Alternative financing is a tailored approach to business finance where solutions are designed around the specific challenges and goals of your company. Instead of a rigid, one-size-fits-all loan, providers like eCapital build flexible facilities that match cash flow needs, customer payment terms, and growth plans.

Through a mix of invoice finance, selective invoice finance, bad debt protection, cash flow financing and more, eCapital creates bespoke packages that help UK SMEs unlock working capital, safeguard against late or non-payment, and fund domestic or international trade. The result is faster access to working capital and greater financial confidence, enabling businesses to manage day-to-day operations while pursuing long-term growth.

Traditional lending from banks often involves fixed loans or overdrafts with rigid terms, lengthy approvals, and collateral requirements that many SMEs find difficult to meet. These facilities rarely adapt to the realities of cash flow gaps, extended payment terms, or sector-specific risks.

Alternative financing from eCapital is different. It’s built around your business model and growth plans, using flexible tools such as invoice finance, selective invoice finance, bad debt protection, and invoice discounting. Instead of waiting weeks for bank approvals, businesses can quickly unlock cash tied up in invoices, protect themselves against non-payment, or secure funding for domestic and international trade.

The key difference: alternative lending adapts to the business, while traditional lending expects the business to adapt to the lender.

Alternative financing is designed for SMEs that need flexible working capital solutions to manage cash flow, protect against risk, and fuel growth. In the UK, the businesses that benefit most include:

• Transport & Logistics companies – to bridge gaps caused by long customer payment terms and keep fleets moving.

• Staffing & Recruitment agencies – to cover payroll commitments while waiting for client invoices to clear.

• Manufacturers & Wholesalers – to fund production cycles, purchase materials, and secure trade deals.

• Service providers & SMEs across sectors – to unlock cash tied up in receivables and protect against late or non-payment.

Whether it’s covering day-to-day operations or seizing new opportunities, alternative finance gives businesses the flexibility and financial strength to grow with confidence.

Not at all. Bespoke funding is designed for a wide range of companies, from start-ups to established SMEs, and it isn’t limited to those with poor credit. While it can help firms that may find it difficult to secure a bank loan, many strong, growing businesses use it to unlock liquidity, manage payment cycles, and take advantage of new opportunities.

Unlike traditional finance, which often judges businesses solely on credit history and collateral, bespoke funding considers the overall strength of the business — its contracts, customers, and growth potential. This makes it a smart option for companies that want a more flexible, responsive way to access working capital.

Choosing the right type of bespoke funding starts with understanding your business’s cash flow patterns, sector pressures, and growth goals. For example, companies with long customer payment terms may need a solution that improves day-to-day liquidity, while firms expanding into new markets might prioritise access to trade finance. Businesses concerned about late or non-payment could benefit more from protection tools that safeguard cash flow.

The best way to identify the right fit is to work with a funding partner who takes the time to understand your operations. At eCapital, specialists review your industry, customer base, and financial needs to recommend a facility that adapts to your business rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all product. This tailored approach ensures you access funding that not only solves immediate challenges but also supports long-term growth.