A Queensland-based construction and maintenance business was gaining serious momentum. Operating around the clock, the firm had built a strong reputation in the region and was steadily taking on more projects – but cash flow was holding it back from pursuing bigger, better opportunities.
Taking on more projects required making big investments upfront – more staff and more equipment – but delayed payments and withheld retentions were putting pressure on the firm’s ability to scale at the speed it wanted to.
That’s when they turned to a commercial finance broker, looking for a finance solution that could help them smooth out their cash flow and support their growth goals. Octet provided the financial headroom they needed to grow with tailored trade finance.
A scaling business facing a cash flow crunch
Founded just five years ago, this privately owned construction and maintenance firm has quickly earned a strong reputation across Queensland – both for its innovative approach to work and their commitment to safety and sustainability.
The business delivers a diverse range of 24/7 maintenance services and construction work – including asset upkeep, fencing, waste removal, earthworks, ground engineering, and plant hire. The company’s long-term vision is to expand its service offering even further, as well as adopting new technology, exploring opportunities for strategic partnerships, and expanding beyond Queensland.
With demand for infrastructure increasing, those ambitions were well within reach – but cash flow was holding them back, as they grappled with delayed payments and withheld retentions.
It’s a challenge familiar to many businesses in the construction and maintenance industry: They were delivering the work now, but full payment wouldn’t arrive until months later – while labour, materials, and equipment costs still had to be paid in the interim. Add to that the cash flow demands of an ever-growing business, and the business was facing a serious liquidity crunch.
“Retention delays and high upfront costs were eating into our ability to scale,” says the Managing Director. “We were at a point where the opportunities that were coming through were really exciting, but the cash flow gaps were holding us back.”
A finance solution designed for long-term growth
The business approached a commercial finance broker to explore options that could help it smooth out its lumpy cashflow and power its growth ambitions. Recognising the need for a dynamic working capital solution, the broker introduced the firm to Octet.
Octet’s Director Working Capital Finance – QLD, Allan Howe, took the time to understand the business’s cash flow cycles, operational model and growth ambitions. “Allan didn’t just look at cash flow forecasts – he got under the hood, to understand the day-to-day operations and our longer-term objectives. That’s what sets Octet apart from other lenders,” said the MD.
Allan structured a tailored $500,000 Trade Finance facility that was the right fit for this firm. “This wasn’t just about short-term cash relief,” he said. “They needed a flexible facility to help them scale sustainably.”
Octet’s Trade Finance solution provided the business with a revolving line of credit that would help it bridge cash flow gaps and fund supplier payments upfront, with repayment terms of up to 120 days. The business gained immediate access to working capital tied up in delayed payments and withheld retentions.
Along with the trade finance, the firm also has the option to unlock additional working capital by activating an Octet Term Loan, providing it with extra support as it scales.
Driving stronger performance across every part of the business
With Octet’s Trade Finance facility in place, the business has gained the financial confidence to scale, with the ability to invest in staff, equipment, and expand its day-to-day operational services. This has also enabled it to secure larger contracts, accelerate project delivery, and pursue interstate projects.
“We’ve now been able to grow without the usual financial pressure,” says the MD. “There’s no second-guessing – we can commit to bigger projects and new markets knowing we’ve got the capital behind us to support it.”
Crucially, Octet’s solution has also helped the business strengthen relationships across the supply chain. With supplier payments processed upfront, the business has secured priority access to key materials, giving them a competitive edge.
“Supplier relationships are critical in their industry,” Allan explained. “Stronger relationships with their suppliers in turn puts them in a stronger position when they tender for jobs.
The right solution at the right time
The impact of Octet’s funding has been transformational for the business, says the MD. “We’re in a much better position than we were before Octet. We can take on the opportunities we want and invest in growth without being constrained by cash flow.”
“The beauty of our working capital solutions is that it’s tailored for the business,” says Allan. “It’s designed to work with unique cash flow cycles. It’s about giving growing businesses the financial flexibility they need to scale without compromising their operations.”
Power your construction firm’s growth with Octet
In the construction industry, delayed payments, withheld retentions, and heavy upfront costs that can hold even the strongest businesses back from reaching their full potential.
Octet’s working capital finance solutions help businesses overcome those challenges, unlocking the working capital you need to grow your construction business.
Whether you’re scaling into new regions, investing in equipment or simply bridging the gap between project costs and client payments, Octet’s team can design a facility that grows with you.
Talk to our working capital specialists today and take the next step toward sustainable growth.
Disclaimer: These comments are only our views and should not be construed as advice. You should act using your own information and judgment. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions and estimates constitute the author’s own judgment as at the date of publication and are subject to change without notice.
