How Invoice Finance Can Transform Your Small Business

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, maintaining a steady cash flow can be a significant challenge for small business owners. When clients delay payments, it can lead to disruptions in operations, but invoice finance offers a lifeline by providing immediate funds against outstanding invoices. This transformative financial solution enables businesses to maintain financial stability and focus on growth opportunities without the stress of cash flow constraints. In this blog, we’ll explore various cash flow solutions, including factoring and invoice discounting, and how they can empower your small business.

Understanding Invoice Finance

What Is Invoice Finance?

Invoice finance is a financial service that helps businesses overcome cash flow challenges by unlocking immediate funds from their unpaid invoices. Essentially, it allows companies to access money that is tied up in invoices that haven’t yet been paid by clients. This can be crucial for small businesses needing steady cash flow to maintain operations and pursue growth opportunities. By using invoice finance, businesses can improve their financial stability, reduce the stress of waiting for payments, and focus on growth. This solution is particularly beneficial for businesses with longer payment terms or clients that frequently delay payments.

How Does It Work?

Invoice finance operates by allowing businesses to leverage their outstanding invoices as a means to access immediate funds. The process begins when a business issues an invoice to a client for goods or services rendered. Instead of waiting for the payment terms to elapse, the business approaches an invoice finance provider. The provider advances a significant percentage of the invoice value – often up to 90% – to the business. This immediate cash injection helps maintain financial stability and supports daily operations. Once the client pays the invoice, the finance provider forwards the remaining balance to the business, minus a small fee for the service. In the case of factoring, the provider also assumes responsibility for collecting payments. For invoice discounting, however, the business continues to manage its credit control. This mechanism allows businesses to mitigate cash flow issues, enabling them to focus on strategic growth without the stress of delayed client payments.

Factoring Vs Invoice Discounting

There are primarily two types of invoice finance options: factoring and invoice discounting. Factoring involves a third party, known as a factor, who purchases the outstanding invoices from a business. The factor then manages the sales ledger and collects payments directly from the customers. This option can be beneficial for businesses that prefer to outsource their credit control functions, thus saving time and resources. On the other hand, invoice discounting allows businesses to maintain control over their sales ledger and client relationships. The business borrows funds against its unpaid invoices but continues to manage its customer interactions. This option suits businesses that want to keep their credit control in-house. Both options provide immediate funds, enhancing cash flow stability and allowing companies to focus on other business areas. Choosing between factoring and invoice discounting depends on the company’s operational preferences and financial goals.

Benefits of Invoice Finance

Improving Cash Flow

Improving cash flow stability is a primary benefit of invoice finance. Small businesses often face challenges in maintaining a consistent cash flow, especially when clients have lengthy payment terms or delay payments. Invoice finance provides an effective solution by offering immediate access to funds that would otherwise remain tied up in unpaid invoices. This quick access to cash helps businesses cover essential expenses, such as payroll, utilities, and inventory purchases, without interruption. By stabilising cash flow, businesses can better manage their financial planning and budgeting, reducing the risk of cash shortages. This stability also empowers businesses to take advantage of growth opportunities, such as investing in new projects or expanding their market presence. Furthermore, the ability to maintain a consistent cash flow can enhance relationships with suppliers, as businesses are able to meet their financial obligations promptly. Overall, invoice finance is a reliable tool for strengthening financial stability in small businesses.

Immediate Access to Funds

One of the most significant advantages of invoice finance is access to immediate funds. Unlike traditional loans that can take weeks or months to process, invoice finance offers a quick turnaround, often within 24 to 48 hours. This speed is crucial for small businesses needing to address urgent financial needs or unexpected costs. By converting outstanding invoices into cash, businesses can keep their operations running smoothly without interruption. This immediate access to funds also enables businesses to seize timely opportunities, such as purchasing discounted inventory or investing in marketing campaigns to boost sales. Moreover, the process is straightforward and requires less paperwork compared to other financing methods. This simplicity means business owners can focus on their core operations rather than getting bogged down in complex financial arrangements. Ultimately, invoice finance provides a flexible and efficient solution for small businesses seeking to improve their working capital quickly and efficiently.

Supporting Business Growth

Invoice finance plays a crucial role in supporting business growth by providing the financial flexibility needed to pursue expansion opportunities. When businesses are no longer constrained by delayed payments, they can allocate resources towards strategic initiatives such as product development, market expansion, or hiring additional staff. This financial support allows small businesses to be more agile and responsive to market demands, enabling them to capitalise on emerging trends and stay competitive. Additionally, the steady cash flow facilitated by invoice finance ensures that businesses can invest in improving their operations, such as upgrading technology or enhancing customer service. By removing the cash flow bottleneck, invoice finance empowers businesses to focus on long-term growth strategies rather than short-term financial survival. This proactive financial approach not only boosts confidence among business owners but also strengthens their ability to plan for the future. Overall, invoice finance serves as a catalyst for sustainable growth and success.

Considerations for Small Businesses

When choosing an invoice finance service, small businesses should consider several factors to ensure they select the best fit for their needs.

First, evaluate the costs associated with each option. When taking up an invoice finance facility, there are fee’s involved which can vary based on the level of service and amount of funding. It’s essential to understand these costs and how they impact your business’s bottom line.

Secondly, consider the level of control you want over client relationships. Factoring involves transferring control to the provider, whereas invoice discounting allows you to maintain direct interactions with your customers.

Many business owners worry that involving a third-party funder could disrupt the valuable relationships they’ve built. In reality, it’s a bit more complex than that. At FlexABL, we specialise in offering confidential facilities to smaller businesses, ensuring your customers remain unaware of our involvement. We can also handle credit control for you on a disclosed basis, should you prefer a more hands-on approach to cashflow management. In fact, some customers actually pay more promptly when backed by a reputable institution. The right solution can support and even strengthen your customer relationships as you grow.

If you have any questions about invoice finance or want to explore how FlexABL can support your business, we’re more than happy to help. Feel free to send an enquiry here, or alternatively call us on 0333 123 1111– we’re here to provide expert advice and tailored solutions to meet your needs.

FlexABL Joins NACFB: Expanding Our Support for Brokers and Small Businesses Across the UK 

FlexABL is thrilled to announce that we are now a proud Patron of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers.

This membership signifies our commitment to providing commercial finance brokers with reliable, flexible finance solutions to better serve their clients and support business growth across the UK. 

At FlexABL, we understand only too well the challenges business owners face on a daily basis- especially around managing cash flow due to late payments. The UK needs small businesses more than ever and our mission is to by offering a seamless invoice finance service, empowering businesses to grow without financial strain. 

Joining the NACFB allows us to connect with an even broader network of brokers nationwide, strengthening our partnerships and helping more small businesses thrive. We believe in building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with brokers, leading to long-term partnerships. 

As an NACFB member, we look forward to sharing our expertise and insights to not only NACFB brokers but also the organisation’s wider network and community. For brokers looking to grow their network and provide clients with a financing solution they can trust, FlexABL is here to help.  

Paul Stokes, Director at FlexABL on the opportunity of working with NACFB members:

We believe in building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with business advisers, leading to long-term, value-driven partnerships. By becoming a patron lender of the NACFB, we reinforce our commitment to the intermediary-led commercial finance sector and the SMEs they support, building on our existing collaboration with a wide network of reputable brokers

Norman Chambers, NACFB Managing Director, had this to say about us joining as a NACFB Patron: 

We are delighted to welcome FlexABL as a patron. Their name reflects their offering. Accessing working capital is a key requirement of small businesses and our members are always keen to work with invoice finance solution providers that can help SMEs release cash from unpaid invoices.

If you’re reading this and you’re a broker, we’d love to discuss how we can be the right partner for your clients’ financing needs. Contact us to find out more.  

Budget 2024: How Small Businesses Can Stay Resilient Amid Economic Shifts

The recent UK Budget introduces a mix of support measures and challenges for small business owners. As the economy faces rising interest rates, energy costs, and changes to tax policy, small businesses are under pressure to adapt quickly. In these uncertain times, maintaining financial flexibility is essential, and that’s where solutions like invoice finance come in, offering a way to stabilise cash flow and stay prepared.

Understanding the Key Challenges Ahead

The 2024 budget affects several areas crucial to small businesses. Here are some of the main challenges business owners may face:

1. Business Rates Relief and Revaluation:
– Relief programs have been extended, especially for sectors like retail, hospitality, and leisure. While this offers some respite from property costs, not all businesses qualify. Those ineligible may still face significant overheads, impacting their cash flow.

2. Tax and NI Adjustments:
– Updates to National Insurance and other tax contributions will impact payroll costs. Small businesses with multiple employees may need to adjust their budgets, which could limit resources available for other critical investments.

3. Energy Bill Support for Businesses:
– Energy costs remain high, though government subsidies offer some relief, especially for energy-intensive industries like manufacturing and hospitality. However, businesses still need to budget carefully, as energy prices remain unpredictable.

4. Delayed Payments and Cash Flow Woes:
– Many small businesses continue to struggle with late payments, a situation likely to worsen in a slowing economy. This issue can severely impact cash flow, making it harder for businesses to cover operating costs or seize growth opportunities.

Cash Is King

Given these challenges, tracking cash flow has never been more critical. While it’s hard to predict how the economic climate will shift over the coming months, staying on top of working capital is vital for financial resilience. Invoice finance solutions provide stability, enabling businesses to access the funds tied up in unpaid invoices. This ensures a steady cash flow and helps businesses navigate the complexities introduced by the budget.

Flexible and Scalable Solutions

Unlike traditional loans, invoice finance scales with your business. As your business grows and you issue more invoices, you can access more funding. This flexibility ensures businesses can meet increased demand or address unexpected expenses, providing the financial adaptability that today’s economic landscape demands.

Mitigating the Risk of Late Payments

Late payments are a persistent issue for SMEs, and in uncertain economic times, the problem may worsen. With invoice finance, businesses can transfer the risk of non-payment to the finance provider, as many options include credit control and collections services. This reduces administrative burdens, allowing owners to focus on core business activities instead of chasing overdue payments.

Preparing for Future Opportunities

With the new budget in place, businesses that remain agile and adaptable will be better positioned to seize new opportunities. Having immediate access to funds ensures that small businesses can respond to changing circumstances and capitalise on growth opportunities or react swiftly to regulatory changes.

Final Thoughts

The Budget 2024 brings both support and challenges for small businesses. However, companies that plan ahead and leverage financial tools like invoice finance will be better equipped to navigate the path ahead. At FlexABL, we’re committed to empowering small businesses with the resources they need to thrive.

If you’re concerned about how the budget could impact your cash flow, reach out to us. Our team is ready to explore options with you, ensuring your business stays resilient and prepared for whatever comes next.

2024 – Signs of economic recovery but still reasons to be cautious

In an era of rapid technological innovation and unprecedented opportunities, the financial landscape for SMEs is evolving at breakneck speed. While 2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for startups, with record numbers of new ventures emerging across the UK, there’s one subject that goes beyond the excitement of entrepreneurship and delves into the challenges that lie ahead for SMEs and lenders

Firstly, we kick off the conversation with a new initiative that has been making headlines, and it’s the SME Finance Taskforce’s coalition plan .

The plan is based on a report from the Centre for Finance, Innovation, and Technology (CFIT), and a key objective is exploring how smart data can be used to unlock better lending options for SMEs. The Taskforce is hoping that it will reshape how businesses access the financing they need. On the face of things, this could lead to greater choice for SMEs, when it comes to raising finance, possibly increasing the prevalence of Fintech lenders. However, will business owners see this use of shared Big Data across lenders, credit reference agencies and Government bodies such as HMRC and Companies House, as more like Big Brother?

Furthermore, as a lender, we place a large emphasis on the experience and character of directors, along with their future plans, when deciding whether to support a business, something that no amount of historic data can assess.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. The seemingly unstoppable advances in automation, and particularly AI, are going to continue to transform our lives, but is the SME community ready for, or even prepared to accept, this level of transparency? How far is this initiative expected go, in terms of open data and will it really benefit SMEs, as proposed, or just make it easier for lenders to assess potential new business opportunities? At Flex, we love the benefits of automation and all things digital, but at heart we still much prefer Human Intelligence to the Artificial kind.

Moving on to another big subject in the news, the UK is witnessing a promising upturn in entrepreneurship, with Beauhurst reporting that 2024 is seeing a marked increase in new business start-ups in the UK. With 468,000 new firms launched in the first half of the year alone, it’s clear that more people than ever are ready to take the plunge into the world of business ownership, which can only be good news for UK plc.

It seems, therefore, that business owners need someone in their corner more than ever. We set up FlexABL with a vision of being a lender that is easy to do business with, by creating a culture where business owners are respected and valued for the contribution they make to the UK economy. We spend time with our clients to truly understand their businesses, so we’re then able to deliver a bespoke, personalised service.  For the foreseeable future, we can’t see fully digital offerings replacing that level of relationship and communication.

Finally, let’s talk about the bigger picture. The UK economy, particularly the services sector, has shown impressive resilience despite the challenges faced. In July, we saw a notable uptick in activity, which is great news for the country. This growth suggests that there will be continued demand and opportunities for expansion. But let’s not get too comfortable – economic uncertainties still loom large, with Keir Starmer saying the financial situation the new Government inherited is “worse than we ever imagined” and stating that life in the UK is “going to get worse, before it gets better.” We await the October budget with interest.

In the face of continued general uncertainty, it’s more important than ever for business owners to have a secure and reliable financial partner. At FlexABL, we’re not just focused on the here and now; we’re looking ahead, helping our clients prepare for whatever the future might bring. Whether the economy is booming or facing headwinds, we can be counted on to provide our clients with the support they need.

So, if you are a business owner looking for a cashflow lender who understands the unique challenges you face, we encourage you to get in touch. We’re here to help you drive your business forwards and navigate ever-changing conditions and challenges.

SME Funding – Is It Really That Difficult To Raise?

According to recent findings by the British Chambers of Commerce, nearly half (49%) of SMEs surveyed find it increasingly difficult to secure funding, with cash flow being the primary reason for seeking finance. But why?

As a lender we have never faced stronger competitive headwinds, not only from traditional invoice finance lenders, but non-bank loan providers, tech-based hybrid working capital providers and the like. From a lender’s perspective it seems to us that business owners have never had more choice, when it comes to funding.

What’s going on?

We talk about funding SMEs, but the term covers a very broad church. The Government currently defines Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as follows:

According to official statistics from gov.uk:

• There were almost 5.6 million businesses in the UK at the start of 2021, 5.5 million of which were classified as Small or Micro – 99.2%.
• 2 million of these businesses did not employ anyone, aside from the owners.
• SMEs employed 61% of the private sector workforce, some 16.3 million employees;
• They also earned 52% of UK plc, equivalent to £2,300 billion.

Although these statistics are somewhat dated now, I can’t believe the optics will have changed significantly over the last 3 years.

We know that many SMEs are facing economic challenges, making it essential for them to have access to reliable financial support. While confidence in the business community is cautiously growing generally, there are still high levels of business failures, and the evidence suggests that HMRC are taking a less lenient approach to arrears and Time To Pay arrangements.

When we meet under-pressure business owners who say to us that they didn’t realise Invoice Finance existed as a product, we still scratch our heads.

There are so many funding options available to business owners at any stage in the business lifecycle, as a quick scroll through LinkedIn will demonstrate. Invoice Finance is (obviously) a fantastic solution for funding working capital. There are also some great non-bank lenders out there, including a nationwide network of Regional Community Development Finance Institutions, providing loans to businesses where the main banks can’t assist.

In the West Midlands alone we are lucky enough to have ART and BCRS Business Loans, in addition to other non-bank regional lenders such as Frontier Development Capital and UKSE. On the business start-up front, Biz Britain are a national delivery partner of the Start Up Loans Scheme. These are the unsung heroes of the SME funding landscape and as a working capital funder, we work alongside them to deliver packaged funding solutions when the main banks cannot assist.

Of course, the fundamentals need to be there for any lender to assist a business: responsible directors, a viable business and a solid financial plan. This is sometimes where business owners let themselves down, through inadequate preparation and organisation, but in most cases, this can be overcome, with a good advisor by their side to guide them through the application process.

Access to finance is vital for the growth and sustainability of SMEs. The challenges highlighted by the research underscores the importance of reliable financial partners.

All we can do as lenders and advisors to business owners, is to keep banging the drum that support and funding is out there. The bottom line is that there are lots of great lenders about, who are only too willing to engage with business owners and their advisors, to find solutions.

Click here for more information about how FlexABL can support owner managed businesses, with a working capital borrowing requirement of up to £500k.

Empowering Conservation: Flexabl’s Donation to Misool Foundation in Indonesia

In a world where corporate social responsibility is becoming increasingly vital, FlexABL has stepped up to make a meaningful difference. Recently, we made a significant contribution to the Misool Foundation, an organisation dedicated to safeguarding biodiverse reefs on Earth through the empowerment of local communities, in Indonesia. This partnership not only showcases FlexABL’s commitment to environmental conservation but also highlights the power of collaboration in creating positive change.

The Misool Foundation, situated in Indonesia, operates in one of the most ecologically diverse regions on the planet. Their mission transcends conventional conservation efforts by actively involving and empowering local communities in marine protection initiatives. By providing educational programs, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and fostering community engagement, the foundation strives to create a sustainable future where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

One of our key investors was fortunate enough to visit Misool in 2023, to experience, first hand, the fantastic achievement and turnaround in the marine environment at Raj Ampat. He felt, going forward, we should try to help in some small way, as this project has made such a massive contribution over recent years to the area, people and their continued education to protect and save the planet.

FlexABL’s donation of laptops to the Misool Foundation aligns perfectly with both organisations’ values. These will serve as invaluable tools for the foundation’s community outreach programs, educational initiatives, and administrative tasks. With access to better technology, the Misool Foundation can enhance their efficiency, broaden their reach, and streamline their operations, ultimately maximising their impact on marine conservation efforts.

Jo Marlow from the Misool Foundation expressed her gratitude, saying:

“We were thrilled to receive the donation of laptops from FlexABL which will be repurposed for use by the Misool Foundation team in Indonesia. A well-equipped office is critical to support our suite of programmes that have been created to protect one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on Earth. Thanks, FlexABL for your support.”

Misool Foundation’s office management team

But this partnership goes beyond a simple donation; it represents a shared vision of corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond this as we recognise the importance of minimising our environmental footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices throughout our operations. We hope through partnerships like this, other organisations leverage their resources and expertise, as many already do, to drive positive change and inspire others to do the same.

Be sure to check out the Misool Foundation here to see the great work they are doing to safeguard marine life. Also, keep a look out for further environmental and sustainable initiatives we have coming up!

Opening up Allsorts of Opportunities for The Black Liquorice Company

The story of Black Liquorice Company goes back to owner Tom Rose’s university days, where he bought sweets in bulk from a wholesaler, packaged them himself and sold them at car boot sales to earn money while at university. A part time earner turned into a cottage industry and when the storage requirements outgrew the family home, a chain of sweet shops followed. 7 years ago, Tom realised that the people of Britain deserved better quality liquorice, leading him to start The Black Liquorice Company, based near Evesham, selling a wide range of high-quality liquorice products.

Here’s what Tom had to say…

“Being a small start-up business, we have always struggled with cash flow. We import most of our raw materials and our suppliers want paying on 30 days. It takes 3 weeks for the goods to reach our warehouse and that’s before we have manufactured and distributed our product to our customers. We have a lovely customer base of farm shops, gift shops, cafes and other quality retailers and we like to be able to offer them payment terms, to make our overall offering attractive. However, from paying for our raw materials to getting paid ourselves can take weeks, which puts a real strain on our cash flow.

Growing the business has been difficult; with our cash flow locked up in unpaid invoices, we couldn’t buy the levels of stock required to meet an ever-growing demand. During Covid, our online sales went through the roof, and we found ourselves turning down business opportunities as we just couldn’t meet the demand.

We looked to banks and larger lenders, but because our historic accounts didn’t reflect what was actually going on in our business at the time, no one was willing to help us financially.

After chatting with the team at FlexABL, it was apparent that their services would be the solution that we were looking for. They made the whole process so simple for us. Now we just upload our invoices and we receive cash within hours.

This has had a massive impact upon our business, helping us with our cash flow and enabling us to grow our business. Being able to pay our supplier invoices early has even given us the leverage to obtain discounts, improving our profitability.

Without the help and support of FlexABL I don’t think we would have been able to grow the business the way that we are and now we have ‘Allsorts’ of opportunities at our feet!”

The Prompt Payment Code

Could this latest review of the late payment culture, for businesses in the UK, at last prompt change?

The government announced back in January that it was going to review and adjust its Prompt Payment Code (PPC). This reform could see credit and payment terms reduced from over 60 and 90 days to around 30 days for SMEs.  Figures recently published showed that there was a shocking £23.4bn of late and outstanding invoices owed to UK companies.  This in turn has a further knock on effect, causing late payments to their suppliers, with the sobering facts of this being that over 50,000 business close every year said the Federation of Small Business.

The PPC was introduced, in the hope, that it would clamp down on poor payment practices and offer the lifeline that SMEs were looking for, to aid their cash flow.  It came in to force in July 2021 but still, one year later, it only has just over 3,000 businesses signed up to the voluntary code.

New data also reveals that over 70% of SME businesses suffer extreme late payments from their customers to show the true severity and scale of the issue.

The Prompt Payment Code isn’t sadly enforceable currently and businesses continue to seek alternative solutions to the issue that so many are facing.  Bank overdrafts were the original cashflow cure for SMEs but this product is a good as finished, thanks to Bank regulation. However Invoice Finance is now recognised as a growing and valuable solution for SME owners to consider as this allows them to release cash tied up in their unpaid invoices, until they are paid by their customers, thereby relieving the inevitable pressure on cashflow, which then allows them to reinvest and grow.

FlexABL see this issue on a daily basis and are working closely with a growing number of companies, to enable them to release cash from their unpaid invoices via innovative and, of course, flexible asset-based lending facilities.

A client, with a confidential facility in the plant hire sector said “I would highly recommend FlexABL. We are a small company and find them professional and very helpful, the transfer over to FlexABL was smooth and did not affect the running of the business in any way. The online system is clear and user friendly, with full support at all times.”

If you would like to speak with one of the team to see how we might be able to help with your daily cashflow conundrums please do give us a call on 0333 123 1111 or apply here

An Opportunity Missed?

Can we take it you would always want to help your clients obtain the most appropriate cashflow solutions that their businesses sometimes cry out for?

One of the most common issues faced by the SME business sector, on a daily basis, is their cashflow – or lack of it.  There are not many smaller companies, post-Covid, that still sit on available cash and many now struggle with the simple day to day requirements of paying suppliers on time.

When it comes to ‘stay awake issues’ for business owners, customers paying late and loss of revenue are top of the list.  As an accountant, you are likely to be fully aware of the many facilities available to assist and support your clients, yet more than two thirds of accountants have said that whilst they understand the benefits of utilising invoice finance, they do not promote it as a cashflow solution to their clients.

In a recent survey, British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets 2020/21 report said that “The SME market highlights a surge in applications for external financial support, including government and local grants, among small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), with almost half (45%) of all SMEs surveyed saying they applied for external financial support in 2020, compared to 13% in 2019. At the same time, gross bank lending (excluding overdrafts) to smaller businesses rose to £104bn in 2020, 82% higher than in 2019, driven by use of the government loan schemes.”

“The report suggests there could be significant further demand for funding into 2022 and beyond, as businesses seek to move on from the pandemic, pivot towards growth, improve productivity and transition to a new ecologically focussed economy”

“External finance most often sought for cashflow with some investing for growth”

With government support for SMEs mostly discontinued, it is time for the innovative UK Finance sector to take a lead in providing finance solutions to a growing number of UK companies.

FlexABL and their experienced management team, has been delivering cashflow solutions now for over 30 years. Those services allow businesses to turn up to 90% of their unpaid invoices into cash within hours. There really is no longer any reason to wait to be paid to give an immediate boost to cashflow that your clients may well need.

Our systems connect with most of the major accounting software packages, meaning less admin and paperwork all round. Our team are on hand, at all times, to help you and your clients, through this process to release the pressure and help them grow.

Now is the time to get the SME market back on track and with your help we can support your clients.

If you would like to find out more about our services, or if you have a particular client you wish to discuss and would like to have a chat, then please do give us a call or drop us an email at pstokes@flexabl.co.uk

Welcome to Flexabl, Karen!

FlexABL is delighted to announce another addition to the team. Karen Fisher joins us to support the continued delivery of service-focussed cashflow solutions to our expanding client portfolio. Karen brings a wealth of experience with her, having worked within the invoice finance sector for many years, alongside both Kirsty Ibbotson and Paul Stokes. With a reputation for delivering effective and long-lasting working relationships, Karen always makes sure the client is the cornerstone of her attention.

Kirsty said “It’s a pleasure be able to welcome Karen to the team, she brings so much experience with her to help drive the business forward for the benefit of all of our SME clients. Growing our team, with the right people, is imperative, if we are to continue with our long-term plan to provide a market-leading invoice finance solution to UK SMEs”.

Paul said “It’s great to be working with Karen and Kirsty again and to help continue supporting SME’s across the Midlands with their cashflow and growth.”

It’s an exciting time for FlexABL and we can’t wait to continue with our growth plans!