What another interesting year 2024 was, a new UK Government, the Russia-Ukraine and Israeli – Palestine wars sadly continued, Trump was re-elected (following an assassination attempt!!), the first female president was elected in Mexico’s history and sandwiched between was the Paris Olympics, Paralympics and the mighty Luton Town being relegated from the Premier League and now battling it out to stay in the championship!
Despite all the head turning events, the team at Navigate remained focused on the task in hand…simply put, help more businesses secure the right finance to meet their strategic plans. We saw lending opportunities rise 148% to £156m, our conversion rate remains consistent, completing one in every four introductions and we’re currently working on a pipeline in excess of £55m with a quarter of the financial year to go and having already deployed more funds than in 2024!
Deal highlights:
- Seven figure blended working capital facility, a Revolving Credit Facility backed off to an Invoice Finance facility. Funding enables a dry food wholesaler import produce from India, Africa and Europe to sell to and expand their customer base.
- Seven figure blended working capital facility using Invoice Finance and Cash Flow Loan to support a wholesaler of audio-visual equipment kick on and grow
- Seven figure Invoice Finance facility to support a growing construction business on their quest to achieve c£20m turnover.
- Six figure Cash Flow Loan to support a gym with opening their flagship location – the first deployment of the MEIFII funds
Aside from deals, the Navigate sales team has increased with the addition of Ian Gardener whose experience in banking and finance is second to none. An individual whose major skill is talking to businesses and then understanding and helping them with their future plans. Ian carries the Navigate mantra of being visible, he loves networking, so make sure you say ‘hello’ next time you see him at an event! Adam Cooksley impressed again throughout 2024, culminating in his nomination for Insider Young Business Development Professional of the Year, a testament to his hard work and commitment over the two years he’s been with us.
Last but no least we’re thrilled to be nominated for Business Moneyfacts Invoice Finance Broker of the Year 2025. This is a testament to the hard work the Navigate team put in on a daily basis to making this a great business to work in, and with, for our clients and introducers. We’re not standing still and remain on the hunt for likeminded sales people to join our strengthening team!
Looking further into 2025, whilst there are pockets of optimism supported by the softening of the cost of finance (hopefully more base rate reductions to follow – See Steve Stoke’s economic update), it’s going to be another uncertain and challenging year for businesses – yes, I sound like a broken record. Despite this, the message remains consistent, lenders have appetite to support well considered funding opportunities from acquisition to growth, from distress to restructure, from capex to refinance and anything in between, so if borrowing or a review of your funding package is on your or your client’s agenda, please contact us.”
Thank you for your continued support!!
