We support over 22,000 businesses each year, and by doing so we feel we are uniquely placed to advocate for sustainability. For example, our Lending team plays a crucial role in our efforts to advocate for sustainability. We understand that SMEs are the backbone of the economy, and many of them are leading the way in creating and providing sustainable products and services that customers expect and demand. These SMEs are making a difference by contributing to a more sustainable and greener future and growing successful businesses in the meantime.
Often, when these companies look to expand their operations overseas, they are faced with a number of challenges such as a lack of sufficient working capital. This is where our Lending team steps in.
Our Lending team is dedicated to supporting these SMEs by providing them with the necessary working capital. We offer various lending options tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each SME. This financial support enables these SMEs to continue their exporting activities without any disruption, thereby ensuring a steady supply of sustainable products and services in the market.
By providing this crucial financial support, we are not just helping SMEs grow and succeed, but we are also contributing to our ESG objective of advocating for sustainability. We believe that every sustainable product exported, and every sustainable service provided, brings us one step closer to a more sustainable and greener future.
We are proud to share two case studies of SMEs that have made significant strides in creating and providing sustainable products and services. These SMEs, with our flexible financial support, have not only achieved business success but have also contributed significantly to sustainability.
Sustainable Outdoor Gyms
Incorporated in 2007, this company designs, manufactures, and installs environmentally friendly outdoor gyms. The business is committed to sustainability, recycling precious materials, and offering an innovative “Energy” range of gym equipment. This range, which includes hand bikes and spinning bikes, captures kinetic energy from human motion and converts it into usable electricity, powering interactive lighting on-site and charging mobile phones.
The problem
The business had been successfully self-funding its growth, driven by strong sales from a diverse range of overseas clients, including from Mauritius, Singapore, Oman, and France. However, the company’s rapid expansion necessitated additional working capital support.
The firm’s robust order book, combined with sales terms of up to 60 days, began to put pressure on the company’s cash flow. There was a clear need for support that would allow the business to manage its growth in a sustainable manner, without compromising on its commitment to fulfil customer orders within tight timescales.
How we helped
Newable stepped in to provide an Export Finance facility of £100,000. This facility was designed to help the company manage its expanding export order book, ensuring that stock levels were maintained, and orders could be fulfilled within the customers’ tight timescales.
The facility provided by Newable enabled them to trade successfully in new markets and continue to fulfil its planned phase of growth. This deal has not only assisted a business in its expansion but also contributed to a positive environmental impact.
CO2 Absorbing Paint
Incorporated in 2016, this company was initially set up to distribute PolyVision ceramic-faced tunnel panels. This innovative product-offering positioned them as a key player in the construction industry. However, progress didn’t stop there. The business continued to innovate and adapt to the growing demand for sustainable products. In a significant development, the business has now introduced a new product, “Deco Lite”. This product uses a mineral paint finish on panels, rather than the PolyVision ceramic finish. “Deco Lite” stands out in the market with its special ability to absorb CO2, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gases, unlike traditional paints, which can release hazardous air pollutants and odours affecting both indoor and outdoor environments.
The problem
The challenge for the business was to manage the increased cash flow demand due to the large-scale production of its new product. The firm needed a financial solution that would provide the flexibility to meet necessary payment schedules as the project continued.
How we helped
We were asked to provide an Export Finance facility of £300,000. This facility was designed to offer the flexibility needed to meet payment schedules. This support was in addition to a £175,000 Recovery Loan Scheme facility that we had provided earlier in the year.
The additional support we provided gave peace of mind to manage cash flows effectively as their business continued to grow. Our financial solutions enabled them to focus on core business operations and the development of their environmentally friendly product. Our strategic financial support has not only facilitated business growth but also contributed to environmental sustainability through the production of their new product.