FINANCE OPTIONS

Import Finance Ireland – Get a Quote Today

Import Finance Ireland provides UK businesses with access to tailored funding solutions for importing goods. This specialist finance enables SMEs to pay overseas suppliers on time, cover shipping costs, and manage the working capital pressures linked to international trade. By helping to smooth cash flow, import finance gives businesses the flexibility to purchase stock without straining everyday funds. Many organisations use this finance to secure favourable supplier terms, meet customer demand, or expand into new markets while balancing their day-to-day cash flow.

Import Finance

Secure up to £1,000,000 in Import Finance with Funding Agent.

  • Fastest and easiest application process
  • Dedicated support
  • Loan disbursed within 24 hours
  • No additional charges for early repayment
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Key Benefits of Import Finance

Import finance is designed for firms managing international supply chains and supplier payments. By using import finance, UK businesses can unlock value from their trading cycle, benefiting from improved cash flow, enhanced supplier confidence, and bespoke repayment terms that fit their needs. Rates and timescales are shaped by lender, credit profile, and finance type.

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Improved cash flow
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Flexibility in payments
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Access to international markets

SCALE YOUR BUSINESS TO NEW HEIGHTS

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Main Types of Import Finance

Supplier Credit

Supplier credit allows lenders to pay your overseas suppliers directly. It suits SMEs with established trade relationships and supports transactions from £10,000 to £500,000, over 1 to 12 months. For more on this, see trade finance.

Supplier Credit

With supplier credit, the lender pays your supplier on your behalf, helping you pay for goods before you’ve received payment from your customers. This model improves cash flow, as repayments are typically scheduled when you sell the imported goods. Sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and wholesale often use supplier credit to enhance working capital and manage regular supplier orders.

Letter of Credit

A letter of credit is a guarantee from a bank to your supplier, ensuring payment only when goods are sent. It typically covers £50,000 to £1,000,000 and terms of 3 to 12 months.

Letter of Credit

With this option, your bank issues a legally binding guarantee to your supplier, reducing their payment risk and often enabling better terms for your business. The guarantee is only triggered once agreed conditions—such as shipment of goods—are fulfilled. This approach is especially useful for importers in textiles, electronics, and automotive parts where managing risk is crucial. Learn more about letters of credit.

Trade Finance

Trade finance helps fund larger import orders and related duties, supporting amounts from £20,000 to £2,000,000 with terms of up to 24 months.

Trade Finance

Trade finance blends funding and risk mitigation, providing the capital to pay overseas suppliers and deal with customs or import costs. Lenders release funds based on your credit profile and agreement, with repayments linked to your sales cycle. This option is common in sectors requiring larger, regular import orders, like consumer goods, apparel, and industrial equipment. Discover more about trade finance.

Typical Funding Journeys on Funding Agent

Submit your funding request
Our platform enriches your application using business data
Your request is matched to suitable lenders
Receive offers and proceed with the best option

How Funding Agent Helps Access Import Finance

Start Your Search

Share your business details and specific import finance needs on the Funding Agent platform using our online application form so we can tailor your finance options.

Compare Options

Review proposals from a range of lenders, comparing key factors like rates, terms, and repayment structures, all specific to your import requirements.

Apply Easily

Select the best finance offer and complete your application with guidance and support from Funding Agent, giving you confidence at each step.

Get Funding For your business

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Real Scenarios

Construction Company Needing Fast Working Capital

Situation

A construction firm had a short-term cash gap before a large invoice was paid and needed £85,000 to cover materials and payroll.

Challenge

Traditional bank applications were too slow; they needed a decision and funds within days.

Outcome

Funding Agent matched them with a lender; they received a working capital facility and bridged the gap until the invoice was paid.

Ecommerce Business Preparing for Peak Season

Situation

An online retailer needed around £120,000 to stock up ahead of Black Friday and the Christmas rush.

Challenge

They wanted flexible terms and a quick turnaround so stock could be ordered in time.

Outcome

Through Funding Agent they secured a facility, placed orders in time and managed peak demand without cash flow stress.

Marketing Agency Using Invoice Finance

Situation

A marketing agency had strong clients and reliable invoices but often waited 60–90 days for payment.

Challenge

They needed to unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices to pay staff and take on new projects.

Outcome

Funding Agent connected them with an invoice finance provider; they now access funds against approved invoices and smooth out cash flow.

Property Developer Using Bridging Finance

Situation

A developer needed short-term finance to complete a purchase before selling an existing property.

Challenge

They required a fast decision and flexible terms to align with the sale timeline.

Outcome

Funding Agent matched them with a bridging lender; they completed the purchase and repaid the facility when the sale completed.
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Get A Clear Overview of Cost Effective Lenders

Effortlessly explore a comprehensive database of lenders and organize potential funding sources that align with your business needs.​

FAQ’S

What is the typical borrowing range for import finance?
How quickly can I get approved and funded?
What costs should I expect with import finance?
What are the main types of import finance available?

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