In an industry where safety and compliance are non-negotiable, Materials Testing Group is leading the way in evaluating and testing structural materials such as asphalt, concrete and aggregates to determine their properties, performance and safety. Specialising in quality verification, it ensures the materials are fit for purpose, durable, and compliant with building codes, which helps prevent safety breaches, costly rework, and future structural failures.
From site survey testing to laboratory analysis, the company works across the full life cycle of construction material assessment. Whether it’s a new road or confirming compliance when constructing premier league football stadiums, the team from the Materials Testing Group ensures what has been produced meets exacting standards — verified, tested, and compliant.
Since being acquired in 2022, the Materials Testing Group has undergone a quiet transformation. With a strong focus on operational rigour, the business has carved out a reputation for reliability, precision, and speed.
Finance Director Neil Harvey, says that while the industry has always existed, the “demand for validation and compliance is increasing. There’s more pressure than ever to prove that what is being built is up to specifications.”
But rapid growth and rising demand have introduced new financial pressures — leading Materials Testing Group to seek invoice finance through Optimum Finance to maintain momentum without compromising on quality or control.
In a sector often viewed as slow-moving, Materials Testing Group has taken a distinctly modern approach. One of its standout innovations is a bespoke app which is not only used by field technicians to record data in real time, but has the ability to automate various testing processes to produce more detailed results and information. The app captures everything from material mix parameters, automated laying records and including all aspects of calibrations data in one key location, helping the Company deliver instant insights to clients in a timely manner.
“Paperwork used to be a massive time sink,” Callum Oxley, the Managing Director explains. “Now, our technicians use tablets on site, and everything is populated automatically. The app has cut admin significantly, and clients love how fast we can respond. This kind of efficiency has become a defining feature of Materials Testing Group offering and a key differentiator in a competitive marketplace.”
With demand rising and new projects on the horizon, Materials Testing Group is preparing for its next phase of expansion. The business is due to move into new premises in January (2026), and this is a huge milestone that reflects its growth ambitions!
“Our focus is making sure we grow in a way that’s smart and sustainable,” says Neil, the Financial Director. “That means having the right number of people, the right skills, the right equipment, and the right financial backing.”
This commitment to balance - between growth and resource planning - is central to the Company’s long-term vision. But like many SMEs, scaling up comes with challenges, particularly around working capital.
As Materials Testing Group looked to fund expansion, it became clear that traditional banking options weren’t going to offer the flexibility they needed, particularly when dealing with clients who require longer payment terms than are typical. That’s when the team discovered Optimum Finance.
“With Optimum, our growth is not restricted like it would be with typical overdrafts,” Neil explains. “Instead, we gain early access to cash as soon as we invoice, and that cash availability grows with us as our revenue increases.”
Invoice finance has given Materials Testing Group the capability to invest in new equipment, hire more staff, and manage supplier relationships without cash flow bottlenecks. Most importantly, it’s removed the stress of constantly juggling payments and chasing cash.
“It’s about peace of mind more than anything else,” adds Callum. “When you know the money is available when you need it, you can focus on running the business, not firefighting financial issues every day.”
For Materials Testing Group, the relationship with Optimum Finance has gone far beyond the transactional.
“What really stood out was how personal they are,” says Neil. “They’re professional, responsive, and they actually care. Their words and actions line up… and that’s a huge differentiator in this space!”
With regular communication and ongoing support, Optimum has become a trusted partner and is one that understands the nuances of Materials Testing Group’s industry and business model.
Despite the benefits, Neil believes there’s still a stigma around invoice financing in the wider SME community, saying: “There’s still some misconceptions around invoice finance, but the truth is, it is just a tool, and it’s worked well for us. It gives you the ability to grow in a measured, manageable way. Why wouldn’t you want access to your money sooner?”.
For Materials Testing Group, the strategic benefits go beyond smoothing out short-term gaps. Invoice finance has become a lever for long-term planning, enabling the business to invest in the future while staying in control of the present.
“Business is essentially risk management,” Callum explains. “The quicker you can convert your assets into cash the better your chances of success. And that’s what Optimum’s invoice finance facility allows us to do — move quickly, strategically, and with confidence.”
Materials Testing Group have experienced valuable lessons for other growing businesses navigating the tension between opportunity and cash availability.
“The ability to grow is directly linked to your access to working capital,” Callum says. “You need cash to pay deposits on equipment, invest in training, and hire the right people. Without access to funding, you’re always on the back foot.”
Their advice to other businesses? “Do not just react to cash flow issues: plan for them. Tools like invoice finance do not just plug gaps, they give you the freedom to lead, think ahead, and build something sustainable.”
As Materials Testing Group prepares to move into its new premises and expand operations, Optimum’s invoice finance facility remains a critical enabler; powering growth from the ground up.