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Ultimate Finance Review

Ultimate Finance is a UK specialist invoice finance and asset finance lender founded in 2005 and headquartered in Solihull. The company focuses exclusively on SME funding through two core products: flexible invoice finance (including factoring and discounting) and asset finance for equipment and vehicles. Ultimate Finance is particularly well known within the construction sector, where it has developed specialist expertise in funding contractors, subcontractors, and labour supply businesses that struggle with the long payment cycles common in the industry. The company operates on a relationship-led model with dedicated account managers and is backed by Shawbrook Bank.

Written by the Lendus editorial team. Last updated: April 2026.

200+ UK lenders
2-minute application
No credit check to apply
FCA-regulated brokers

Amount

£20k – £5M

Rates

0.8% – 2.5%

of invoice value per month (discount charge, plus service fee)

Speed

Facility setup 5–10 working days; initial funding within 24 hours of activation

Trustpilot

4.7/5

950 reviews

What is Ultimate Finance?

Ultimate Finance (Ultimate Finance Group Limited) is a UK-based business finance provider founded in 2005 and headquartered in Solihull. Ultimate Finance is a UK specialist invoice finance and asset finance lender founded in 2005 and headquartered in Solihull. The company focuses exclusively on SME funding through two core products: flexible invoice finance (including factoring and discounting) and asset finance for equipment and vehicles. Ultimate Finance is particularly well known within the construction sector, where it has developed specialist expertise in funding contractors, subcontractors, and labour supply businesses that struggle with the long payment cycles common in the industry. The company operates on a relationship-led model with dedicated account managers and is backed by Shawbrook Bank. They have lent £2.5 billion to date, helping 5,000+ UK businesses.

Founded 2005 Solihull Ultimate Finance Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA reference number 670406.

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Products offered

Invoice Finance Asset Finance

Rates and costs

Rate range
0.8% – 2.5% (of invoice value per month (discount charge, plus service fee))
Amount range
£20,000 – £5,000,000
Approval speed
Facility setup 5–10 working days; initial funding within 24 hours of activation

Representative example

Borrow £150,000 over 12 months (revolving facility). Total repayable: £172,000. Cost of credit: £22,000. Your rate depends on your circumstances.

Eligibility requirements

Minimum trading history
3+ months with invoice history preferred
Minimum turnover
£250,000 annual turnover for invoice finance; lower for asset finance
Credit requirements
Invoice finance decisions based primarily on debtor quality. Businesses with adverse credit can apply — strength of customer ledger is the key underwriting factor. Asset finance secured against the financed asset.

How to apply

1

Check eligibility through Lendus — answer a few questions about your business and funding needs (2 minutes)

2

We compare Ultimate Finance against 200+ other lenders to find the best match for your situation

3

Review your matched options — see rates, terms, and eligibility from multiple providers including Ultimate Finance

4

Choose the best offer and complete the application with your matched lender directly

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Pros and cons

Pros

  • Specialist in construction sector invoice finance — understands CIS, application-based invoicing, and retention
  • Excellent Trustpilot rating with nearly 1,000 reviews
  • Dedicated account managers — relationship-led service not call centre
  • Backed by Shawbrook Bank for financial stability
  • Flexible facility structures tailored to SME cash flow patterns

Cons

  • Narrower product range than full-service lenders — invoice finance and asset finance only
  • Minimum £250,000 turnover for invoice finance excludes very small businesses
  • Not suitable for B2C businesses or those without a commercial debtor book
  • Less well known than major players — fewer resources and broader market data

Is Ultimate Finance right for you?

Best for

SMEs in construction, labour supply, recruitment, manufacturing, and professional services that need specialist invoice finance with deep sector understanding and a dedicated relationship manager

Not ideal for

Retail or B2C businesses, startups without invoice history, very small businesses under £250,000 turnover, or those needing unsecured business loans

Ultimate Finance alternatives

If Ultimate Finance isn't the right fit, consider these alternatives:

Bibby Financial Services Close Brothers Nucleus Commercial Finance Fleximize

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Frequently asked questions about Ultimate Finance

Is Ultimate Finance legit?
Yes, Ultimate Finance Group Limited is a legitimate FCA-authorised lender (FCA reference 670406) founded in 2005 and backed by Shawbrook Bank. The company has provided invoice finance and asset finance to thousands of UK SMEs and holds an Excellent Trustpilot rating from nearly 1,000 verified reviews. You can confirm their regulatory status at register.fca.org.uk.
What are Ultimate Finance interest rates?
Ultimate Finance invoice finance pricing comprises a service fee (typically 0.5% to 2% of turnover) and a discount charge on funds advanced (typically 0.8% to 2.5% per month depending on risk). Total costs vary by facility size, debtor quality, and sector. Asset finance rates are priced separately based on asset type, term, and credit profile. A Lendus comparison will show you how Ultimate Finance pricing stacks up against other invoice finance providers for your specific situation.
Can I get Ultimate Finance funding with bad credit?
Ultimate Finance assesses invoice finance facilities primarily based on the creditworthiness of your customers rather than your own business credit history. This makes it accessible for businesses with adverse credit that sell on credit terms to creditworthy commercial customers. Construction businesses in particular often benefit from this approach, as the sector has complex payment dynamics. Asset finance applications will consider your business's credit profile alongside the security of the financed asset.
How much can I borrow from Ultimate Finance?
Ultimate Finance invoice finance facilities range from £20,000 to £5 million depending on your annual turnover and the size of your debtor book. Facilities are revolving — funds are available as you raise invoices and replenish as debtors pay. Asset finance facilities are sized against the value of the asset being financed. Most clients access facilities between £50,000 and £1 million.
Is Ultimate Finance FCA regulated?
Yes, Ultimate Finance Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FCA reference number 670406. The company also benefits from the financial backing of Shawbrook Bank, which is itself dual-regulated by the FCA and PRA. You can verify Ultimate Finance's regulatory status at register.fca.org.uk.
How fast does Ultimate Finance release funds?
Once an Ultimate Finance invoice finance facility is established (which typically takes 5 to 10 working days), funds are released within 24 hours of invoice submission — typically advancing 80% to 90% of the invoice value. The initial facility setup involves debtor credit checks and facility documentation. Once live, the funding process is designed to move as fast as your invoicing cycle.
Can I exit an Ultimate Finance facility early?
Ultimate Finance invoice finance facilities typically operate on a minimum 12-month contract with a 3-month notice period to exit. Early termination before the minimum term may incur a fee calculated on the remaining months. Asset finance agreements may allow early settlement with an associated early termination charge. Review your specific facility agreement or speak to your Ultimate Finance account manager for precise exit terms.
Ultimate Finance vs Bibby Financial Services — which is better for invoice finance?
Both Ultimate Finance and Bibby Financial Services are strong independent invoice finance providers, but they suit slightly different needs. Bibby Financial Services has a broader international footprint across 14 countries, making it better for businesses with cross-border trade finance needs. Ultimate Finance's strength lies in domestic UK invoice finance with deep sector expertise in construction and labour supply — and a relationship-led account management model that many clients value highly. If you operate in construction or labour supply, Ultimate Finance is often the stronger specialist choice.

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