By James Bingham and Leanne Dawson, Pathfinder Invoice Finance

 

Here, the team at Pathfinder Invoice Finance explores the concept of the ‘Triangle of Trust’ involving forward-thinking accountancy practices, brokers, and lenders. We examine how this dynamic relationship is evolving to better serve the needs of business clients.

Recognising Financial Challenges

Increasingly, accountants are witnessing the struggles their clients face in securing finance. As trusted financial advisers, this role has become even more critical. Yet, traditional approaches, such as reliance on just a few banks, are proving insufficient in meeting the diverse needs of businesses.

Embracing Collaborative Approaches

To address this gap, progressive accountancy practices are increasingly realising the value in adopting collaborative approaches to support their clients’ evolving requirements.

At the heart of this shift is the ‘Triangle of Trust’ – the symbiotic relationship between accountants, brokers, and lenders, with the client at its core.

Navigating the Triangle of Trust

Triangle of trust diagram

Accountants – Signposting the Working Capital Gap

With their deep client relationships and financial insights, accountants are perfectly positioned to identify and address where and when additional working capital is required. At a time when bank finance is harder to obtain, accountants are increasingly partnering with trusted brokers to navigate the vast maze of alternative funding options, ensuring clients receive optimal solutions specifically tailored to their needs.

Brokers – Orchestrating Transactions for Optimal Outcomes

Brokers serve as essential facilitators in the financing process. Leveraging their extensive knowledge of lenders’ credit appetites, sector expertise, track records, pricing and service levels, brokers focus on orchestrating transactions that are aligned with client’s objectives and ambitions. At Pathfinder Invoice Finance, our approach is guided by the Magic Quadrant Funding Matrix, which considers four foundational pillars – cost, cash availability, security, and service levels.

Through cutting-edge Accounting Integration Software, we streamline the approval process, generating comprehensive deal-packs within minutes. This information is then shared with carefully matched invoice finance lenders, who can provide precise ‘indicative terms’ and faster decisions, leading to expedited acceptance and funding.

With a detailed understanding of the nuances of the lending environment, we are able to guide accountants and their clients to invoice finance solutions that will optimise headroom.

Lenders – Providing Vital Working Capital for Growth

More and more ambitious, growing businesses and their advisers are turning away from ‘tick box’ or ‘cookie-cutter’ financing options in favour of more tailored forms of funding. Lenders play a crucial role in providing the bespoke working capital funding necessary for businesses to thrive.

At Pathfinder Invoice Finance, we and the lenders we work with recognise that each client is unique, and that their business plans and operational models all have distinct characteristics. Clients also need to understand what is and what isn’t possible, so they have realistic expectations as to precisely what can be achieved.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, progressive accountancy practices will continue to evolve and adapt, leveraging their expertise and expanding collaborative partnerships to meet the ever-changing needs of their clients. By fully embracing the ‘Triangle of Trust,’ accountants will remain at the forefront of driving growth and prosperity for their clients.

We also understand that when an accountant refers a client to Pathfinder, they are effectively entrusting us with their reputation, something that we never take lightly.

To discuss your clients’ working capital needs in confidence, contact James Bingham or Leanne Dawson from Pathfinder Invoice Finance.

JAMES BINGHAM | FOUNDING DIRECTOR

Mobile:  07702 098884

LEANNE DAWSON | FOUNDING DIRECTOR

Mobile: 07843 904536

www.pathfinderinvoicefinance.co.uk

“We used the team at Pathfinder Invoice Finance to help us raise capital to purchase a business and provide ongoing working capital. Their knowledge of funders who support the construction industry was extremely helpful and their honest advice and support was and still is invaluable. They are always on hand to assist us if we need it. We would highly recommend Pathfinder to anyone looking for business finance and have already referred other clients to them.”
Josh Eiles-Clark, Group Managing Director, Wood Mace Ltd

“We were looking for a facility to support our growth plans post-pandemic. With large investments in inventory and machinery to support a ramp up, we needed to ensure we had access to funds to support all aspects of our supply chain and customer ambition. We wanted some independent advice and support to find the right facility for the business. The team at Pathfinder took the time to understand our business needs and infrastructure, resulting in providing us with exactly the right solution for the company, both from a financial and relationship perspective. I would highly recommend them for any business related finance advice.”
Peter, Managing Director, Engineering Business

“We found ourselves requiring a specific credit insurance and funding solution for one of our long-standing clients. They took the time to really understand what was required, analysed what was available across the whole market, and subsequently provided an excellent bolt-on solution to our existing finance partner’s services. This was all done in a relaxed and friendly manner with minimal red tape. Both the client and I are very happy with the solution they delivered. I would thoroughly recommend a chat with Pathfinder should you have any business finance related conundrums, no matter how big or small.”
Robert Bond, Managing Director, Bond Williams.