Short answer: “Yes — often, here’s how it works”

UK Business Loans does not lend directly. Instead we are an introducer: you tell us about your business and the invoices you need to fund, and we match you to specialist brokers and lenders who arrange invoice finance. Supermarket and national wholesaler invoices are typically attractive to funders because they are issued to large, repeat buyers with predictable payment patterns. Complete a quick enquiry to receive an initial, no‑obligation eligibility check and indicative quotes from providers: Free Eligibility Check.

Microcopy: We’re an introducer — not a lender. Submitting details won’t affect your credit score and it’s not a loan application; it simply helps us match you with the best providers.

What is invoice financing? (and why food businesses use it)

Invoice finance releases working capital that’s tied up in unpaid customer invoices. Two main forms are used across the food supply chain:

Invoice factoring

• A funder or broker buys or advances against your invoices, typically advancing 70–90% of the invoice value up front.
• The funder often takes on collections and credit control, which can be useful when managing large supermarket accounts.
• Factoring can be full-service (funder manages collections) or selective (only chosen invoices).

Invoice discounting

• You retain control of sales ledger and collections; the facility is confidential in many cases.
• Funding is provided against unpaid invoices but your business continues to manage credit control.
• Typically chosen by businesses that want to protect customer relationships and don’t want a third party contacting buyers.

Why food businesses use invoice finance:

• Bridge long retailer payment terms (often 14–90+ days) so you can pay suppliers, cover seasonal peaks and payroll, and invest in production.
• Support growth when you win larger supermarket listings or take on bulk wholesale orders.
• Improve cash flow quickly — funds against invoices can be released within 24–72 hours of approval for many funders.

Get a Free Eligibility Check

Are supermarket & wholesaler invoices accepted?

Yes — invoices issued to large supermarkets and national wholesalers are often preferred because these buyers are seen as creditworthy and payments are predictable. Typical eligibility factors funders look for include:

• Invoices must be genuine and for completed deliveries (proof of delivery, PODs or signed delivery notes are usually required).
• Buyers’ identity and credit profile matter — major supermarket chains and reputable wholesalers score well.
• Established trading history helps but specialist brokers can also place invoices backed by newly awarded contracts.
• Invoice size and monthly volume: different funders have minimums — many work from around £10,000 of financing upward, and some prefer routine monthly invoice volumes.

Invoices that are usually excluded or raise red flags include those to private individuals, disputed invoices, dormant buyers, or related‑party / connected‑company invoices. If you’re unsure whether your buyers qualify, get a tailored eligibility check and we’ll match you to funders with relevant appetite.

Which types of food businesses are a good fit?

Invoice finance suits many parts of the food supply chain, including:

• Primary manufacturers and brand owners supplying supermarket ranges
• Co-packers and contract packers fulfilling retailer orders
• Cold-chain distributors and wholesalers delivering to national retailers
• Bakeries, processors, ingredient suppliers and ready-meal producers with repeat orders

Start-ups with confirmed contracts to creditworthy retailers can often obtain facilities arranged by specialist brokers. Remember UK Business Loans introduces you to the right brokers and lenders — start your enquiry.

Learn more about broader food industry funding at our food industry page: food industry business loans.

Typical terms, costs & how pricing works

Invoice finance pricing varies by provider, buyer quality and facility type. Expect the following components:

• Advance rate: Typically 70–90% of invoice value up front.
• Discount rate / fee: A percentage charged on the invoice value or a monthly facility fee (varies with risk and buyer).
• Service fees: Setup fees, admin or collection fees for factoring facilities.
• Interest: For drawn balances on certain products where applicable.

Key variables that affect cost:

• Buyer creditworthiness: supermarket invoices usually lower the cost.
• Recourse vs non‑recourse: non‑recourse transfers buyer default risk to the funder but costs more.
• Invoice size and monthly volume — larger, predictable volumes can secure better pricing.

Because pricing depends on your exact circumstances, the fastest way to get accurate indicative costs is to request a Free Eligibility Check and be matched with funders who’ll provide quotes tailored to your invoices.

How UK Business Loans connects you — step by step

1. Quick enquiry: You complete a short form (minutes) telling us about your business, buyer types and average invoice values.
2. Match: We match your enquiry to specialist lenders and brokers experienced with supermarket & wholesaler invoices.
3. Offers & checks: Matched providers contact you with indicative offers and explain required documentation (invoices, PODs, contracts, management accounts).
4. Choose & fund: Once you accept terms, the provider onboards your business and funds against invoices — often within days to a few weeks depending on due diligence.

Typical timescales: initial introductions often happen within hours; onboarding and funding usually range from 48 hours (for simple placements) up to 2–3 weeks for full facilities.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Example: How invoice finance helped a national bakery supplier

Problem: A bakery won a new listing with a national supermarket but needed to buy flour, packaging and pay extra staff before the supermarket paid on 60‑day terms.

Solution: A broker introduced an invoice discounting facility. The bakery received an 85% advance against each supermarket invoice within 48 hours of submission; the remaining 15% (less fees) was released on receipt of payment from the supermarket.

Outcome: The bakery fulfilled the new listing without stretching supplier relationships. Cashflow improved, enabling a permanent increase in weekly output and further listings.

See if your business can benefit — Get Quote Now

Frequently asked questions

Will contacting UK Business Loans affect my credit score?

No. Completing our enquiry form is not an application and will not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may perform credit checks only if you progress with their application process and give consent.

Do you provide the loan directly?

No. UK Business Loans is an introducer. We connect you with lenders and brokers who provide finance directly.

How quickly can I access funds?

Once a facility is approved, fund release against invoices is often 24–72 hours. Full onboarding and due diligence can take days to a few weeks depending on complexity.

What documentation will funders ask for?

Commonly requested items: copies of invoices, proof of delivery, buyer contact details, recent management accounts, company registration documents and bank statements.

Can I finance invoices from multiple buyers?

Yes. Many facilities can be set up to cover invoices to multiple supermarket or wholesale buyers; terms will reflect the mix and credit quality of those buyers.

Is non‑recourse available for supermarket invoices?

Sometimes. Non‑recourse (where the funder assumes buyer default risk) may be available for strong buyers but usually at a higher fee. A broker will explain options for your case.

If you still have questions, request a Free Eligibility Check and a specialist will contact you.

Risks and what to watch for

Invoice finance can be a powerful tool, but it’s important to understand limitations:

• Costs may be higher than plain bank overdrafts or unsecured loans — compare total fees and terms.
• With factoring you may lose direct control of collections and customer contact unless you choose selective or confidential options.
• Some supply contracts include assignment clauses — check contracts for restrictions before assigning invoices.
• Facilities often require ongoing covenants and reporting — be sure you can meet those obligations.

UK Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender or financial adviser. Submitting an enquiry lets us match you to providers who can explain regulatory and legal details so you can make an informed choice.

Ready for a quick, no‑obligation quote?

If your food business needs working capital to fulfil supermarket and wholesaler orders, complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with specialist lenders or brokers ready to provide fast, tailored options.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide lending or regulated financial advice. Completing the enquiry is free and not a loan application. Providers may carry out checks if you progress.