Case Study

Upgrading Product Lines for Ecommerce Success

Business Type
Wholesale, E-commerce
Requirement
Expansion of Product Range & Business Production Costs
 
Everything for the Workplace

The Workplace Depot is a leading UK-based supplier of industrial, commercial, and workplace solutions.

With an extensive catalogue of over 20,000 products and a robust network of more than 75 distributors and 120 global suppliers, the company is a trusted partner for businesses across diverse sectors. Renowned for its expertise in handling and lifting equipment, shelving, rubber matting, workbenches, kerb ramps, spillage control, hazardous storage, and health and safety solutions, The Workplace Depot. has consistently achieved remarkable growth. This commitment to excellence was recognised with the prestigious ECMOD Award for Best Multi-Channel Business/Brand in 2016.

Beyond its wide-ranging product portfolio, The Workplace Depot is a proud UK manufacturer of mobile safety steps and access platforms. The company excels in delivering bespoke solutions, tailoring its offerings to meet the specific needs of its customers, all while maintaining an unwavering focus on quality and innovation.

The Challenge

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The Workplace Depot aimed to accelerate its growth trajectory and expand its product range offerings. To achieve this, there was a requirement for funding to:

  • Invest in inventory – Purchase additional stock to meet rising demand and avoid potential stock-outs.
  • Fund production & procurement – Support the manufacturing and sourcing of new products to diversify the product range.
  • Optimise business cash flow – Enhance financial liquidity to streamline operations and seize emerging opportunities.
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Finance Requirement

To address these strategic goals, The Workplace Depot partnered with us at Portman, to secure a £500,000 Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) Unsecured Term Loan. Having previously collaborated with Portman for financing solutions, The Workplace Depot had already established a strong relationship with their dedicated Account Manager. This partnership ands understanding of the business ensured their funding requirements were met efficiently and effectively.

Our Solution

Our solution involved providing a £500,000 term loan through a syndicated deal to cover the financial requirements of The Workplace Depot. This personalised arrangement ensured the funding structure was aligned with the company’s development needs and objectives.

The Process with Portman

We take pride in delivering a personal and professional approach to business financing.  We ensure that the important aspects of your finance journey, such as understanding your unique needs and prioritising your goals, are always managed with a human touch.

Your dedicated Account Manager will be available to address any questions, provide expert guidance, and offer tailored solutions to support your aim. All it takes is a conversation to get started. Submit your enquiry today and let us take care of the rest.

“The entire process was really smooth. The Portman team are incredibly efficient, so much so that within 24 hours the entire process was sorted.” – The Workplace Depot Limited

The Outcome

The support of finance has played a pivotal role for The Workplace Depot and has been significant to funding the production and procurement of a stronger product range. Without the required funding, the year-on-year growth of the business would have been stunted.

Take a look at The Workplace Depot warehouse gallery, below, for how they have used the funds to restock and replenish their product lines.

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How Finance has helped

With the capital to strategically expand its product range, The Workplace Depot have optimised operational efficiency through improved cash flow management, while also reinforcing its financial stability and market position to ensure a strong foundation for future growth:

  • Accelerated Growth – The Workplace Depot has experienced rapid growth, exceeding expectations and solidifying its position in the market.
  • Extended Product Range – The introduction of new products has broadened the customer base and overall, increased business revenue.
  • Improved Operational Efficiency – Improved cash flow management has streamlined operations, reduced costs, and increased overall productivity for the e-commerce business.
  • Strengthened Financial Position – The term loan has solidified the company’s financial stability and future growth prospects.

Conclusion

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Using Finance for Business Growth

Finance can be used as a growth catalyst for any business. By using finance responsibly, businesses can accelerate growth, expand operations, and seize opportunities they require like The Workplace Depot. 

Business finance is more than just a funding solution and can be a powerful tool that drives and sustains company growth. At Portman, we have worked with businesses across various industries to help them unlock their potential and achieve their strategic objectives. Learn more about how we have supported others on their growth journey. Visit our case study section and explore the success stories of businesses we’ve helped transform.

If you are uncertain on what finance type could work for your business, read our helpful article here. Explore our range of business finance solutions by visiting our finance page, where you will find detailed information on each product we offer. Get in contact and call us today, we’re available to support your business.

Changing the narrative around the need for finance

At Portman, we believe that it is important to challenge the perception of finance as a last resort option, and recognise its role as a powerful tool for businesses to grow. We asked The Workplace Depot; What are your thoughts on whether other Retail / E-commerce businesses should consider finance? Sometimes people feel this is a last resort rather than a natural way to grow, with their response as:

“It’s really important more exposure is highlighted on the ‘why’ behind securing finance.  We believe it’s about changing the narrative and stereotype around ‘last resort.’  We needed the capital to invest in inventory, to grow our product offering and meet the sheer demand for our customers.“

No-hassle, Tailored Business Finance Solutions

The Power of Partnering with Portman for Finance

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Collaborating with experienced finance providers can streamline the funding process and unlock strategic advantages. With so many financing options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. It’s a decision that requires thoughtful consideration for your business requirement.

Take a look at our page on why to use a finance broker for business finance.

Why should you choose Portman Finance Group?

Since 2007, we have supported thousands of UK Businesses, raising over £1.2 billion in funding for SMEs. We are more than just a finance provider and dedicated to understanding your unique business needs by delivering tailored solutions.

As both a broker and a lender, we offer financial options that others simply can’t. Our approach is personal and professional, which is why you will have a dedicated Account Manager working with you every step of the way, providing fast and efficient service with solutions designed to your business.

Discover why so many businesses trust Portman. Visit our About Us page to learn more about what sets us apart. Alternatively, see our reviews on Trustpilot.

William Smallman
Senior Account Manager
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William Smallman
Senior Account Manager

Tel: 01604 272682

Email: wsmallman@portmanfinancegroup.co.uk

The Work Depot Limited
Case Study Business
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The Work Depot Limited
Case Study Business

The Workplace Depot is part of one of the UK’s largest Industrial and Commerce companies, operating with a network of over 75 distributors and sourcing products from over 120 suppliers worldwide.

Website: https://www.theworkplacedepot.co.uk/

Tel: 0800 0126777

Email: hello@theworkplacedepot.co.uk

William Smallman
Senior Account Manager

Tel: 01604 272682

Email: wsmallman@portmanfinancegroup.co.uk

The Work Depot Limited
Case Study Business

The Workplace Depot is part of one of the UK’s largest Industrial and Commerce companies, operating with a network of over 75 distributors and sourcing products from over 120 suppliers worldwide.

Website: https://www.theworkplacedepot.co.uk/

Tel: 0800 0126777

Email: hello@theworkplacedepot.co.uk

Talk to us about your Business Finance Options

Are you looking for funding? Enquire online with us if you’re ready to invest in your Business.

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Hilary

My experience with Portman Finance and William Smallman in particular was 100 % positive. Nothing was too much trouble for William as he dealt with all my requests or queries in a timely manner; I was assisted through every step of the process. I would most certainly recommend Portman and again William for their professionalism.

Aug 2024
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Julie Kershaw

Portman are a professional, helpful and friendly company to work with. William is always excellent in assisting us with our finance needs. Highly recommend.

Oct 2023
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David McGill

Vey fast and efficient service, i dealt with William Smallman for start to finsh and everything was simple and well explained

Nov 2023
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Nigel Crawshay Jones

William Smallman of Portman Finance was very helpful and knowledgable and found the right product for us. Would be happy to recomend.

Jan 2024
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Garry Nevill

Portman had kept in polite contact since lockdown and when we needed a quick large injection to support our expansion elsewhere within the UK William provided all of the answers , support and informative back up for the process, which for the value involved was extremely fast and painless Well done and many thanks William, and the support at Portman

Jun 2024