1. Tell us the requirement
Start with the amount, purpose and timing. You do not need to choose the correct product first.
Larger & specialist funding
Contractual Debt Finance for UK Businesses
Contractual debt finance refers to funding assessed against eligible amounts owed under commercial contracts, including staged or application-based payments. An application for payment is not necessarily an approved invoice or an unconditional debt, so specialist review of the contract and payment status is essential.
Usually takes around 5–8 minutes. An enquiry does not commit you to taking finance.
Access to 250+ funding routes through our lender & specialist partner network.
Invoices, applications and certified amounts
| Payment record | Why the distinction matters |
|---|---|
| Conventional invoice | The provider still checks that the debt is valid, completed and undisputed. |
| Application for payment | The customer may need to assess or approve the amount before it becomes payable. |
| Certified amount | Certification helps evidence approval, but contract conditions and deductions still matter. |
| Uncertified amount or milestone | Completion, valuation or approval may remain outstanding. |
| Retention | Payment may be held until a later event; it should not be assumed eligible. |
Explain what has been earned, claimed, approved and paid separately. The provider needs a clear view of the remaining conditions, not simply the total contract value.
Why ordinary invoice finance may not fit
Conventional invoice-finance structures may require completed, clearly evidenced and enforceable receivables. Applications, milestone conditions, retentions and disputes can make the debt harder to verify or collect. Specialist structures may be considered, but no application or retention should be described as automatically fundable.
For a construction business, start by comparing construction invoice finance and construction finance. Funding future contract costs may instead involve contract mobilisation finance.
What a provider reviews
Signed contract terms, payment notices, certification, set-off rights, variations, performance obligations and the counterparty all affect the assessment. Providers need to know whether work is accepted, whether deductions or disputes exist and when cash is contractually expected. Customer concentration and the business’s ability to finish the work also matter.
From contract review to a possible facility
- Describe the contract, outstanding work and the specific cash-flow gap.
- Separate applications, certificates, invoices and retentions in a payment schedule.
- A suitable provider checks the contract, debtor and payment evidence.
- Any offer sets eligible amounts, verification, security and repayment conditions.
Useful information to prepare
You do not need every item to start. Tell us the amount, purpose and timing; NBS can explain what would help the next review.
- Signed contract and any relevant amendments
- Payment schedule, milestone conditions and applications
- Certificates, approvals and payment notices where relevant
- Customer and counterparty information
- Retentions, deductions, variations and dispute status
- Recent accounts, management figures and existing borrowing
Important considerations
- A claimed amount may be reduced or rejected during approval.
- Retentions or disputed amounts may be excluded from funding.
- Set-off, deductions and contractual conditions can change collectability.
- Funding does not remove the cost or obligation of completing the contract.
NBS Finance is a commercial finance broker and introducer, not a lender. Providers make funding and credit decisions and set the amount, charges, security and terms. An enquiry or introduction does not guarantee finance.
The NBS enquiry process
2. Review the starting route
NBS reviews the information and identifies an appropriate starting route through its lender and specialist partner network.
3. Provider assessment
A suitable provider may request further information and decide whether to offer terms. Review any offer before committing.
Related funding routes
Frequently asked questions
Can an uncertified application be funded?
It needs individual provider assessment. An application alone does not establish an unconditional eligible debt.
Can retentions be included?
Do not assume so. The release conditions, payment timing and provider criteria need review.
What if there is a dispute?
Explain it at the outset. Disputes can affect eligibility, availability and repayment responsibility.
Is this only for construction?
No. Other contract-led B2B businesses may have staged or conditional payments, but the contract and provider appetite determine the possible route.
Tell us what the business needs
Tell us the amount, purpose and timing. We can review which starting route appears most relevant.
One enquiry. No commitment to take finance. Subject to provider assessment and terms.