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With 20 years of experience in business finance—including 15 as a broker—Adarsh brings not only deep expertise but also something even more vital: trust. In this industry, trust isn’t just a value—it’s a currency. You don’t build a career like his without earning the confidence of clients, colleagues, and partners alike.
“Business finance is always about people and relationships,” says Mark Riches Co-founder and CEO of Navigate. “Adarsh understands that better than most. His ability to connect, listen, and deliver makes him an exceptional fit for our team and our clients.”
“With Adarsh on board, Navigate is not just growing—we’re evolving,” Riches adds. “His energy and insight will enrich our already strong business ethos.”
Adarsh Shah, Regional Director, commented:
“I’m proud of the partnerships and connections built over the last two decades. I’m genuinely excited to join Navigate and to once again work alongside an industry stalwart like Mark Riches. His reputation for integrity and client-first thinking is one I’ve long admired and sought to emulate. I look forward to contributing to Navigate's mission of empowering businesses through thoughtful, transparent finance—and to shaping the next chapter of growth together.”
As UK PLC continues riding the roller coaster of economic uncertainty and rising interest rates and costs. The UK SME owner managers are finding themselves having to make daily decisions based on a changing landscape.
Navigate Business Finance are seeing more pressure on short term cash with many SME’s servicing Government Backed Covid loans and HMRC payment plans. This has become more troublesome with many loan providers changing their risk profile and terms on there product to reflect short-term borrowing at high interest rates.
All loan companies are looking for Personal Guarantees from directors and the majority will expect the director to have ample equity in UK property to cover the guarantee liability. The days of non-personal guarantees funding is no more and even the new Recovery Loan Scheme which has 70% government backing requires personal guarantees.
We will see more directors looking to secure funding against fixed assets, property and receivables to enable businesses to grow and service demand. It will be vital that directors model rolling 12-week cashflows to spot any future issues well in advance.
Recovery Loan version 3 accreditations have been slow and feeling is there will be less funders offering this as an option. We are back to Business as Usual credit policies and directors need to ensure they are seeking advice from an independent broker/consultant to source the correct solution.
If your business needs support in reviewing working capital both on a short term and medium term basis please get in touch with our MD Mark Riches who has 30 years business funding experience for more information.
No matter what type of business you run, cash-flow is king. If you’re looking to grow, or get back on your feet again after the pandemic disrupted your business, then you’ll be keen to know that there are a range of options out there for you.
The first step is to understand what type of funding you might need, whether that’s short-term or long-term funding. The cost of borrowing money will vary depending on how long you’re looking to borrow for, so it’s worth understanding the different types of finance available for you before you dip into your commercial overdraft.
Here, we explain the different types of long-term and short term funding available.
Short-term funding: Invoice Finance
Invoice Financing is a form of short-term borrowing designed to help businesses manage their cash flow more effectively. Acting as an alternative to the traditional overdraft, it gives businesses the working capital they need to meet short-term obligations, customer demand and grow at a pace that works for them.
Benefits of Invoice finance:
If you want to know more about Invoice Finance, here’s a few more key facts:
Short term funding: VAT Loans
This is another great short-term cash-flow boosting option for VAT registered businesses who pay their VAT every quarter. A VAT loan will allow you to pay off your VAT every month in three equal instalments, helping you to keep cash in your business for longer.
A VAT loan is a short-term (ie: 3 month) loan and you are required to pay the capital plus the interest, as you would with any other loan.
If your VAT bill for the quarter ending 31 March 2021 is £60,000, a VAT loan will allow you to pay it back over three equal instalments of £21,000 each.
For more about VAT loans and to see the illustration of how much a VAT loan will cost you:
https://www.tvaf.co.uk/news/how-a-vat-loan-can-help-your-business-to-get-cashflow-fit/
Resident Invoice Finance expert Mark Riches says: “If you’re a VAT registered business and want to keep cash-flow in your business, then you might wish to consider using both Invoice Finance and a quarterly VAT loan together. Combined, both offer business owners the opportunity to free up working capital at a cost-effective rate, essential for businesses where their payment terms have been stretched and where the cost of fuel, gas and electricity are likely to increase operating costs.”
Short-term funding: Overdrafts
An overdraft may be an option worth considering as they are easy to obtain by your High Street Bank if you are a well established business with a strong balance sheet.
They aren’t necessarily the most cost-effective way to raise finances and there may be funding limits depending on your circumstances. It’s also worth noting that an overdraft of over £50,000 will require a personal guarantee and security over either property and/or the business.
Long-term funding options
There are a number of longer-term funding options available for business growth. Our sister company, TVAF Asset Finance & Business Loans provides a range of different business loans. After the government pandemic recovery schemes provided financial support for businesses through the CBIL Scheme, there are now more options available that will open up for you, so it’s worth working with an independent, specialist broker to make sure you’re borrowing money in the right way.
Should I consider the Recovery Loan Scheme?
If you don’t want a personal guarantee, then the Recovery Loan Scheme is a great option for you. As it’s underwritten by the British Business Bank (government owned), they will provide the guarantee of 80% of the loan.
If your loan is over £250k and you have given a personal guarantee, the lender will call in your guarantee first before claiming on the government’s guarantee. In either scenario your business remains 100% liable for the debt.
Our Loans are accredited to provide business finance through the Recovery Loan Scheme and can support your business if you’re looking for working capital or growth and investment.
Is the Recovery Loan Scheme right for you? Find out more on this blog post: https://www.tvaf.co.uk/news/latest-recovery-loan-scheme-changes/
When should I consider Asset Finance for my business?
Asset Finance is a form of lending that allows a business to acquire the assets it needs to operate and grow whilst spreading the cost of the purchase. The finance is generally secured on the asset itself. Assets can include:
It’s never been easier to acquire that essential new asset. In order to qualify for asset finance, your new purchase must meet 4 key criteria, known as DIMS. This means the asset must be:
What happens if I can’t secure finance for my business?
Has the bank said no to your request for funds? Maybe you’re a start-up and haven’t got the two years’ trading history that the bank requires? Or, perhaps you’ve had difficulties with your credit history in the past, which mean you’re not eligible for lending via the bank?
Working with an independent asset finance specialist, you’ll open up a range of options, some of which we talk about here: https://www.tvaf.co.uk/news/finance-lending-options-when-the-bank-says-no/
At Navigate Business Finance, there are lots of different finance options available. If your business needs support, get in touch with our team today for an initial consultation.
Do you want to scale up your business? If you’re looking for ways to grow without relying on people to pay on time, then Invoice Finance might be the answer.
Finding the right Invoice Finance company and lender can be a real minefield, and that’s where we can help. At Navigate Business Finance, our in-house expert Mark Riches has over 19 years experience in the industry and can help you grow and invest your business with confidence.
This blog uses Mark’s industry insights to explore the ways Invoice Finance can help your business, including the process we take so you know what to expect, from an initial introductory call right through to getting your loan secured.
Let’s dive straight in, so you can find out whether Invoice Finance is what your business needs.
Challenges of growing a business
Ask a small business what their biggest challenge is, and 9 times out of 10 they’ll say late payments. According to a survey by Zurich, SMEs in the UK are owed more than £255 billion by their customers. One in five are owed more than £25,000; one in ten are owed £100,000 or more, and one percent are waiting for more than £1 million.
Many small enterprises are primed and ready to grow. They are profitable, viable and have a steady stream of customers. The demand for their products and services is there, so what’s the problem? The cash they need to buy more stock, new machinery and bigger premises is sat in their customers’ bank accounts.
Late payments are holding SMEs back because more and more businesses, particularly larger operators, are taking longer to pay their suppliers. Many are unable to grow at a healthy rate due to inconsistent cash flow. So what can be done?
How Invoice Finance can support small business growth
Invoice Finance is well suited to funding small business growth. Here’s why:
No further debt – Invoice Finance provides small businesses with the working capital they need without having to take on long term debt. The only security required is the debtor book itself, and there are typically lower personal guarantees then overdrafts and loans.
Improves planning – Small businesses will know exactly when they will receive payments. This makes it much easier to plan for the future and take advantage of opportunities as and when they arise.
Risk averse – Invoice Finance is unique in the way the amount you can borrow grows in line with the business. As your sales increase, so will the amount of finance available. This makes it perfectly suited to small, fast-growing companies.
Gives you back more time – As part of a factoring agreement, the finance provider will credit check prospects and chase outstanding invoices on your behalf. The result is that you have more time to concentrate on growth.
Frees up cash to spend elsewhere – Whether that means having the cash to buy new materials, invest in property or acquire a new branch, Invoice Finance can help free up cash to help your business grow.
Improves cash flow – Invoice Finance can get you up to 90% of your businesses invoices paid upfront, alleviating any cash flow issues.
Quick fire questions about Invoice Finance
Now we understand the key benefits to businesses, let’s answer some common questions about Invoice Finance:
Who can apply?
If your business trades with other businesses (B2B) rather than consumers, you’re likely to qualify for Invoice Finance. You’ll also stand to qualify if you are a limited company, and offer industry standard credit terms. Businesses normally need turnover levels above or predicted to be £100k +.
Are start-ups eligible?
Yes. It can be used for start-up businesses as well as turnaround (i.e. gone through insolvency or in CVA).
Any fees I should be aware of?
Fees are simple to understand and dependent on turnover and funds in use.
How much can I borrow?
Funding is available from £25k +.
How quickly can I get the money I need to scale up?
Rather than waiting for 30, 60 or even 90 days to be paid for work you have already done, an invoice finance provider will pay up to 90 percent of the value of the invoice,generally within just 24 hours of it being issued.
When is the balance of the invoice made available?
It’s available when the invoice is paid by the customer, minus the finance provider’s fee. Each client has the choice whether to borrow against the sales ledger as funds are made available but not forced to draw down.
Can Invoice Finance be used in tandem with bank facilities?
Yes it can, as it’s secured against the business book debts.
Any other benefits to using Invoice Finance?
Yes! It can also allow for early settlement of suppliers and the ability to negotiate discounts.
In addition to this, funders can also look to extend further cash against Assets/Stock & Debtors to purchase a business or purchase shares.
How does it work?
At Navigate Business Finance, we understand how stressful running a business can be, which is why we offer a very easy step-by-step process from start to finish.
Our in-house advisor, Mark Riches, has over 19 years experience in the Invoice Finance industry. Mark will advise on the best product fit depending on your business profile. Here are the steps we take to help you secure finance for your business:
Make introductions – Via call or meeting to find out what your business requirements and needs are.
Review your documentation – We then request and receive financial information and review/discuss with the prospect business.
Present your business narrative – Using any financial information, we will establish your business narrative and present to funders. This will help determine if there’s an appetite to lend and give us an idea on price. We then present findings to the business and discuss.
Successful applicants – With help from ourselves, the business will decide which funders to move forward with. Introductions will then be made.
Meeting with funders – Funders will visit and undertake an initial meeting, and formalise an offer following the survey.
Completion – Once the offer is accepted, legal documents are raised. Legal documents are then signed and returned to the funder with the details of the outstanding sales ledger. Once the sales ledger is loaded and verified the client will check the sales ledger is accurate.
Client paid – You then receive your first payment amount so you can start growing business!
Could Invoice Finance help you realise the full potential of your business?
At Navigate Business Finance, there are lots of different finance options available. If your business needs support, get in touch with Mark Riches, our in-house invoice finance expert, to schedule an introductory call.
Is your business struggling to recover following the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you want to take on larger, more lucrative contracts but worried about managing your cash flow and getting stretched too thin?
If this sounds familiar, then Invoice Finance might be the quick solution to your business needs. Invoice Finance bridges the gap between when you sell your goods or services and when you receive the payment. It provides a cash injection when you need it most, so you’re not having to wait for payments to clear, before taking on more work.
Invoice finance allows you to channel all your energy into growing and investing, so you can wave goodbye to the hours and days spent chasing payments. Sound like a good option for your business? If you want to know more, here are some common questions and answers about this lesser-known, but highly effective finance service.
What is Invoice Financing (IF)?
Invoice Financing is a form of short-term borrowing designed to help businesses manage their cash flow more effectively. Acting as an alternative to the traditional overdraft, it gives businesses the working capital they need to meet short-term obligations, customer demand and grow at a pace that works for them.
It’s not a business loan, and it’s important to make that distinction as the funds are borrowed against invoices outstanding. Loans and Asset Finance should be considered for medium to long term funding.
How does Invoice Financing work?
As the name suggests, Invoice Financing is a form of lending guided by invoices. It involves a third party who advances cash against your unpaid invoices.
All you need to do is upload your invoices to an Invoice Finance provider via a real time online portal and a percentage of the invoices will be made available to draw into your working bank account. Once the invoice is paid and the service charge of the provider is covered, you’ll receive the remainder of the sum.
This type of funding allows your business to continue providing goods or services to your customers, without being held back by late payments or if you have 60 or 90 day payment terms. It can really help the day-to-day running of a business and can speed up cash flow. Customers will also benefit as your services are more reliable and consistent, instead of being determined by whether you’ve been paid on time.
What are the main advantages of Invoice Finance?
It’s low risk and confidential – as the loan is based on money that’s due to come in, it’s relatively low risk for the borrower and lender. In addition, an invoice discounting agreement is often confidential, helping you protect your customer relationships.
It’s flexible and helps you free up time – Invoice Finance allows you to increase the fund request as your revenue grows, and scale back when you need to. It also helps you work more efficiently, as any time usually spent chasing payments can be spent elsewhere in your business. Funders offer the service of credit checking and credit control if required.
It supports business growth – The more invoices you issue, the more you can borrow, and unlike a bank overdraft, it grows with your business.
Helps with managing cash flow – As you don’t have to wait for payment of invoices, cash is available to help you manage your liabilities, reinvest in your company and continue to produce more stock to sell on to customers.
Helps with customer retention – Being able to pay any business overheads and invoices on time is crucial when it comes to maintaining your reputation and liquidity position overall.
Flexible Offering - Funders now have options for selective funding and the ability to protect the outstanding invoices against insolvency.
What are the disadvantages of Invoice Finance?
Not everyone is eligible – Invoice Financing is usually only available to SMEs and larger businesses with more than £100,000 annual turnover.
Proof required – Lenders will require evidence that your credit control processes are robust, and your customers are reliable.
Businesses can become too reliant – Some businesses can become too reliant on Invoice Finance, and find it hard to function without the ‘safety blanket’. This can be damaging in the long run.
Can Invoice Finance help my business get back on track after a difficult time?
The short answer is ‘yes’. Businesses can be impacted by all sorts of factors, whether social, economical, or environmental, and it is often challenging to stay afloat, let alone grow, in these increasingly uncertain times.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many businesses to suffer. If your business was impacted, finding a finance service to help you recover and build back confidence can be hugely rewarding. You’ll be able to scale back when you need to, and as you don’t have to wait for payments to be cleared, cash is available to help you reinvest in your company where it's needed.
How does the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) differ from Invoice Financing (IF)?
In October, the government’s Autumn Budget 2021 announced the extension of the UK-wide Recovery Loan Scheme by six months, meaning businesses can now apply up until 30 June 2022. But how is it different to Invoice Finance?
Here are some of the T&Cs to be aware of:
Which industries and sectors can benefit from Invoice Finance?
Manufacturing and engineering – Invoice Finance lets you access funds in raised invoices to help cover outgoings such as factory overheads, staff wages and suppliers, or to invest in more engineering machinery, equipment and software.
Haulage and light commercial vehicle businesses – Any cash tied up in your ledger can be released within 24 hours, helping you meet fuel costs, keeping your vehicles moving to transport all goods to their final destination quickly and efficiently.
Courier – Invoice Finance can help your courier business by enhancing capital enabling you to pay employees and providers without the added concern about consumers paying late.
Construction – Invoice Finance enables construction firms to unlock money tied up in outstanding invoices, allowing contractors or construction firms to bid for new contracts and invest in new materials.
What can we do for you?
We hope this blog has helped you see that there are many benefits to using Invoice Financing – it doesn’t have to be a last resort!
Finding the right lender is key, and that’s where we can help. At Thames Valley Asset Finance, we know how important it is for your lender to understand your needs so you can recover your business safely and with confidence.
It should be a zero-pressure relationship guided by the rate at which your business is growing. There are lots of different finance options available. If your business needs support, get in touch with Mark Riches, our in-house invoice finance expert, for more information.
