Getting the UK open for business
Part 3: Financing your business operations

The UK as a global banking and finance centre

The UK is a leading global banking and financial centre with an enviable focus on capital and a renowned ability in financial services. This experience in banking services, together with a robust regulatory framework, means the UK can be a highly attractive option for overseas businesses looking to access finance.

If you’re looking to gain access to finance in order to support your business in and with the UK, the range of methods available for raising capital for mature and developing businesses makes the UK an attractive location. According to research by the World Bank, the UK is ranked number 1 for 'getting credit', with options ranging from simple and accessible business banking services to specialist corporate funding products or full listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Making the most of the UK’s finance and banking arrangements

To make the most of the UK’s favourable business environment and support the growth of your business, it’s important to consider the options and implications of your finance and banking arrangements. You may have already considered the following questions: how can I raise finance in the UK? What options do I have to finance cash flow fluctuations? What about fixed-term financing for the acquisition of fixed assets, such as plant and machinery?

External banking facilities (loans, overdrafts, asset or receivables finance), the provision of bank guarantees or letters of credit are options to consider. Security over your business and even your personal assets may be required, so the restrictions or triggers for default will be important to consider from the outset.

Additionally, the documentation required to make sure finance and banking arrangements can be implemented will need to be prepared. This will involve checks and legal due diligence and the preparation of the relevant documentation for the finance, any guarantees and security. Ongoing compliance with their terms and conditions and procedures for the monitoring of these requirements will be very important.

Working with you

Our Banking and Finance team has worked with numerous clients with exactly these types of issues. We can work with you to put in place external and intra-group finance arrangements to support the growth of your business.

In particular, we have a long-standing proven track record acting for borrowers to protect their commercial interests in difficult refinancing negotiations with banks. We can also assist with the documentation of new bilateral and syndicated bank facilities with ancillary security and hedging arrangements.

Our broad experience in deals and refinancing allows us to work alongside you to find the best possible solutions to your finance challenges.

Find out more

If you’d like to talk to us about your move to the UK, and the finance aspects you need to consider, you can contact Penny Bruce on +44 (0)20 7212 1629 and Annalie Croney on +44 (0)20 7212 2553.