As far as we are aware there are only two finance companies providing invoice finance to the construction industry. This is because construction tends to be very contractual and the majority of invoice discounting and factoring companies don’t understand it.
It goes without saying that the high street banks have a captive audience when it comes to providing business finance. Most businesses will turn to their business banker in times of need. Whether it is a bank overdraft commercial mortgage , equipment finance or invoice finance your friendly manager will be only too please to help. Remember though when it comes to the different forms of business finance for every high street bank offering finance their is an alternative independent company offering funding.
Invoice Finance can potentially provide so much more. As we know a factoring and invoice discounting facility will release up to 85% of a businesses unpaid invoices. In the very difficult period of obtaining cash flow from the banks it is important that a business obtains as much benefit from their invoice finance facility as possible. Obtaining stocking finance on the back of an invoice finance facility might provide your business with the additional working capital required to make the difference between success and failure. Not all stocking facilities are the same and XL Business finance has over 10 years experience in helping businesses find the right funding solutions.
According to a recent quarterly business index economic survey the general feeling amongst North West Businesses is that their is an air of optimism and enthusiasm about the future. However many of the businesses feel that trading conditions are worse than they were 12 months ago.
Still one of the biggest complaints we have from customers is the length of time it is taking their customers to pay. Fr0m the smallest of companies to the the biggest PLCs the word on the street is that businesses are taking longer to settle their debts. Debt turn is increasing causing further misery on already cash strapped businesses. The good news is that factoring with the right finance company will not only release up to 85% of your unpaid invoices it will also provide a credit control facility whereby the finance chase your debts on your behalf.
News on the high street today is that we are finally out of the recession. This is great news however don’t expect the banks to suddenly ease up on their underwriting criteria. We believe that it will be many months possibly years before the banks get back to where we were before all this kicked off.
One of the biggest issues facing small businesses in the current financial climate isthe lack of funding against certain customers. It is all well and good obtaining a factoring facility with a headline 95% prepayment if the finance company restricts funding against certain customers. Unfortunately many businesses will place that invoice finance with a factoring company promising the earth however if you are not careful you will end up with a finance company that potentially will not deliver.
Any business which operates in the construction industry or any business which invoices stage payments as part of a contract knows how difficult it is to obtain funding . Some banks maybe prepared to offer some form of overdraft however as soon as you mention contracts to most factoring and invoice discounting companies they will run a mile. The good news is that there two finance companies providing invoice finance against applications in the construction or any industry involved in stage payments. Depending on your own particular circumstances XL business finance will help you find the most appropriate invoice finance company.
There are so many invoice finance products and companies to choose from. A quick search on the internet will reveal hundreds of finance companies all offering similar products and services. Although invoice finance is mainly about getting cash against unpaid invoices there can be a big difference between the many different companies and how they deliver their product. To make sure you get the best factoring or invoice discounting facility for your business it is advisable that you speak with a specialist independent factoring and invoice discounting broker. A good one will know the market better than any accountant and going to your bank for financial advise will be like going to your butcher for open heart surgery.
It is now possible for certain new start businesses to offered full confidential invoice discounting. As we know confidential invoice discounting will release up to 85% of any unpaid invoices. As invoice finance can grow with the business it is much more preferable than any bank overdraft which tends to stay at a fixed level. In addition a bank overdraft is repayable at any time therefore invoice discounting provides a much safer option in terms of stability.
XL Business Finance Ltd is a privately owned and independent business financing company with established links to many of the UK's leading finance houses. XL Business Finance provides a viable alternative to high street banks that lack the flexibility and imagination to provide a solution to most business users requirements. XL Business Finance can provide a full range of business financing solutions and we ensure a high level of customer service and pride ourselves on quick decisions. Our independent status will ensure any offer of funding and asset finance leasing is best suited to our customer’s needs.
XL Business Finance, Eaton Place Business Centre, 114 Washway Road, Sale, Cheshire M33 7RF UK.
