Business Support

Our ‘BusinessCare’ service supports borrowers by helping them to navigate the complexities of commercial lending – heading off problems and strengthening their ability to deal with lenders.

Existing borrowers are under constant scrutiny.

Lending money to a business is not a one-off decision and lenders keep borrowers under constant scrutiny. To avoid losses, the mainstream banks in particular use numerous systems and procedures to try to identify potential problems at an early stage. Any problems will prompt a bank to review and re-evaluate its arrangements with a borrower, and may lead to it taking corrective action, such as adverse changes to agreed lending terms, or even a withdrawal of facilities.

Learn more with our Ongoing Business Support and BusinessCare FAQs

This is an important subject, so if you would like to understand more about it and the implications for your business, download the e-book on this page entitled ‘How banks oversee their lending book, and the implications for borrowers.’

Prevention is better than cure – how we can help

You will benefit from our “inside knowledge” and expertise to help you avoid problems, strengthen your negotiating position, and retain the facilities your business needs on fair and reasonable terms.

It is easier for us to keep a watchful eye on things for you, and safer than leaving it to chance. We can work comfortably with your Manager, save both of you time, and help to avoid misunderstandings that can lead to problems and conflict. Things will be much easier and less stressful for all concerned.

BusinessCare is cost-effective, has no tie-ins or hidden fees and includes unlimited day-to-day telephone support. We will tailor the service to your specific needs, so you use only what you need when you need it.

BusinessCare service FAQs

If I used IBC to raise finance in the first place, why would I need BusinessCare?

BusinessCare is about maintaining your hard-won advantage, preventing problems and ensuring a more level playing field between you and your lender. Your borrowing facilities might be in place for several years and a lot can happen during that time, leading to changes in the initial arrangements:

The Lending Manager might change;
Continuation of certain facilities might be subject to an annual review;
The lender might want to introduce different products;
Their lending policy might change;
It might try to raise prices and so increase your costs;
Changes in the fortunes of your business may prompt a renegotiation of some of the agreed borrowing terms.
Changes in the economy might affect the lender’s ability to lend, even to existing customers.

Many borrowers have found it reassuring to have our expert help and advice on hand for just such eventualities.

Will my lender feel threatened if I am using IBC for ongoing advice and support?

No. We have never known a problem in this area. Our banking backgrounds mean they see us as lenders – just like them – so appreciate our involvement. We help clients to avoid common mistakes, so there are fewer problems, which saves lenders time and effort.

However, if you prefer, the lender does not need to know of our involvement – we can work effectively behind the scenes as well.

When IBC is involved, will I lose control over my dealings with my lender?

No. We do not stand in the way of the lender/customer relationship. We are simply there to support and advise you and to strengthen your ability to negotiate with them.

What support will I get with BusinessCare and how much will it cost?

The level of support depends on your requirements. Each package is bespoke, so you will only pay for what you need – in one simple fixed monthly fee. There is also a ‘pay as you go’ option to cater for any unforeseen eventualities. This arrangement works well and puts you in control while maintaining flexibility.

Can I change my mind after signing up to BusinessCare?

Yes. If you want us to do more for you – or less – this can easily be arranged. There are no extended tie-ins: all we ask is that you agree to give us one month’s notice to stop using the service.

Do you advise me and leave me to deal with the lender?

We can be flexible. We can advise you and let you handle the discussions; or we can lead the discussions ourselves – with or without your involvement. The choice is yours.

Testimonials

When running a business, it is a great help to have the back up of independent advice and guidance when making key decisions. IBC have given us knowledgeable, impartial advice on a wide range of topics, to help us make the right choices.

P.E. Managing Director, Rubber & plastic components supplier

I feel better informed and have a better understanding about what our bank is looking for when IBC review our business. It is almost like a translation service so I can confidently present the right information in the right way and so avoid any possible misunderstandings.

Justine Verwey FD, Xtreme Graphics Ltd

At the height of the Global Downturn we were fighting with our bank to maintain our overdraft facility. With IBC’s help we were able to keep the facility on its existing terms. We have remained with IBC since then and they have given us valuable insight and tips on how the banks think and work. At our regular meetings, IBC encourage us to concentrate on the positive and what we have achieved whereas, as a business owner is easy to ignore this and get bogged down with negativity. They are a good sounding board for ideas and often throw up snippets of information. They have helped us to source different services including currency services - previously we did this through the bank who gave a poor exchange rate and charged an astronomical fee.

Janine Smith Envirotect Ltd

We have worked with IBC for two years; they have proven invaluable in securing us new banking relationships, identifying what we needed, then keeping us on track to deliver what the bank needed to make swift decisions. They have always provided sound advice to us and been highly professional as well as personable in dealings with our financiers and us. I would have no hesitation in recommending IBC to anyone seeking to gain the most from their relationships with banks and funders.

G.L. Director, Professional Services Company

We have been a client of IBC since 2016 when they proposed an innovative solution to our financing requirements and assisted us in finding an organisation willing to supply it. This has been followed up with ongoing review and valuable support. Many thanks to Russell and the team for the excellent service provided.

Director Optical Retailing business

Put quite simply, we could not have got to where we are today without the first class guidance from you.

D.O. Managing Director, Recycling company

Crucially, IBC works for you, the client – not the lender – but they see your business as a banker sees it, which can be quite alien to business people. If you are dealing with a bank, you will benefit from the insight and experience they bring. It can make all the difference.

Alex Moody CEO, Executive Interviews Ltd