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We will advise which options could be suitable for your business
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We'll present any offers available for your business. You choose the one that best suits your business.
Import finance is a tailored funding solution designed to help businesses purchase goods and raw materials from overseas suppliers. It bridges the financial gap between paying international suppliers upfront and receiving revenue once the goods are sold domestically, ensuring smoother supply chain operations without putting pressure on working capital.
Common types include import loans, invoice financing, letters of credit, and trust receipt financing. These may be structured as short-term loans, revolving facilities, or trade credit lines. Some providers also combine currency hedging services to protect against foreign exchange risk.
Cash flow gaps, purchasing stock, funding expansion, managing seasonal fluctuations, supporting international trade, or other.
Each type of business funding works differently and comes with its benefits.
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Import finance allows businesses to pay overseas suppliers promptly while maintaining healthy cash flow. It reduces the risk of strained supplier relationships, helps secure favourable trading terms, and can mitigate currency volatility. By improving liquidity, it enables companies to scale imports without the need for large upfront reserves.
Typically used by wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, and distributors who rely on overseas suppliers for stock, raw materials, or components. Common scenarios include buying in bulk from Asia, sourcing seasonal goods, or managing extended shipping times without tying up capital.
Interest rates and fees vary depending on risk, supplier country, and trade terms. Lenders will assess the importer’s creditworthiness and supplier reliability. Currency exchange movements can significantly affect costs, so many firms combine import finance with hedging instruments.
Unlikely, lenders usually require at least 12 moths trading history with the company's accounts filed in Companies House.
In many cases, payments can be made directly to suppliers within days of approval.
Often a personal guarantee or debenture, though some lenders secure against goods in transit or invoices.
Yes, many facilities include logistics and duty costs as part of the loan.
Not automatically, but some lenders bundle FX hedging services.