Clients

SFCapital has a broad range of clients across several industries. Below are two examples of how SFCapital has helped clients recently;

Fairdeal Textiles

Fairdeal is an importer of apparel for its growing customer base of major UK retailers.

Fairdeal had maintained an invoice discounting facility with a UK Clearing Bank for five years but found that its finance was being limited which impacted on its ability to do business. The managing director of Fairdeal, Mr Amrik Johl, presented this problem to SFCapital at which point a thorough review was taken of the business objectives and associated challenges.

After a review of several potential providers an Independent Invoice Financier was selected to provide invoice discounting along with a trade finance facility from a Hong Kong based banking group. The facility uplift provided by these new lenders was in the order of several million and has allowed Fairdeal to move to the next level and meet its objectives.

Mr Johl commented, "I have been very impressed with the manner in which SFCapital have advised me throughout. They managed the total process, arranged all documentation and liaised with my staff and other advisors in a very effective manner. I cannot thank them enough for their support".

Tonkin Trading

Tonkin Trading is based in London and imports in excess of £5 million of tea per annum, mainly from Vietnam. Its customer base includes major UK and international tea packers. The managing director, Mr Giles Whitlam, wanted to grow the business rapidly by expanding and diversifying into rubber. To achieve this he needed to ensure finance was in place and discussions with SFCapital concluded that invoice discounting was the best means of financing his working capital requirement.

However, this was a major challenge. Tonkin had an existing facility in place with a major high street bank but due to the political and economic risks associated with the countries where some rubber clients were situated the bank were unwilling to provide sufficient finance to make the transaction work.

The complex nature of the business proved challenging but, SFCapital guided Tonkin on the preparation of a suitable business plan and approached alternative providers. After several months hard work, a substantially uplifted facility with credit insurance was secured with an Independent Invoice Finance company who also underwrote the credit insurance.

Mr Whitlam comments, "I am appreciative of all the advice, guidance and support that SFCapital have provided throughout this process. They have shown professionalism at all times and their contribution has been critical. Their management of the fund raising has enabled me to focus on other areas of the acquisition".