A manufacturer keeping production moving during a period of tight cashflow.

Case Study: A flexible cashflow solution for a UK manufacturer

Read time: 3 minutes

When timing slips — whether through delayed funding or postponed customer payments — even strong manufacturers can feel the pressure. This case study shows how a working capital solution for a manufacturer enabled a UK business to bridge a six‑month cashflow gap and keep operations moving during a crucial period of growth.

Client Overview 

A long‑established UK manufacturer expanding its operations internationally. 

The Situation 

As the business completed the acquisition of an overseas site, the bank facility intended to support the purchase was unexpectedly delayed. To keep the deal moving, the business used its own cash reserves. At the very same time, several major project payments shifted into the following quarter. 

On paper, nothing was wrong — demand was strong, production was steady, and the pipeline was healthy. But the timing of outflows versus inflows created a six‑month cashflow gap that couldn’t be ignored. 

The Challenge 

The company needed around £300,000 to bridge the gap and keep day‑to‑day operations running smoothly. The Finance Director was clear: the business needed funding quickly, but it also needed the freedom to repay as soon as the delayed bank facility completed. Any lender applying early‑repayment penalties would instantly be ruled out. 

Exploring the Market 

We went out to market straight away. A number of lenders responded quickly, but the details didn’t align with the brief. Some offered less than the required amount, while others were willing to cover the full figure but only with conditions that would penalise an early exit — exactly the opposite of what the client needed for a short‑term bridge. 

Rather than taking the closest option, we widened the search. The business was fundamentally strong, and we knew there were lenders who specialised in flexible, short‑term working capital when the need was purely timing‑related. 

The Solution 

We identified a funder that could deliver precisely what the business needed: 

• the full facility amount, 

• competitive pricing, and 

• no early‑repayment penalties. 

After working closely with the client to prepare the necessary financial information, we secured a £325,000 working‑capital facility — their original £300k requirement plus a small uplift that allowed for a sensible operational buffer. Funds were released ahead of any pressure on suppliers, staff, or production. 

The Outcome 

The working‑capital line allowed the manufacturer to maintain normal operations without compromise. Suppliers were paid on time, staff remained secure, and expansion activity stayed on track. When the bank financing eventually came through, the business repaid the working‑capital facility immediately — exactly as planned and without any penalty or added cost. 

Why It Matters 

Manufacturers often face cashflow challenges driven by timing, not performance. Materials, machinery, and people must be paid on fixed schedules, while revenue often depends on milestones and client‑side delays. A short‑term funding gap isn’t unusual — what matters is how it’s managed. 

In this case, a flexible, penalty‑free working‑capital solution ensured the business could continue growing confidently, even when timing wasn’t on its side. 

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