From start-up to scale-up
Having supported an established transport business with an Invoice Finance facility since 2017, Ultimate Finance had proven the benefits of its relationship-driven approach and how the right funding and support structure drives business ambition. So when the business was acquired to become part of an international transport service solutions group, our long-term relationship, led by dedicated Relationship Manager Matthew Richards, gave the new directors confidence that we understood the business model, debtor profile and sector dynamics – and could move at pace to put the right structure in place.
The group operates millions of journeys annually across the globe, and its operating model helps organisations run highly efficient shuttle and school bus programmes with vetted operators, live tracking, and 24/7 support.
One group. One facility.
Following the acquisition of our existing client, the group wanted to bring all UK receivables funding under one roof for simplicity, control and scalability. Although it had an incumbent UK Invoice Finance provider, a single funding partner capable of supporting both UK entities was key to accelerating growth and managing the migration of contracts over time.
Relationship-led, results-driven
Matthew Speed, Regional Director, explains, “The group is scaling rapidly, and they needed a funding partner that could match their pace. Our track record with our existing client, combined with our service-led approach, meant we could deliver a competitive, flexible group solution and give the team the certainty they needed to keep momentum”.
Matthew Richards, Relationship Manager, adds, “Having supported the newly acquired business for close to ten years, we knew the debtor book, the systems and the contract cycle. That insight let us shape eligibility and allowed us to put in place a seamless migration plan as contracts move from one group entity to another”.
Structure for today, headroom for tomorrow
Working collaboratively with our team, we combined a new £6m Invoice Finance facility with the existing £1.5m Invoice Finance solution to provide the group with £7.5m in total. The facility provides:
- Flexible working capital against receivables to support ongoing operations and new contracts
- A framework to migrate contracts to the new group structure over time, through a flexible funding solution to support the transfer of turnover and facility usage
- A dedicated Relationship Management team to keep everything moving
How we worked:
- Collaboration from day one: Regional Director Matthew Speed and Relationship Manager Matthew Richards engaged early with the Group Financial Director to align on growth plans, cashflow requirements and timing of contract migrations.
- Sector understanding: With experience in transport and education, and our history with the client, we were able to tailor the facility to meet the group’s operational requirements.
- Built for scale: The group structure offers headroom to support rising UK demand while complementing the remaining US funding arrangements.
Matthew Speed, continues, “This was a competitive process, and ultimately experience of our excellent service standards won the day. We focused on a smooth onboarding, a clear migration pathway, and ongoing support from a team the client already trusts.”
Growth unlocked
With the facility in place, the business can continue its UK growth strategy and support the planned migration of contracts, while investing in technology and sustainable transport as it progresses towards net zero by 2030.
Matthew Richards, adds, “We’ll continue to stay close to the finance team to optimise the facility as the UK book grows. Our goal is simple: keep cash flowing, remove friction and back our client’s plans every step of the way.”
Looking for an Invoice Finance partner who moves at your clients’ pace? Let’s talk.
