Invoice finance for the construction sector
Why construction requires a specialist lender
Stage Payments
Unlike standard B2B sales, construction relies on milestone billing. Specialists fund these stages before final sign-off.
Contractual Complexity
Mainstream lenders reject JCT contracts due to offset risks. Construction lenders employ experts to underwrite them.
Valuation Expertise
Lenders use their own Quantity Surveyors to verify work completion and release funds safely.
Overcoming the 'Application for Payment' hurdle
The biggest barrier construction firms face with mainstream finance is the Application for Payment (AFP). Traditional invoice finance requires an undisputed, completed invoice. In construction, you submit an AFP, wait for certification, and only then raise an invoice.
Specialist Construction Industry Trade Receivables (CITR) lenders may advance funds against uncertified AFPs (subject to valuation), providing working capital to help you pay sub-contractors or purchase materials for the next phase.
What specialist lenders review
- The underlying contract (JCT, NEC, or bespoke) to check for aggressive offset or contra-charge clauses.
- The financial strength of the main contractor or developer.
- Your track record of completing similar projects on time and avoiding commercial disputes.
- The percentage of retentions applied to your work.
Who you could speak to
Aiden Wootton
Construction & Engineering Specialist
Construction, engineering, manufacturing, plant and trades
- STEP 1
A conversation with a broker
You talk to a real Sorbus broker about the business, the purpose and what is affordable. No application at this stage.
- STEP 2
Credit placement
If you choose to go further, we prepare the case and decide which lenders on our panel of 150+ are worth approaching.
- STEP 3
Lender assessment
The lender, not Sorbus, underwrites and makes the credit decision. Approval is never guaranteed.
- STEP 4
Documentation
If a lender offers terms and you accept, we help coordinate agreements and payout paperwork with you.
Every step after the first is optional. You can stop after the conversation. Sorbus is a broker, not a lender.
Client journey
Explore real client journeys
Read how real businesses approached a funding goal, what Sorbus arranged and what happened next.
Browse anonymised case studiesStart with a conversation
Tell us a little about what you need and who you would like to speak to. No obligation, no credit check at this stage. We aim to respond within one business day, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm.
Prefer to call?
Speak directly to an adviser Monday–Friday, 9am–5:30pm.
01246 383500Free call. No obligation.
Optional: Business Finance Health Check
Before applying for construction invoice finance, understand your lending readiness, resilience score, and exit strategy, in under 5 minutes.
Take the short Health CheckFree · No credit check · Not required before you talk
Want the full picture? The full fact-find is longer and also optional.
Email us anytime
hello@sorbusfinance.co.ukIn almost all circumstances we do not charge a broker fee. Should a broker fee be chargeable you will be made aware clearly in advance and it will be agreed in writing before you proceed. Read our Initial Disclosure.
Sorbus Finance acts as a credit broker/introducer, not a lender. We can introduce you to lenders on our selected panel and do not search the whole market. We do not provide advice or a recommendation. Lenders determine eligibility, pricing and final terms. We may receive commission from a lender; the amount and method can vary and may affect what you pay. Read our Commission Disclosure and Complaints Procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from UK businesses about construction.
Ready to discuss your requirements?
Speak to a Sorbus Finance specialist about a suitable construction structure for your business. Free, no-obligation comparison across lenders on our selected panel.