Trade Finance

Power international transactions for wholesale, distributions & importing / exporting

Estimated time to read page: 3min | Written - January 2025. Reviewed quarterly.

"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." - Jamie Davies, Head of Lending

What is trade finance?

Trade Finance provides businesses with financial tools and support to facilitate domestic and international trade, allowing businesses to purchase stock or inventory to fulfil an order.

It bridges the gap between suppliers and buyers, ensuring transactions are completed securely and efficiently while managing risks and cash flow, without having to wait out lengthy payment terms on current owed credit.

Power your international and domestic trade with a facility, guaranteeing smooth transactions and unlocking cashflow.

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Industries

The industries that typically apply for asset finance are:

Agriculture and
Natural Resources

Services

Technology and
Telecommunications

Manufacturing
and Industry

Transportation
and Logistics

Use cases

Trade Finance ensures that businesses can purchase goods or raw materials, secure payments, and mitigate risks associated with global trade. It’s ideal for companies managing long trade cycles or needing guarantees to secure suppliers.

Eligibility

The specific eligibility criteria will vary by lender, as a rule of thumb, most lenders require:

Trading relationship

The business has to have at least 12 months of trading history with the client

Turnover

Most lenders want to see a minimum turnover of £100K

Requirement Size

Most lenders will require a minimum trading amount of £100K

The type of product involved in the transactions will also affect the number of providers available and their pricing.

Documentation required

Lenders may request specific documentation throughout the process; however, the usual basic information required will include the last six months of bank statements, the most recent filed accounts (if applicable), supplier details, purchase orders or trade agreements, and basic details about the director and the business.  
Our team will request this information through our secure technological platform, allowing for a safe and efficient upload of all documents.

Benefits of working with Spark

On top of that, we provide advice and support through the entire process. Arranging a finance facility can take time. We assist you in cutting through the unnecessary and focusing only on what needs to be done.

We make it easier for you to raise commercial finance for your project or business.  As we're not tied to specific commercial finance lenders, our concern is what's best for you.

By combining years of expertise with our in-house intelligent lending technology, we are able to quickly match your business to the best product and the right lender for your circumstances, even if you have struggled in the past, in a simple and straightforward way.

Ready to boost your business?

Thank you! Our team will contact you shortly.
Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please contact the team directly via info@sparkfinance.co.uk or call us at 020 3982 4179

Trade Finance FAQs

How quickly can Trade Finance be arranged?
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The timeframe will rely on the type of product and complexity of the transaction. Typically, it can be arranged within a few days.

Can Trade Finance help with supplier negotiations?
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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.

Who can apply for Trade Finance?
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Any business engaged in trading goods or services, including importers, exporters, wholesalers, and manufacturers, can apply for trade finance.

How can I leanr more about trade finance?
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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.

What are the main benefits of trade finance?
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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.

Disclaimer: Spark Finance Ltd (Registered office - 18 John Stow House, London, England, EC3A 7JB, Registered Number 10128297) helps UK firms access business finance. Spark is a credit broker, not a lender. Any quotes provided are for information purposes only and subject to status and separate lender terms and conditions. Applicants must be aged 18 and over.  Guarantees and Indemnities may be required.  Spark Finance may receive commission from lenders  which may vary depending on the lender, product, or other permissible factors. The nature of any commission model will be confirmed to you before you proceed.

Spark Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK (FRN 958123).