CASH FLOW FINANCE
Unlock working capital from your projected cash flow
Flexible cash flow finance solutions to bridge funding gaps, support day-to-day operations, and keep your business moving—without the delays.
Flexible cash flow finance solutions to bridge funding gaps, support day-to-day operations, and keep your business moving—without the delays.
Designed for UK businesses managing irregular income and extended payment terms, our cash flow finance unlocks working capital to keep your operations running—no matter when your customers pay.
Receive funding quickly without waiting on long approval processes or customer payments—keeping your operations moving and growth plans on track.
Strengthen financial stability without taking on debt, ensuring consistent cash flow to support business needs.
Access working capital based on revenue projections, giving you the freedom to manage expenses, seize opportunities, and adapt to changing market conditions.
OVERVIEW
A mid-sized manufacturer of industrial components needed to upgrade aging machinery to meet growing customer demand and improve production efficiency.
CHALLENGE
The business was already operating at capacity and could not afford downtime. Traditional equipment loans were too slow, and internal cash flow couldn’t cover the full cost without risking operational stability.
SOLUTION
eCapital provided a £1 million invoice finance solution, leveraging the company’s receivables. The flexible funding allowed them to acquire new equipment without draining reserves, increasing output while maintaining day-to-day operations.
OVERVIEW
A UK-based home furnishing distributor experienced sharp seasonal peaks during spring and autumn, when large retail orders created sudden spikes in working capital requirements.
CHALLENGE
The company needed to purchase bulk inventory ahead of peak demand but faced extended payment terms from retailers, often stretching to 90 days. This created a serious liquidity gap that threatened their ability to fulfil orders on time. Traditional bank loans were either unavailable or inflexible, and missing delivery deadlines would have risked valuable retail contracts.
SOLUTION
eCapital provided a £1.5 million selective invoice finance facility. By unlocking cash tied up in receivables from their largest retail customers, the distributor secured the funds needed to purchase seasonal stock without delay. This allowed them to meet demand, strengthen relationships with key buyers, and maintain a healthy cash position throughout the off-season.
OVERVIEW
A logistics company serving the automotive sector was facing financial distress after several large customers delayed payments, putting payroll and supplier commitments at risk.
CHALLENGE
The business needed immediate liquidity to stabilise operations and reassure staff and suppliers, but banks were unwilling to extend further credit due to the company’s strained balance sheet. Without quick action, the business risked insolvency.
SOLUTION
eCapital provided a £2 million invoice finance facility, advancing funds against outstanding invoices within a few days. By taking over debtor collections, eCapital also relieved internal pressure and streamlined cash flow management. The funding stabilised the company, allowing it to meet payroll, maintain supplier relationships, and execute a restructuring plan that positioned the business for recovery.
Clients choose eCapital when they need an engaged, solutions-oriented, long-term funding partner with proven capacity, creativity, and continuity. Our expertise is customisation, every stage of a business journey, employing meticulous, hands-on strategies.
Our tight-knit group of financing experts are agile and client-centric, yet backed by extensive resources with the scale to conquer any challenge. This means we are going to be a better funding partner bringing capabilities and passion—as patient, flexible problem-solvers—other providers simply do not have. Our track record speaks for itself.
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Cash flow finance is a form of business funding that allows companies to unlock the value tied up in their accounts receivable. Instead of waiting 30, 60, or even 90+ days for customers to pay invoices, businesses can access a large percentage of the invoice value almost immediately through a specialist lender such as eCapital. This injection of working capital helps companies maintain steady cash flow, pay suppliers on time, meet payroll, and invest in growth opportunities.
In practice, the process is straightforward. Once you issue an invoice to your customer, you send a copy to the finance provider. The lender advances you up to 90% of the invoice value, usually within 24 hours. When your customer eventually pays, the lender deducts their agreed service fee and releases the balance to you. The result is consistent, predictable cash flow, without taking on new debt or diluting equity.
In the UK, cash flow finance comes in several variations, including invoice finance, invoice discounting, selective invoice finance, and arrangements with bad debt protection. This gives businesses flexibility to choose the level of service and control that best suits their needs—whether they prefer the lender to manage collections or to keep that function in-house.
For SMEs, cash flow finance can be transformative. It bridges liquidity gaps created by extended payment terms, seasonal trading patterns, or unexpected expenses. It also provides the agility to respond quickly to market opportunities, such as large orders or expansion plans. In essence, it smooths the peaks and troughs of cash inflows, enabling more stable financial management and strategic planning.
Cash flow finance is ideal for UK businesses that trade on credit terms with other businesses, particularly those experiencing cash flow gaps caused by delayed customer payments. It’s especially useful for sectors such as transport and logistics, staffing, manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution—industries where invoices often have long payment cycles, but operating costs must be met daily or weekly.
Start-ups and SMEs benefit significantly because they often lack the financial reserves of larger companies and face greater challenges securing bank loans. Fast-growing companies also find it advantageous; rather than being restricted by working capital shortages, they can leverage cash flow finance to reinvest in new staff, stock, or equipment to support expansion.
It’s also suited to businesses navigating seasonal fluctuations. For example, a retail supplier may see spikes in demand before Christmas but must pay for production months in advance. Cash flow finance covers this gap, providing stability throughout the year.
For distressed or turnaround situations, cash flow finance can be a lifeline. By unlocking trapped cash, it helps maintain operations and provides breathing room to restructure or recover. Ultimately, it’s best suited to businesses with strong sales but weak liquidity—companies that are profitable on paper yet constrained by long payment terms or slow-paying customers.
UK businesses can choose from several cash flow finance solutions, each offering different levels of flexibility and control:
Invoice Finance – The lender advances funds and manages debtor collections directly. This is helpful for SMEs without in-house credit control teams.
Invoice Discounting – Similar to invoice finance, but the business retains responsibility for collections. This option is often confidential, meaning customers remain unaware of the arrangement.
Selective Invoice Finance – Businesses can choose specific customer accounts offering maximum flexibility and control over costs.
Bad Debt Protection – An additional layer that protects against customer insolvency or non-payment, safeguarding cash flow.
These solutions are not “one size fits all.” eCapital, for example, structures facilities to match the realities of each business—whether that means ongoing invoice finance support, confidential discounting for larger firms, or flexible selective arrangements for businesses with occasional cash gaps.
and often demand security against assets. Cash flow finance, by contrast, is secured against your invoices—an asset you already own. This means approval is usually quicker, facilities can scale with sales, and you avoid taking on fixed debt obligations.
Other advantages include:
Speed – Access to funds in as little as 24 hours.
Flexibility – The facility grows as your business grows.
No equity dilution – You retain full ownership of your company.
Reduced risk – Optional bad debt protection shields against customer insolvency.
Operational support – Invoice finance providers may handle credit control and collections.
For UK SMEs, these benefits often outweigh the rigid terms of bank lending, especially in today’s environment where traditional credit is harder to secure.
Resilience in business comes from having the liquidity to respond to challenges and opportunities. Cash flow finance ensures a steady stream of working capital, enabling companies to cover operational costs even when customer payments are delayed.
This stability allows businesses to:
For example, a UK manufacturing firm facing extended terms from large retailers can use cash flow finance to maintain smooth operations while waiting for payments. This predictability not only supports resilience but also positions businesses for long-term growth.
Yes, it can be. Invoice finance and selective invoice finance are often confidential arrangements where your customers remain unaware of the finance facility. For businesses that want to maintain control of collections and preserve customer relationships, this is the preferred option.
On the other hand, invoice finance is usually disclosed, as the lender manages debtor collections directly. For smaller firms, this can be beneficial, as it frees up time and resources. Ultimately, the choice depends on your business’s needs, size, and in-house capabilities.
eCapital combines flexible financing with hands-on service and support to deliver funding when you need it. With operations in the UK, US, and Canada, and decades of expertise, eCapital supports thousands of businesses with its range of bespoke solutions. Key advantages include:
For UK SMEs facing the pressures of long payment cycles, eCapital provides not just funding but also the confidence to navigate uncertainty, pursue growth, and build lasting resilience.