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International Stock Funding for Growing Fashion Business

Background

A clothing wholesale company was referred to Spark through one of our valued partners under our White Label debt services. The business was in urgent need of working capital to purchase stock in advance from overseas factories, which required 60-day lead times.

Due to a trading loss in their previous accounts and recent director changes, their existing trade finance provider had withdrawn support. Though the business had since stabilised its internal operations, it still faced barriers accessing new finance, especially as the directors were unwilling to offer personal guarantees.

They approached us seeking at least a £350,000 facility to meet their upcoming seasonal purchasing demands.

Our Approach

After assessing the company’s trading history, projected stock cycles, and recovery strategy, Spark engaged with a number of potential lenders.

Two offers emerged:

  • An unsecured facility of £250,000, falling short of the target
  • A £600,000 facility requiring a debenture (charge on the business assets), offering far greater headroom

After thorough discussions and documentation with the second lender, a revised and final offer came in for £700,000, exceeding expectations and providing the company with substantial runway to meet international supplier timelines.

Outcome

With Spark's guidance and structuring, the clothing wholesaler secured a £700,000 facility to support forward stock purchasing and strengthen supplier relationships overseas. The finance was approved and drawn down without the need for personal guarantees, and in time to meet seasonal stock demands.

This case highlights Spark’s ability to structure flexible, creative solutions, balancing risk, speed, and business needs, even in challenging circumstances.

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Need Working Capital for Overseas Stock or Seasonal Growth?

If your business needs to fund large stock purchases from overseas suppliers or manage extended production lead times, Trade Finance could be the ideal solution. Spark specialises in structuring flexible funding for businesses navigating supply chain demands, even in complex or high-risk scenarios.

We offer tailored solutions including Trade Finance, stock finance, and unsecured lending, helping businesses move forward with confidence, even when other lenders step away.

What is Trade Finance?

Trade Finance is a funding solution designed to support the purchase of goods from domestic or international suppliers. It bridges the gap between placing an order and receiving payment from your customer, ensuring you can meet supplier terms without tying up your working capital. Trade Finance is especially valuable when:

  • Suppliers require upfront payment or long production lead times
  • Goods are being imported from overseas
  • Businesses are experiencing rapid growth and need to scale up stock ahead of demand

Spark works with a wide network of lenders to structure Trade Finance facilities suited to your supply chain and cash flow cycle—so you can focus on growth, not delays.

Contact us to find out more.

Jamie Davies
Managing Director

As a founder of multiple businesses, Jamie believes that mindset, discipline and ambition are key drivers for success, both for his businesses and for his clients. 

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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).