Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of Close Matters, our newsletter that brings you up to date with what's happening at Close and in the world of invoice finance. Find out how your clients can protect their cash flow in a downturn, why so many SME businesses are missing out on new technology, check out our report from the biggest business event in the North West and catch up on our exciting product news.

The last six months have seen some of the most turbulent financial conditions of the last decade. There is no doubt that a recession is upon us and many of you will be working with clients who are feeling the direct impact on their business. At Close Invoice Finance, we understand the challenges presented by these conditions and remain fully committed to supporting you and your clients by keeping our costs as low as possible, whilst making vital extra funding and expertise available to help them survive the downturn.

We are an independent provider but have the security of being backed by an established FTSE 250 City merchant bank, the Close Brothers Group. Furthermore, following our successful lobbying campaign, we now have access to the same Government Guarantee Scheme as the high street banks.  

As an independent, we pride ourselves on our ability to be fleet of foot and to adapt quickly and easily to your client's changing needs. So, with bankruptcies having recently climbed to the highest level in five years, and more and more of our clients suffering the impact of bad debts, we prioritised the upgrade of our flagship product IDeal^TM. IDeal Protection Plus^TM includes up to 100% cover against bad debt at a very competitive price, bringing security and peace of mind to businesses in this very difficult climate. If you or your clients would like to find out more then please don't hesitate to contact me or one of my team, on the number below.

Last year presented some of the most difficult trading conditions of recent times and, like many businesses, we had to respond by making tough decisions which I feel confident have left us in a stronger position than most to weather the storms. During 2009, we will continue to provide your clients with first class service and market leading product innovations. Working together, I look forward to a successful year.

David Thomson
CEO, Close Invoice Finance

Find out more about how Close's portfolio of invoice discounting and factoring services can help support SME businesses at www.closeinvoice.co.uk or call 0800 220 257.