Unsecured Business Loans for Inventory 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Nucleus witnessed firsthand the troubles businesses faced with the breakdown of supply chains. An enormous number of SMEs were left with no option but to close down prematurely, and those industries that were still able to operate were heavily affected by major disruptions in global supply chains. Thankfully, since lockdowns were lifted, businesses across all sectors have been recovering, with investments in inventory gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels. 

Inventory is a critical component for businesses across many industries, most significantly affecting retail, hospitality, and construction. Without a well managed inventory of goods and materials, these enterprises can quickly fall into negative cash flow by failing to have the right products, in the right quantities, when they are required. A well managed inventory is also necessary to meet customer demand and maintain business operations, while actively responding to customer and market trends, as well as seasonal demands. 

An unsecured business loan for businesses looking to secure or bolster their inventory can be greatly beneficial if utilised properly, and may offer new or established SMEs an ideal source of funds for goods or materials without the need for collateral. 

SMEs and Inventory 

For SMEs, inventory typically includes all the items held for production or resale purposes, whether that be finished products on store shelves, or components used in production and raw materials for manufacturing. Depending on the sector, inventory may be the most valuable asset a company holds, and will heavily influence operational efficiency, and more importantly, customer satisfaction. 

Inventory and its management involves more than simply restocking. It requires knowledge of industry markets, enabling owners to make informed and strategic choices regarding new product releases, taking advantage of bulk buys, securing better supplier deals, and knowing when the right time to access additional funding to achieve these objectives is. Well timed and planned out decisions will enhance a businesses product portfolio, satisfy customers, and have the opportunity to greatly increase cash flow. 

Key Strategic Uses of Unsecured Loans for Inventory 

Capitalising on Bulk Purchase Discounts 

Enhanced Savings: If the time is right, and the correct calculations have been made, an unsecured business loan can be utilised by businesses to take advantage of bulk purchasing, often coming with the advantage of sizable discounts. A well executed bulk buying strategy reduces the cost per unit of goods, and has the potential to improve overall profit margins. 

Long-term Inventory Management: While buying in bulk for certain industries can secure a steady supply of well-priced inventory for a predictable amount of time, it will also require inventory management systems to be adjusted accordingly to ensure additional ordering does not occur resulting in logistical hassles and potential cash flow disruptions. 

Expanding Product Lines 

Diversification and Growth: There are multiple opportunities that unsecured business loans can create for businesses. When launching new products or expanding lines, funds will be required not just for securing the new inventory, but promoting and advertising it in efforts to capture new market segments and reduce dependence on limited ranges. 

Market Responsiveness: Business owners who are well researched in their market place and aware of changing trends can make use of the quick access nature of unsecured business loans, responding to new market trends and meeting consumer demands, ultimately achieving an improved bottom line. 

Maintaining Cash Flow 

Balancing Finances: Designating funds to secure an inventory opportunity is not always possible for businesses that are already struggling with cash flow problems, however unsecured business loans can offer an opportunity to purchase inventory without other critical business operations suffering. 

Sustaining Operations: Consistency cash flow is of paramount importance for the operation of businesses across all industries, covering everything from capital acquisitions and rent, to salaries and utility bills. Unsecured business deals allow for business owners to take advantage of financial opportunities without disrupting outflows and inflows. 

Emergency Stock Replenishment 

Quick Response to Shortages: Unforeseen circumstances can often lead to unexpected inventory depletion, and if demand is not met, sales and customer satisfaction will suffer. Quick to access and convenient unsecured loans can offer business owners access to much needed capital to secure their inventory financing. 

Risk Mitigation: While a well managed inventory should help to ensure shortages are mitigated, other unforeseeable factors such as lost sales or customer dissatisfaction through shortages can lead to a business’s reputation being damaged. Access to additional funds when necessary can come in handy for an enterprise that has stumbled on a short-term patch of poor business. 

Unsecured Business Loans as a Strategic Solution to Inventory Financing 

With Nucleus, business owners can gain quick access to an unsecured business loan without the necessity of putting up collateral, which can be especially beneficial when seeking a hasty stock recovery or inventory refreshment. If a business is lacking thorough inventory management, this can also lead to further cash flow problems, and may be just as important to invest in as new equipment or stock. 

Without well managed inventory systems, stock levels can also suffer. Unfulfilled orders, unchecked sales numbers, and poorly coordinated deliveries will all result in a loss in revenue. Readily available funds can help business owners maintain properly functioning inventory management, maximising profits by minimising disruptions to day-to-day cash flow.

Advantages of Inventory Financing with Unsecured Business Loans 

• Flexibility and Adaptability: With Nucleus’ tailored loan amounts and quick access via open accounting and open banking, businesses can quickly gain access to funds based on their specific inventory needs. 
• Quick Funding for Competitive Edge: Open banking and Open accounting integrations via our fintech mean you can get a facility response in just minutes of your application, enabling prompt responses to market trends or unexpected inventory loss. 
• Cash Flow Management: When opportunities to expand and improve growth arise, without additional funds, businesses may need to stretch their finances to cover costs, however, with the correct terms, a properly utilised loan can help preserve working capital. 
• Growth and Expansion Support: As SMEs grow, it is natural to aim to expand and scale up, developing new products and exploring new markets, inventory financing grants this opportunity for growth. 

Benefits of Investing in Effective Inventory Management Systems 

• Optimal Inventory Levels: Investing in systems that help maintain balanced stock levels that meet customer demands, without overstocking, will ensure operations run smoothly and the correct inventory is readily available on demand. 
• Efficient Supply Chain: Optimised supply chain processes will help reduce costs via an improved process efficiency, ultimately leading to an improved cash flow as money is saved in other areas. 
• Cost Control: Well managed inventory can help save businesses cash by avoiding excess costs for unneeded products, while also ensuring excessive product costs do not result in missed sales opportunities. 
• Planning and Forecasting: A well structured inventory management system can use market trends and historical sales data to make better operational decisions going forward, helping to make improved investments. 
• Risk Mitigation: Reducing the risk of stock obsolescence and supply chain disruptions through thorough inventory management will improve any business’s bottom line. 

Do You Need an Unsecured Business Loan for Inventory? 

It is always worth seeking professional advice, and speaking to a financial advisor to work out a plan for your business’s unique needs before seeking a loan. Nucleus Commercial Finance can offer an unsecured business loan tailored to your inventory needs, ranging from £10k to £2m, with loan terms lasting from anywhere between 3 months to 6 years. Our streamlined application process, backed by open banking integrations, ensures quick, flexible financial support for your business, and can give you an answer to your facility request within minutes. Get in touch today on 020 7839 1980 to speak to one of our friendly team of experts, alternatively, you can request a callback through our website.