Documents engineering firms need to apply for business loans & finance

Need finance for new CNC machines, to bridge contract milestones or to expand your workshop? Lenders and brokers will ask for specific documents — have these ready and you’ll get faster, better offers. Complete a brief enquiry (this is not an application — it’s used to match you to specialist lenders/brokers) and receive a no-obligation eligibility check. Get Quote Now

Quick summary (TL;DR)

Most engineering finance enquiries need: company registration documents, the last 2–3 years statutory accounts (or management accounts if more recent), 3–6 months business bank statements, supplier quotes or equipment invoices, signed contracts or purchase orders and photo ID for directors. Prepare these in advance to speed up matching and quotes. Free Eligibility Check

Why documentation matters

Lenders and brokers use documents to verify your trading history, confirm cash flow, value collateral (machinery, property), and check the creditworthiness of your customers on contract finance or invoice finance deals. Well-prepared paperwork reduces lender queries, shortens decision times and improves the terms you’ll be offered.

Providing accurate, up-to-date documents also helps us match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in engineering finance — or with those who accept imperfect credit or complex contract structures.

Document checklist — core items every engineering firm should prepare

Company & identity documents

• Certificate of incorporation and company number — proof of registration.
• Memorandum & Articles of Association (or LLP agreement) — confirms ownership and authorised signatories.
• Companies House filing summary or recent filing screenshot — demonstrates compliance and filing history.
• VAT registration certificate (if VAT-registered) — confirms VAT status.
• Business bank account details (account name, sort code) and bank contact if needed.
• If trading under multiple trading names or part of a group, provide structure chart or parent company documents.

Financials & performance

• Statutory accounts for the last 2–3 years (audited if available) — lenders rely on historic performance for risk assessment.
• Latest management accounts (monthly P&L and balance sheet) covering the most recent 3–12 months — crucial for recent trading trends.
• Business bank statements (usually last 3–6 months; some lenders request 12 months) — used to verify cashflow and inflows from clients.
• VAT returns (last 3–6 quarters) — helps validate revenue figures and sales patterns.
• 12-month cashflow forecast with assumptions — show how new finance will be repaid or how it supports a contract.
• Corporation tax returns (CT600) and evidence of tax compliance.
• Details of existing loans, leases and hire-purchase agreements (balances and repayment schedules).
• Debtor ledger / aged debts summary — vital for invoice finance enquiries.

Project, contract and pipeline evidence

• Signed contracts or purchase orders (showing contract value, duration, and payment terms).
• Supplier quotes and pro‑forma invoices for equipment purchases.
• Evidence of stage payment schedules and milestones (for contract financing).
• Client credit information or references where permitted.
• Any performance bonds, guarantees or retention arrangements associated with contracts.

Asset & equipment documentation

• Asset list: make, model, serial numbers, age and purchase dates for major machinery.
• Supplier or dealer quotes / pro‑forma invoices for new equipment purchases.
• Recent valuations or depreciation schedules for used equipment.
• Photographs of assets and service/maintenance records (important for used machinery finance).
• Evidence of existing asset finance agreements (if you’re refinancing).

Director / personal documents & credit

• Photo ID for directors (passport or UK driving licence).
• Proof of address for directors (utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months).
• Summary of personal credit history — disclose any County Court Judgments, defaults or IVA/Bankruptcy history.
• Willingness to provide personal guarantees if required — note some lenders ask for them on higher risk or startup cases.
• Short CVs or bios of key directors, especially if the company is young or bidding for large contracts.

Sector & compliance documents specific to engineering

• Relevant professional and technical accreditations (ISO certificates, CE markings, welding/pressure systems certifications).
• Health & Safety Policy, risk assessments, method statements (RAMS) and evidence of safety culture.
• Insurance certificates: public liability, employers’ liability, professional indemnity and equipment insurance.
• Calibration certificates, PAT testing records and service logs for specialised instrumentation.
• Environmental permits or waste disposal arrangements when applicable.
• Quality assurance documents (QA manuals, inspection and test reports).

Documents required by finance type

Different products have slightly different documentation requirements. Below are the most common additions by finance type.

Asset finance / hire purchase / finance lease

• Supplier invoice or pro‑forma quote and asset specification.
• Photos of the asset (especially for used machinery).
• Proof the asset will be used for business purposes.
• Existing finance agreements if refinancing the asset.

Invoice finance / factoring

• Aged debt ledger and client list (highlight top 5–10 debtors).
• Sample invoices, proof of delivery and proof of client acceptance.
• Credit control procedures and collection policy.

Commercial mortgage / property finance

• Lease agreements or title deeds, and recent surveyor valuation.
• Historic property accounts and evidence of rental income (if investment property).

Contract / contract finance (including bond/retention finance)

• Signed contracts, milestone schedules and retention/bond details.
• Client credit checks and supplier arrangements.

Working capital / unsecured loans

• Up-to-date management accounts, cashflow forecast and business bank statements.
• Clear use-of-funds statement explaining how finance will support operations or contract delivery.

What lenders look for

Lenders typically prioritise:

• Consistent cash flow and profitability (or credible forecasts if growing rapidly).
• Security value — machinery or property for secured deals.
• Contract stability and client creditworthiness for contract/invoice finance.
• Director track record and sector experience — especially for high-value or specialist equipment deals.
• Complete and current documentation — missing ID, outdated accounts or unclear forecasts are common causes of delay.

Insider tip: Lenders value repeat business with predictable margins. Evidence of long-term clients or framework contracts strengthens an application.

How UK Business Loans helps

UK Business Loans is an introducer that connects engineering firms with lenders and brokers who understand your sector and the way engineering projects are funded. We’ll:

• Assess the right finance type for your need (asset finance, invoice finance, contract finance, property finance or working capital).
• Match you to lenders/brokers experienced in engineering and industrial equipment.
• Collect a short set of documents via our enquiry form to speed up quotes — this is a no‑obligation eligibility check, not a formal application.

Learn more about bespoke options for engineering businesses on our engineering business loans page: engineering business loans.

Free Eligibility Check — complete the short form (2 minutes) and we’ll match you to lenders/brokers who can help.

Typical application times & tips to speed approval

• Asset finance: often a few days to 2 weeks once quotes & ID are supplied.
• Invoice finance / factoring: days to 2 weeks for initial offers; onboarding can take slightly longer for full set-up.
• Commercial mortgage: 4–12 weeks, depending on surveys and legal work.
• Contract finance: from a few days for straightforward contracts to several weeks for complex bonds/retentions.

Tips to speed things up: prepare ID and recent accounts in advance, provide clear asset photos and supplier quotes, respond quickly to queries, and ensure directors authorised to sign are available for consents.

Frequently asked questions

Get started — final note & legal

Get matched to lenders and brokers with experience in engineering finance. Complete our short enquiry for a free, no‑obligation eligibility check and receive tailored options — Start your free check now.

UK Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Any offers are made by lenders/brokers and subject to their credit, affordability and eligibility checks. Your enquiry is used only to match you with suitable partners and is not a formal application. We handle your data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms.

1. What documents do I need to apply for a business loan in the UK?
You should have company registration papers, 2–3 years’ statutory accounts (or recent management accounts), 3–6 months of business bank statements, signed contracts or supplier quotes, and photo ID for directors (plus asset valuations or sector certificates where relevant).

2. Will submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — the short enquiry is a non-binding eligibility check and won’t affect your credit score, although lenders may run checks later if you proceed to a formal application.

3. How long does it take to get a decision on asset finance, invoice finance or a commercial mortgage?
Typical times are a few days to 2 weeks for asset finance, days to 2 weeks for initial invoice finance offers (onboarding longer), and 4–12 weeks for commercial mortgages depending on surveys and legal work.

4. Can start-ups or businesses with bad credit get a business loan?
Yes — specialist lenders and brokers handle start-ups and imperfect credit profiles, and UK Business Loans can match you to partners experienced with those cases if you disclose issues upfront.

5. Do lenders usually require a personal guarantee for business finance?
Some lenders, particularly for smaller or higher‑risk firms, may ask for director personal guarantees, but we can match you with providers that are more flexible on guarantees.

6. What loan sizes and finance types can UK Business Loans help arrange?
We connect businesses to lenders offering finance from around £10,000 up to multi‑million deals across asset finance, invoice finance, working capital, commercial property, vehicle finance and more.

7. What types of documents are specific to asset finance and invoice finance applications?
Asset finance typically needs supplier invoices, asset specs and photos, while invoice finance requires an aged debtor ledger, sample invoices, proof of delivery and credit control procedures.

8. How does UK Business Loans match my business to the right lenders and brokers?
We use your short enquiry details (sector, finance type, turnover, credit background and key documents) to instantly match you with regulated lenders and brokers who specialise in your needs.

9. What can I do to speed up my business loan application and get better terms?
Prepare up‑to‑date accounts and bank statements, clear asset photos and supplier quotes, a cashflow forecast, authorised director ID and respond promptly to lender queries to accelerate offers and improve terms.

10. Is there a fee to use UK Business Loans and am I obliged to accept any offer?
No — our matching service and eligibility check are free, you’re under no obligation to accept any offers, and we do not provide regulated financial advice or lend directly.