How is the market for finance, is there funding available for the right proposition?
Print businesses are traditionally very resilient, having traded through the economic cycles of the past.
The biggest impact on most of our customers continues to be the uncertainty around energy costs along with price increases in raw materials, with both these factors having a marked impact on cashflow.
What do lenders look for from borrowers?
Our clients are more than just a credit score – we base our lending decisions on the overall health and plans for a business. The human component is core to our business – every stage in the lending decision-making process involves a member of our team.
It’s important borrowers ask themselves what they truly want to achieve rather than just what they know is available out there.
They should see the assets they currently have as a vehicle for raising capital and helping fund ventures. Could a new piece of equipment help win new business or grow current offering to existing customers?
What are the key questions that borrowers need to answer before?
There are a lot of options and considerations out there for borrowers, some of which they may never have considered, for example seasonal payments.
We would recommend businesses contact us to see if there is a way we can help make the financing of their purchase more suited to their business's needs.
Every agreement is structured slightly differently and tailored to the requirements of every customer.
What, in general, should borrowers be looking for when seeking a lender – is it more than just cash and rate… is service important too?
We are a specialist Print team that has – for over 30 years – been creating bespoke deals to suit almost every requirement and ambition.
Great customer service is also something we pride ourselves on, which is why we have so many repeat, long-term customers.
Should borrowers seek a mix of funding?
We would always encourage business owners to speak with their accountants to get their input before making a decision on funding.
In general, what are people investing in and seeking financial assistance for?
Assets that mitigate increases in costs, for example, more efficient products that add value to their underlying profitability.
A good example of this would be funding solar systems to bring down energy bills.
Is now a good time for SME print businesses to invest in new kit?
Yes, because advances in technology mean businesses can give themselves a competitive advantage, which can also enable future savings.
Have you seen investment in diversification? Traditional printers buying machinery so they can offer something new to their customer base?
Yes, we have. Our customers are listening to their customers, who want them to be able to provide, for example, labels and packaging options.
Is government assistance still available?
Yes, in the form the Growth Guarantee Scheme. The successor scheme to the Recovery Loan Scheme, the Growth Guarantee Scheme launched in July 2024 and is designed to support access to finance for UK small businesses as they look to invest and grow.
The Growth Guarantee Scheme aims to improve the terms on offer to borrowers, but if we can offer a commercial loan on better terms, we will do so.
What is the general mood within the print industry right now?
Cautiously optimistic because print is increasingly being on-shored here in the UK as customers become increasingly aware of their carbon footprint and impact on the environment.
We have been assisting customers who don’t want to hold too much inventory by providing funding for assets that enable ‘just in time’ production.
Also, our own Business Sentiment Index, which measures confidence in the Print sector – is moving in the right direction.
For more information on how Close Brothers Asset Finance's Print team could support your business, please visit closeassetfinance.co.uk
