Spot Invoice Finance UK – Flexible One-Off Invoice Factoring for SMEs

Cash flow problems don’t always happen every month. For many UK small businesses, freelancers, and contractors, the issue arises only occasionally — perhaps after landing a big client, completing a one-off project, or waiting on a slow-paying customer.

Spot invoice finance (also known as single invoice factoring) is designed exactly for these situations. It’s a flexible funding option that lets you release cash from just one invoice without committing to a long-term factoring contract.

What Is Spot Invoice Finance?

Spot invoice finance allows you to raise funds against a single unpaid invoice, rather than factoring your entire sales ledger.

Here’s how it works:

You issue your invoice to your customer.
A finance provider advances you up to 80–90% of its value.
Your customer pays the provider directly.
You receive the remaining balance, minus fees.

Who Is It For?

Spot invoice factoring is ideal for:

Small businesses with occasional cash flow gaps
Contractors or freelancers working on one-off projects
Seasonal businesses with fluctuating income
Start-ups not ready for a full factoring facility or invoice factoring in the UK

Advantages of Single Invoice Factoring

Flexibility – Use it only when you need it.
Fast Funding – Often within 24–48 hours.
No Long Contracts – Perfect for ad-hoc needs.
Improved Cash Flow – Smooth out short-term gaps.

Things to Consider

Cost per invoice is usually higher than ongoing factoring or invoice discounting

Providers may have a minimum invoice value (often £1,000–£5,000)

Not all industries are accepted — creditworthiness of your customer matters

Example Scenarios

A graphic design agency completes a £12,000 project for a corporate client but must wait 60 days for payment.
A manufacturing start-up wins a big order but needs funds to buy raw materials.
A haulage company takes on an occasional delivery contract outside its normal volume.
A recruitment company who needed a very short term cash injection.

In each case, spot invoice finance can free up cash immediately without locking them into long-term commitments.

Spot Invoice Finance FAQs

Is spot invoice finance available to start-ups?

Yes — as long as your invoice is to another business (B2B) and your customer has good credit, many providers will consider start-ups.

How fast can I get the money?

Many spot factoring providers can release funds within 24–48 hours after approval.

Do I need to factor all my invoices?

No — you choose which invoice(s) to fund, making it flexible and commitment-free.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary by provider, but expect fees between 2–5% of the invoice value for one-off transactions.

How We Can Help

As an independent UK factoring broker, we can compare the whole market to find the most competitive spot invoice finance for your needs. Whether you need to fund one invoice or many, we’ll match you with providers who work in your sector and offer competitive rates.

Get your free quote today, just fill in the form below — no obligation, no hidden fees.

Request a Spot Invoice Finance Quote »