and subcontractors paid without strain.
-
Mobilise quickly when new opportunities arise.
-
Invest in equipment at the right time, not just when cash allows.
How we work with main contractors
We know that every contractor runs differently. That’s why we take the time to understand:
​
-
The contracts you’re working under (JCT, NEC, or bespoke).
​
-
How your payment cycles and supply chain commitments line up.
​
-
The facilities that will give you the most flexibility without overcomplicating things.
​
Our aim is always to provide finance that supports your business — simple, fast, and tailored to your projects.
Business finance in action
​A contractor working on a £3.5m housing development needed to cover payroll and materials while waiting on two approved valuations. Within a week we set up a contract finance facility that advanced £250k against those certificates. The funds kept the site moving and gave them the confidence to tender for another project.
FAQs for main contractors
Who is construction finance for?
It’s designed for established contractors who want flexibility in managing cashflow. Whether you’re running a single project or multiple sites, finance can help cover costs, invest in equipment and keep your supply chain moving.
How quickly can funding be accessed?
We can usually provide indicative options the same day. Once set up, funds can often be released within 24–72 hours of submitting an invoice or application for payment.
What size facilities are available?
Facilities can range from smaller working capital loans through to facilities of up to £2m, depending on turnover and requirements.
What turnover do I need to qualify?
We typically work with contractors turning over £200k+ per year. This ensures the facilities are sustainable and deliver the right level of support.
What types of finance are available?
Options include invoice and contract finance, asset finance, working capital loans, VAT and tax funding, and short-term bridging or development finance. We’ll match the right facility to your projects.
Can you help with retentions and delayed payments?
Yes. We can release funds against approved applications, valuations and a proportion of agreed retentions so you don’t have to wait months to be paid.
Do I need to finance every invoice or project?
No. Facilities can be selective, used only when needed, or set up as revolving lines that you draw down from as projects progress.
Can equipment be financed as well as contracts?
Absolutely. From vans and tippers to excavators and piling rigs, we provide hire purchase, leasing and refinancing options so you can spread costs or release cash from assets you already own.
Can finance help with seasonal challenges?
Yes. Facilities can flex with your business, smoothing out winter slowdowns and helping you respond quickly to summer peaks.
Can finance help me mobilise a new site before the first payment comes in?
Yes. Facilities can provide upfront cash to cover labour, plant and materials so you can start work without waiting for earlier contracts to pay out.
Do you work with JCT and NEC contracts?
Absolutely. We regularly set up facilities aligned with JCT and NEC payment structures, including applications for payment and approved valuations.
What paperwork will I need?
Typically we’ll ask for recent management accounts, details of contracts in progress, and copies of applications or invoices you’d like to fund. We keep the process straightforward.
Can I use finance for selected projects only?
Yes. Facilities can be flexible — you can draw down against specific approved valuations or set up a revolving line to dip into when needed.
What if I already have an overdraft or other lending?
That’s not a problem. Construction finance can work alongside your existing facilities, giving you additional headroom without disrupting current arrangements.