Trade and stock finance pays your suppliers up front, and is repaid when you sell the goods. It bridges the gap between paying for stock and getting paid for it.
How it works
- The provider pays your supplier, often directly, when the order is placed or shipped.
- You repay from the sale, once your customer pays.
- It's assessed on the transaction, not just your headline numbers, so a strong order book can unlock funding even when your accounts look tight.
Types
- Trade finance: funds individual purchase orders and supplier payments.
- Stock and import finance: funds stock bought ahead of sales, including imports.
- Supplier finance and consignment stock: arrangements that extend the time you have to pay, or let you hold stock before paying for it.
- Revolving lines: a facility you can use again and again as orders come in.
What to expect
- Typical range: £25,000 to £2 million.
- Typical time to funds: 2 to 4 weeks.
Who it suits
Businesses that buy stock or materials before they're paid, such as wholesalers, importers, retailers stocking up for a season, and businesses taking on a large new contract.
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026