Tree surgery and landscaping firm finds stability amid seasonal challenges
Industry: Services
Product: IDeal
Facility size: £500,000
The client
This firm is an award-winning specialist in tree surgery, landscaping, and environmental services operating across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and mainland UK. With over two decades of experience, the business delivers services to residential, commercial, and public sector clients.
From routine pruning and hedge trimming to complex tree removals, large-scale site clearance, and environmental restoration, the team combines expertise with advanced equipment to ensure quality results while safeguarding property and the environment.
The challenge
The business has experienced rapid growth, however, seasonal fluctuations in demand, peaking during winter storms and dipping in summer, added pressure on their cash flow.
As a business reliant on high-quality assets, they had previously worked with Close Brothers Commercial Finance to secure essential equipment through a hire purchase agreement.
Having secured several large commercial contracts, the company previously relied on an overdraft facility but needed a more sustainable, long-term solution that could be implemented quickly.
For this new funding solution, ease of use was essential. They wanted a system that integrated seamlessly with their existing accounting software and reduced manual invoice processing to free up valuable staff time.
The solution
Close Brothers Commercial Finance provided a £500,000 invoice finance facility to give the business immediate access to working capital and support its next stage of growth.
Invoice finance works by unlocking the value of unpaid invoices, allowing businesses to access funds tied up in their sales ledger rather than waiting for customers to pay. This approach improves cash flow, reduces reliance on overdrafts, and provides the flexibility needed to manage seasonal fluctuations and take on new contracts with confidence.
To make the process as efficient as possible, the facility was delivered through IDeal, Close Brothers’ market-leading invoice finance platform. IDeal integrates seamlessly with the company’s existing accounting software, automating the upload and reconciliation of invoices. This reduces manual administration, saves time for the finance team, and ensures accurate, real-time visibility of available funding.
Alongside the technology, Close Brothers provided hands-on support, including a dedicated account manager and a comprehensive onboarding process. This combination of expert guidance and intuitive technology gave the firm confidence in adopting a new funding solution and delivered immediate access to working capital, creating greater financial flexibility and headroom for expansion.
The result
With the invoice finance facility in place, the business has transformed its cash flow position, allowing them to pursue growth opportunities without hesitation. The additional working capital has enabled the company to secure new contracts with local councils and commercial clients, strengthening its presence in a competitive market.
This improved liquidity has also seen the business expand its workforce, employing additional contractors to meet rising demand during the winter months when storm-related work peaks.
By unlocking the value tied up in unpaid invoices, the business can now respond quickly to urgent jobs, ensuring fast turnaround times for clients, even during periods of intense activity. This proactive approach has removed the pressure of seasonal fluctuations and positioned the company strongly for continued success and future growth.
