What are Export and Import Loans?

Export and import loans are specialist business finance products that support UK businesses involved in international trade. They bridge the cash flow gap between the costs of buying or producing goods for export or import and receiving payment — enabling businesses to fulfil international orders without tying up working capital in goods in transit. Seven Hills Capital Group works with specialist trade finance providers and knows which UKEF-backed products are available to support UK exporters.

You identify a specific import or export transaction requiring finance

The lender assesses the transaction, counterparty risk and your business financials

For imports: the lender pays your overseas supplier, giving you time to sell the goods and repay

For exports: the lender advances against export invoices or pre-shipment production costs

Repayment is made once the transaction completes and payment is received

Pros

• Enables international trade that would otherwise be working capital prohibitive
• UKEF-backed products provide government support specifically for UK exporters
• Improves supplier relationships through prompt and reliable payment
• Allows acceptance of larger international orders than working capital alone would support

Things To Consider

• More complex than domestic business finance — currency risk, counterparty risk and documentation all involved
• Specialist international trade lenders required — not all mainstream lenders offer this
• Cost can be significant for smaller individual transactions
• Documentation and compliance requirements can be time-consuming for first-time exporters

How Seven Hills Capital Group Could Help Your Business

Every business situation is different. The illustrative examples on our case studies page are based on common scenarios we see from UK business owners and landlords - showing how the right finance product, found through a whole-of-market broker, can make a real difference.

What is UK Export Finance (UKEF) and how does it help UK businesses?

UK Export Finance is the UK government's export credit agency. It provides guarantees and insurance to help UK businesses access export finance and win overseas contracts. UKEF products can make export finance available where commercial lenders alone might not support the transaction — Seven Hills Capital Group will identify which UKEF schemes apply to your situation.

How do I manage currency risk in import and export finance?

Currency risk — the impact of exchange rate movements on your transaction cost or value — can be managed through forward contracts and currency hedging products. Seven Hills Capital Group can connect you with specialist foreign exchange providers alongside arranging the underlying trade finance facility.

What is pre-shipment finance?

Pre-shipment finance funds the cost of producing or procuring goods before they are shipped. It bridges the gap between receiving an export order and shipping — enabling businesses to fulfil international orders that would otherwise exceed their available working capital.

Can I access trade finance for a single transaction?

Yes. Single transaction trade finance is available for specific import or export deals rather than as an ongoing facility. This is useful for businesses that do not trade internationally regularly but have a specific transaction to finance.

How quickly can export or import finance be arranged?

This depends on transaction complexity and the lender. Straightforward import loans can be arranged within days. More complex structures involving letters of credit or UKEF guarantees typically take 2–4 weeks. Seven Hills Capital Group will manage the process to the timeline your transaction requires.