Trade Finance offers businesses the financial support needed to purchase stock or inventory and fulfil orders, both domestically and internationally. It helps bridge the gap between buyers and suppliers by managing risk, improving cash flow, and ensuring secure, efficient transactions—without waiting for lengthy customer payment terms to be settled.
Trade finance is typically available to UK-registered businesses engaged in domestic or international trade, especially importers or exporters. Lenders assess your trading history, turnover, and supplier/buyer relationships. You may also need confirmed purchase orders or sales contracts.
Trade finance facilities usually start from £10,000 and can scale up to £5 million or more, depending on deal size, trading volume, and credit strength. The funding is often tailored to the value of your purchase orders, invoices, or contracts.
Once your facility is approved and the documentation is in place, trade finance can be arranged in a few working days. For repeat transactions or trusted trade partners, the process becomes even faster and more streamlined.
Trade finance is used to pay suppliers before you receive goods or payment from buyers, making it perfect for managing cash flow in supply chains. It’s often used to fund imports, cover VAT/customs costs, or support large purchase orders without upfront capital.
Costs typically include a facility fee and interest (or a discount rate) on funds advanced, often ranging from 1.5% to 4% per 30 days, depending on the risk, deal size, and trade cycle. Terms are flexible and usually align with your transaction timeline (30 – 120 days common).
Complete our quick online form with a few details about your business and what you need funding for. No commitment, no jargon.
A dedicated finance expert will get in touch to understand your needs and tailor options that work for your business.
We’ll match you with trusted lenders from our panel, offering competitive rates and flexible terms suited to your sector.
Review your finance offers with full transparency. We’ll guide you through the details so you can make a confident decision.
Once approved, your funds are released quickly — often within 24–48 hours — so you can get back to growing your business.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Technology & Telecommunications
Manufacturing & Industry
Transportation & Logistics
The timeframe will rely on the type of product and complexity of the transaction. Typically, it can be arranged within a few days.
Yes, it strengthens your purchasing power by guaranteeing payment to suppliers, usually allowing better terms or even purchasing discounts as the payment to the supplier is set upfront.
Any business engaged in trading goods or services, including importers, exporters, wholesalers, and manufacturers, can apply for trade finance.
Contact our team and our debt specialists will be happy to address any questions you might have. The team will also provide full support and guide you every step of the way in setting a trade facility, should your business be eligible for one.
There are many benefits to trade finance, it provides a better negotiation position with your suppliers / clients, reduces risks, improved the business cashflow, makes it easier for the business to expand.
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"Trade finance bridges the funding gap for businesses purchasing goods, typically allowing up to 120 days for repayment. This is crucial for importers dealing with upfront supplier payments and long delivery times, helping them manage working capital and maintain supply chain efficiency."
