How It Works
Seven stages, one point of contact
Initial conversation
A short, informal discussion about your business and what prompted the enquiry.
We want to understand what you do, who your customers are, how you invoice them and where cash flow is tight. There is no form to complete first and no obligation. If invoice finance does not look like the right answer, we will say so at this stage.
You provide
- A rough picture of turnover and customers
- How long customers typically take to pay
- What you would use the funding for
We do
- Listen before suggesting anything
- Explain the facility types in plain terms
- Tell you honestly whether it is worth going further
Understanding the requirement
Turnover, debtor book, funding need and any existing arrangements, in more detail.
We look at the shape of your sales ledger: how many customers, how concentrated, how they pay. We discuss how much funding would make a difference and when. If you already have a facility, we review its terms so any comparison is like for like.
You provide
- An aged debtor report or similar ledger summary
- Recent management accounts, if available
- Details of any existing facility
We do
- Assess which structures are realistic
- Identify anything a provider is likely to query
- Set expectations on availability and cost
Identifying suitable facility types
Factoring, discounting, selective, with or without bad debt protection.
Based on what we have learned, we outline the facility types that fit. This is where we explain the practical differences: whether collections stay with you, whether customers will know, what the cost structure looks like and what demands each places on your systems.
Reviewing providers and options
Approaching providers whose appetite matches your profile and comparing what comes back.
Providers differ in the sectors they favour, the size of business they serve and how they price. We approach those that appear well matched, present your business properly and gather indicative terms. We then set the options out side by side so the real differences are clear.
We do
- Present your business to providers accurately
- Compare terms on a like-for-like basis
- Explain fees, limits, notice periods and guarantees
Application and due diligence
The chosen provider completes its checks. We help you prepare and stay involved.
Once you have chosen a provider, they will carry out their own due diligence. That may involve a survey of your ledger, verification of invoices with customers, credit checks and a review of your systems. Requirements vary by provider and facility type. We help you gather what is needed and deal with questions as they arise.
You provide
- Documentation requested by the provider
- Access to ledger and customer information
- Time for a survey or review, where required
Facility completion
Agreements signed, accounts set up and the first funds drawn.
Before you sign, we make sure you understand the agreement: the advance rate, fees, concentration limits, notice period and any personal guarantees. Once completed, the provider sets up the facility and you can begin drawing against eligible invoices.
Ongoing relationship
We remain a point of contact as the business and the facility evolve.
Facilities should be reviewed as businesses change. If turnover grows, customers change or the facility no longer fits, we are happy to look again. Many businesses move from factoring to confidential discounting over time, or renegotiate terms as their track record builds.
Questions about the process
How long does the process take?
It depends on the provider, the facility type and how quickly information is available. Simpler facilities for businesses with clean ledgers tend to move faster; larger or more complex arrangements take longer. We will give you a realistic estimate once we understand your situation rather than promise a timescale up front.
What information will I need to provide?
Typically an aged debtor report, recent accounts or management information, details of your main customers and, for an existing facility, the current agreement. Providers may ask for more during due diligence. We will tell you what to expect before you start.
Do I have to proceed once I have enquired?
No. There is no obligation at any stage. The initial conversation is exploratory, and you decide whether to proceed once you have seen the options.
Will I be dealing with you or the lender?
Both. We handle the introduction, comparison and support through to completion. The provider carries out its own due diligence and, once the facility is live, runs it day to day. We remain available to you throughout.
How is Haslam Consult paid?
Where a facility is arranged, we may receive a commission or fee from the finance provider. We will explain how any remuneration works before you commit to a facility, and details are available on request.