Start with the commercial outcome
Guides · UK limited companies
What Documents Do You Need for Invoice Finance?
A well-prepared invoice-finance enquiry lets a provider assess the business, debtor ledger and invoice quality without avoidable delay.
NBS Finance is a broker and introducer, not a lender. An enquiry does not guarantee an offer.
A usable invoice-finance preparation checklist
Start with the company, funding gap, amount and timing, approximate turnover, B2B customers and whether a facility already exists. You can begin without a complete document pack. Ask NBS which documents are needed and confirm a secure transfer method before sending detailed ledgers or agreements.
| Document or fact | What it should explain |
|---|---|
| Current aged debtor report | Date the report; include invoice/customer identifiers, values, due dates, ageing, disputes, credit notes and receipts since the report date. Reconcile it to the sales ledger. |
| Top-customer breakdown | Show each legal debtor, percentage of the ledger and connected customer groups. Identify concentration and existing credit limits. |
| Sample invoices and delivery evidence | Match invoices to orders, contracts, proof of delivery or accepted work. Show payment terms and any rights of set-off. |
| Accounts, management figures and bank statements | Explain trading performance, liabilities, current cash and repayment pressures. The provider specifies periods and format. |
| Current facility and security | For a review or switch, prepare the agreement, recent availability/fee statements, drawings, notice terms, settlement and existing security details. |
| Construction | Supply relevant subcontract terms, applications, certificates or payment notices, retentions, variations and disputes. Document status changes the funding question. |
| Recruitment | Explain worker-pay dates and client terms; match approved timesheets to invoices and identify payroll administration supplied by others. |
| Overseas sales | Show debtor countries, currencies, governing terms, delivery evidence, disputes and any credit insurance. |
Use current, consistent report dates and explain differences rather than hiding them. Redact unrelated personal details where appropriate, but agree essential fields with the recipient so verification remains possible. Never send bank passwords or security codes. Review eligibility, larger facilities or an existing arrangement using the same evidence.
Quick answer
When this may be worth discussing
Compare how each route works in practice
Check the full cost, obligations and exit position
Provider assessment
Information that helps produce a useful answer
Providers set their own rates, charges, fees, security and terms. Clear evidence helps distinguish a viable route from an unsuitable application.
- Amount and exact purpose
- Timing and repayment source
- Current agreements, assets or debtor evidence relevant to the route
Important:
Prepare aged debtors and creditors, sample invoices, contracts, proof of delivery, bank statements, accounts and current facility documents.
NBS Finance is a broker and introducer, not a lender. NBS does not charge the client a separate broker fee. Providers set costs and terms and may carry out business or director credit checks; ask which searches will be made before a full application. An enquiry does not guarantee an offer.
Decision check
Questions to answer before proceeding
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What exact outcome must the finance achieve? | It keeps the proposal tied to a commercial purpose. |
| What is the full cost and repayment profile? | Compare fees, security, frequency, total repayable amount and exit terms. |
| What happens if income arrives later than expected? | A downside view tests whether repayments remain manageable. |
| Which documents or conditions remain outstanding? | Approval, completion and payment are separate stages. |
Invoice-document questions
Do I need every document to ask a question?
No. Begin with the business requirement and current position; a provider will specify what it needs before making a decision.
How current should the ledger be?
Use a clearly dated current report and identify subsequent receipts, new invoices and disputes. A stale balance can overstate available cash.
Should I email a full customer ledger immediately?
Confirm the recipient, purpose and secure document route first. Share only relevant information; do not include unrelated personal or security details.
Further reading and scope
This page is general commercial-finance information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Read the relevant official guidance at www.british-business-bank.co.uk.
NBS Finance primarily supports UK limited companies. NBS Finance is not incorporated as a limited company and is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Where applicable, NBS works with lenders and intermediaries that are FCA-authorised for their own regulated activities; their status does not make NBS Finance FCA-authorised.
Tell us the outcome your business needs
Start with the amount, purpose and timing. Best estimates are fine.
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