In 2024, businesses persist in facing a myriad of obstacles, ranging from swift expansion to financial turmoil, all centred around the imperative of obtaining effective working capital solutions. Working capital needs vary among businesses, and while commercial overdrafts are a common option, they come with limitations and may require collateral. Exploring alternative funding avenues without the need for collateral is imperative.
The concept of “working capital” frequently arises in discussions about the challenges businesses encounter. However, it’s essential to recognize that not all businesses have identical working capital needs. Let me elaborate on various options available in the market and how they can genuinely enhance a business’s operations:
Commercial Overdraft
This is the conventional and widely used method for companies to secure cash for various purposes. Although it serves as a valuable resource for many businesses, it does have its constraints and accessibility issues. While unsecured funding alternatives are easily accessible, the restrictions on funding ceilings can render the product inconsequential at times. Higher limits or low financial performance indicators may necessitate additional collateral security, such as equity in real estate properties.
So what are some of the other options apart from the most traditional form of funding and also avoid the need for collateral security………
Invoice or receivables finance
Invoice or receivables finance is a highly efficient and straightforward solution tailored for businesses engaged in B2B sales. Typically, these transactions involve selling products or services to other businesses with agreed trading terms starting from the delivery date. As a result, the selling business accumulates an accounts receivable ledger, comprised of outstanding invoices. This ledger serves as collateral, enabling businesses to access funds and optimize their working capital. Here’s how it works: A financier provides an advance to the company on the same day an invoice is issued and the goods or services are delivered. This approach contrasts with the traditional waiting period of 30 to 120 days for payment. By advancing funds immediately, the financier accelerates cash flow, allowing businesses to operate more fluidly while awaiting payment from their debtors within standard terms. In upcoming posts, we’ll delve deeper into the advantages of this product and explore the industries that commonly utilize these facilities. Stay tuned for more insights in the following week
Trade / Stock Finance
presents an incredible solution for businesses grappling with high stock levels or facing extended overseas delivery times. These financial solutions aid companies in procuring finished products or raw materials from both local and international suppliers, whilst securing repayment terms of up to 120 days from the financier. Such offerings not only facilitate access to growth avenues and suppliers but also bolster profit margins. Further details on the benefits of trade and stock funding will be elucidated in a subsequent post dedicated to this topic
Business Loans
offer prompt financial support to businesses, featuring structured repayment schedules over a specified duration. This funding option is rapid, streamlined, and can bridge financial gaps while seeking a comprehensive solution. Typically utilized for one-time or occasional working capital shortages, these loans may not be suitable for continual working capital needs. They predominantly rely on past trading data for assessment and may not account for rapid growth or forthcoming business prospects.
Our primary objective is to deeply comprehend our clients’ businesses, enabling us to pinpoint the most suitable products for their operations. This approach not only eases cash flow strain but also rectifies access to long-term ‘working capital’ funding lines for companies. Leveraging our extensive expertise, we’ve successfully facilitated various working capital lines, multiple business acquisitions, navigated companies through voluntary administration via deeds of company arrangement, and secured additional operating assets for business expansion and enhancement in the past 12 months. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, our aim is to ensure our clients thrive and benefit from our support and funding channels, enabling us to negotiate on their behalf. Stay tuned for upcoming posts in the following week or weeks, where we’ll delve into product knowledge and transaction insights, detailing how and why we structured funding to achieve favourable outcomes for our clients.