Complete Guide to PO & Contract Financing for UK Engineers
Direct answer (30–60 words)
Purchase order (PO) or contract finance gives engineering firms short‑term cash to buy materials, mobilise labour or pay subcontractors by advancing funds against a signed PO or contract. Lenders pay suppliers or advance the contractor and are repaid from staged progress claims, invoice receipts or final contract payments.
How it works — key steps
- Client issues a PO or signs a contract.
- Contractor submits the PO/contract, supplier quotes and project cashflow to a specialist funder or broker.
- Funder checks the end‑client credit, supplier terms and project schedule.
- If approved, the funder pays suppliers directly or advances cash to the contractor.
- Contractor completes work and raises progress invoices; the funder is repaid from those payments (sometimes with retention reserves).
Who it suits and typical needs
- Suitable for SMEs and larger contractors on projects from c. £10,000 upwards.
- Works best with clear staged invoicing, predictable progress payments and creditworthy end clients.
Typical requirements, costs & risks (summary)
- Common documents: signed PO/contract, supplier quotes, management accounts, bank statements and a project cashflow.
- Costs: interest/discount rates, arrangement fees and possible supplier payment fees or retention holdbacks.
- Risks: client non‑payment, scope changes, early termination and security requirements (charges or reserves).
How UK Business Loans helps
UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend. Complete a short, free eligibility check and we’ll match your project to specialist lenders and brokers who handle PO/contract finance: https://ukbusinessloans.co/get-quote/
Author & review
UK Business Loans Content Team. Reviewed by a senior broker partner experienced in construction & engineering finance. Last updated: 30 October 2025.
