When businesses receive funding, they’re entering into a potentially long-term business relationship. We ask the businesses we support to take us on their journey so we have a deeper understanding of their business or sector in addition to their own business goals. Our senior leaders meet face-to-face several times with SMEs and conduct a site visit. This always establishes the relationship on a good solid foundation of mutual trust and understanding.
Grace Caine, Head of Corporate explains: “Our role within the portfolio team is to provide comprehensive in-life support to our clients from the very beginning of their journey with us. Rather than offering a purely transactional service, we take the time to deeply understand each business, positioning ourselves as a trusted and strategic partner. This approach enables us to assist our clients through both opportunities and challenges, leveraging not only our expertise but also our broader network. Our goal is to deliver value beyond financial support—offering them More Than Money.”
Lakes Showering Spaces were supported by Praetura Commercial Finance a year ago when they sought ABL facilities to support a management buyout. Knowing their existing funder wouldn’t be suited to this strategy, they selected Praetura as their new funding partner. The business was supported with a £3.75m funding facility which enabled them to complete a MBO and preserve the late founder’s legacy.
Mike Gahir, Managing Director of Lakes Showering Spaces, commented: “We had several interested lenders but by far the process with Tom O’Dell and his colleagues was excellent. They took a real interest in the business; kept in regular contact ahead of making a formal approach to credit; were able to demonstrate a tremendous level of support and flexibility and were competitive in their terms.”
A year on, the nationwide bathroom manufacturer say they feel the support they receive from Praetura Commercial Finance is first-class.
“The ‘charm’ often associated with the business development aspect of gaining a new relationship can often be lost once the client is onboarded. Praetura Commercial Finance were different and Grace has made a great deal of effort to get to know our business. As a consequence, we feel very supported and that they have cultivated a great relationship with us and given us a first-class client experience.” Mike Gahir, Managing Director of Lakes Showering Spaces.
