Can I hold back a final supplier payment until commissioning is complete?

The practical answer

That depends on the sale contract and the lender’s agreed payment structure; it cannot be assumed after ordering.

If a retention is important, negotiate it with the supplier before committing and share the contract with the lender. Define the test, sign-off evidence, amount and deadline for release.

Check how it fits lender acceptance documents and when finance payments begin. The supplier’s terms and the finance agreement need to work together, rather than relying on an informal promise to fix problems later.

What should I do next?

Have the asset details, supplier information and an outline of what the business needs ready. DCF can then discuss the requirement and identify which lenders may be suitable.