Upstream The First To Bring Trade Finance To NI

Upstream is the first funder in NI to introduce Trade Finance support for local businesses…

The market-first solution gives business owners the ability to finance their working capital needs from supplier to buyer. Upstream’s Managing Director Judith Totten believes the new offering will plug a gap in the market and remove barriers to trade growth in NI for both SMEs and large organisations.

Upstream – a Belfast-based alternative finance company specialising in SME funding – has
become the first funder in Northern Ireland to introduce a Trade Finance option for clients.
The market-first solution unlocks the ability for businesses to finance their working capital
needs end to end, from supplier to buyer.

With more than £2m worth of trade finance transactions in just 4 months Upstream’s Trade
Finance solution is creating real waves in the market according to experienced entrepreneur
and Upstream Managing Director, Judith Totten MBE.

“Trade finance is not a new concept, but it’s something that up until now hasn’t been available
to local businesses. Put simply, Upstream’s Trade Finance solution bridges a gap where
organisations require additional funding quickly to deliver orders beyond their current
capability.
“Available to businesses across almost every sector where this funding gap exists, our trade
finance option is a perfect complementary product to our core invoice financing offer which
effectively provides strong cash-flow for businesses based on the value of invoices they raise.
A client can avail of one or both offerings under the one roof at Upstream.
“We’re very excited to be the first to bring this type of finance solution to Northern Ireland
as it has the potential to unlock major growth for SME’s struggling to keep up with demand
and those at risk of losing crucial order pipelines due to the unnecessary delays and tickboxing
exercises associated with some traditional lending streams.”

Upstream works closely with ambitious local Northern Ireland companies to understand what
they require now and horizon-scan for what they will need well into the future. With a strong
emphasis on working collaboratively with existing lenders, Upstream prides itself on its ability
to make quick locally-based decisions and find solutions that ensure businesses thrive and
grow.