Trade Finance

Funding to support the purchase of stock, fulfil large orders and manage supplier payments to facilitate international trade. We help established businesses access flexible trade finance facilities from a panel of lenders.

Check Your Funding Options

What is Trade Finance?

Trade finance is a broad term used to describe the funding and risk-mitigation solutions that support domestic and international trade. It helps businesses manage the cash-flow gap between paying suppliers and receiving payment from customers. Rather than using traditional long-term loans, trade finance provides short-term, transaction-based funding that moves in line with a company’s trading cycle.

For importers, trade finance can provide the working capital needed to purchase goods, often allowing payment to suppliers before stock is received and sold. For exporters, it can provide payment security and early access to funds tied up in invoices, helping them fulfil larger orders and trade with confidence. By reducing risk for all parties and improving liquidity, trade finance enables businesses to grow, strengthen supply chains and take advantage of new opportunities without placing undue pressure on cash flow.

Trade finance is commonly used by:

Manufacturers
Wholesalers and distributors
Importers and exporters
Ecommerce businesses
Retailers managing stock cycles

When Should You Use Trade Finance?

Businesses typically consider trade finance when:

Exporting goods to overseas customers
Importing goods from overseas suppliers

Trade finance helps businesses grow without restricting cashflow.

Types of Trade Finance Available

Purchase Order Finance
Funding to pay suppliers to fulfil confirmed customer orders.

Import & Export Finance
Facilities supporting international trade and supplier payments.

Supplier Finance
Funding to pay suppliers earlier while maintaining cashflow.

Stock Finance
Funding secured against inventory.

Funding Amounts & Terms

Trade finance facilities typically range from £250,000 to £10m+, depending on turnover, supplier relationships and transaction size.

We most commonly support businesses seeking £500k+ facilities, particularly those experiencing rapid growth or managing large stock purchases.

How Quickly Can Funding Be Arranged?

Completion timelines vary depending on complexity and international trade requirements, typically ranging from 1–4 weeks.

How the Process Works

Understand trading cycle and funding requirement
Match your business with suitable lenders
Review supplier and customer arrangements
Complete due diligence and onboarding
Funding released to support trading activity

Invoice Finance FAQs

Yes. Most facilities are designed to support international trade.

Some facilities require confirmed orders, while others are based on stock or trading history.

Yes. It is commonly used by businesses experiencing rapid growth.

Yes it can. However this will depend upon the exact structure. Speak to us for more information.