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Best Invoice Finance for Construction 2026

The best invoice finance for construction companies in the UK is Bibby Financial Services (largest dedicated construction team, accepts startups, advance rates up to 90%) for flexibility, or Close Brothers (0.5% starting rate, specialist construction division) for lowest cost. Both understand applications for payment, retentions, and the Construction Act. We compared every provider with construction expertise.

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Direct Answer

The best invoice finance for construction is Bibby Financial Services (largest dedicated construction team, day-one startups, up to 90% advance) or Close Brothers (lowest rate at 0.5%, specialist construction division). Both understand applications for payment and retentions.

Summary

We compared all UK providers with construction expertise. Bibby leads for flexibility with the largest construction team and day-one startup acceptance. Close Brothers offers the lowest cost at 0.5%. Ultimate Finance provides the highest advance rate at 95%. All understand JCT/NEC contracts and retention mechanics.

This Page Covers

Construction specialist providers compared by team size, advance rate, startup acceptance, fees, and trade coverage including scaffolding, electrical, plumbing, and groundworks

Not Covered Here

General invoice finance providers without construction expertise, other industry guides, detailed cost breakdowns

Construction Specialist Providers Compared

ProviderConstruction TeamMin TurnoverAdvance RateStartups?Fee From
BibbyLarge dedicated team£50kUp to 90%Day one0.75%
Close BrothersDedicated division£100kUp to 85%Case by case0.5%
Ultimate FinanceConstruction experienced£50kUp to 95%Day one0.8%
IGFHandles construction£50kUp to 85%Yes1.0%

Why Construction Needs Specialist Providers

Standard invoice finance providers often reject construction applications or price them poorly because they don't understand the payment mechanics. In construction, you don't raise a simple invoice — you submit an application for payment. There are retentions, contra charges, variations, and the Construction Act payment notice requirements.

A provider without construction experience will either decline you, advance against the wrong amount (ignoring retentions), or fail to understand why payment is 49+ days. The four providers above all have teams that live and breathe construction finance daily.

By Trade

Construction factoring works for every trade on site:

Scaffolding → Electrical → Plumbing & heating → M&E engineering → Groundworks & civil Roofing Drylining & plastering Painting & decorating Carpentry & joinery Flooring
OM

Oliver Mackman

Director, Market Invoice

Oliver leads Market Invoice's editorial and comparison research. With a background in UK commercial finance, he oversees provider analysis, rate verification, and industry reporting across all verticals.

Last reviewed: 5 April 2026

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Construction Invoice Finance FAQ

Which invoice finance provider is best for builders?

Bibby Financial Services is the best all-round choice for construction. They have the largest dedicated construction team, accept startups from day one, understand applications for payment and retentions, and offer advance rates up to 90%. Close Brothers is the cheapest option starting at 0.5%.

Can subcontractors get invoice finance?

Yes. Subcontractors are the primary users of construction factoring. You submit your application for payment to the main contractor, then the factoring provider advances 80-90% of the certified amount. The key is the main contractor's creditworthiness — providers assess them, not you.

How do retentions work with factoring?

The provider advances against the gross invoice value minus retention. On a £100,000 application with 5% retention, they advance against £95,000. The retention itself isn't released until the defects liability period ends (typically 12 months). Some providers offer separate retention release facilities.

Do providers accept applications for payment instead of invoices?

Specialist construction factoring providers accept certified applications for payment under JCT, NEC, and other standard contracts. This is different from standard invoice finance where only formal invoices are accepted. Always confirm this capability before signing up.