How it Works – Referring Customers

Building Portman into your sales process and referring customers.

Increase sales & conversion rate
Additional revenue from referral fees
Access to support & resources

Options to suit you

Referring your customers to Portman for finance

Becoming a finance partner is best-suited to manufacturers or service providers who’s product routinely costs more than £10,000. We work with all types of partners, from national high street franchise operators to renewable energy companies, manufacturers, interior fitout companies, accountants and dealers.

1. Your sales process

During your sales process, make sure the customer knows finance is an option and when they are ready, ask them how they intend to pay.
Use our app for an estimate when finance is discussed.

2. Collect customer details

We need to know the customer’s company and contact details as well as how much they need. Ideally refer them through the app, or email your Account Manager.

3. We’ll contact your customer

Your Account Manager will contact your customer, get an understanding of their needs and situation, then search the market for funding that matches their needs.

4. The outcome

We’ll let you know as soon as your customer is accepted for finance so you can proceed with the sale. Or, once we have explored all options, if they have been unsuccessful, we’ll let you know.

What should I not do?

Financial communication should not be misleading in any way. Avoid doing things like:

: Suggesting a business will definitely get finance.; Estimating rates without using our app.; Implying a timeline. Whilst finance is often smooth and fast, this isn’t the case in every situation.; Advising the customer in any way. We will provide options, the ultimate choice is the customer’s.; Making up examples or using fake testimonials.

If in doubt refer any questions to your Portman Account Manager.

What can I say to my customers?

Often our partners need a little help fielding questions regarding finance. Here’s what you can say:

Portman offer their own funding as well as work with a wide selection of lenders to provide finance for most businesses.
Rates vary based on the individual circumstances of a business, the directors and terms of the loan. Annual flat rates typically vary between 6% and 20%.
Portman can offer asset finance, business loans, refinance packages, short-term and flexible loans to help you spread any business cost.
Portman will arrange payment to you the supplier and your customer will repay ourselves or the lender.
Portman aim to find funding for everyone and can help those with an array of credit histories, but a successful application isn’t guaranteed.
Sometimes there are product fees, just like with a mortgage, depending on the financial product you choose.
Many forms of finance still allow you to claim capital allowances or write-off all or part of the monthly repayment, ultimately meaning you could pay less tax, reducing the net cost of finance. Talk to your accountant about this.

A Walkthrough of the Partner Process

How to sign up as a Portman Partner

STEP 1 – Choose To Grow

Complete our online form. It outlines the qualifying criteria, and upon confirmation, you’ll be registering your interest for a rewarding partnership.

Partnership Sign-up

STEP 2 – Partnership Discussion

Following your registration, have a chat with our Business Development team to discuss your business and your customers. We’ll also discuss where the opportunities for finance are.

STEP 3 – Checks & Terms

Our Client Relations Team need to carry out a few background checks and a verification process to make sure we’re a good fit. Upon successful verification, you’ll receive an introducer agreement to agree commercial terms. Once that’s done a dedicated Account Manager will contact you to discuss your customers’ needs and get you up and running.

STEP 4 – Onboarding & Resources

Once you’re signed up, your dedicated Account Manager will walk you through the finance options most relevant to your customers. We can then discuss the marketing support or resources you need to ensure your customers and your sales team have everything they need, including signing up to the Portman App.

The Portman App

Step 5 – Refer Customers

Whether you ask your customers how they intend to pay, or they ask you about finance, there’s a couple of ways to pass their details over. Call or email your Account Manager with your customer’s details. Or, give your customer a quick estimation using the App, then fill in the simple enquiry form which will send the details straight to your Account Manager. We will then keep you informed regarding their finance application.

Welcome – You’re now a Finance Partner

We are delighted to welcome you to the Portman Partnership Network!

You can now start introducing customers, boost your sales and conversions and grow your business as well as have an additional revenue stream. You’ll catch up with your Account Manager at least once a month to check on progress and your needs, and you can reach out at any time.

Explore our Partnership Hub

Partnership Pages

Our Process

How our Partnership Scheme works.

Become a Partner

Start now! Sign up today & become a Portman Partner.

Partner Support

Get in touch to find out how Portman can support you & your Partnership.

Marketing Resources

Marketing material and resources based on your tier.

The Portman App

Estimate monthly repayments for your customers. Download & see our user guide.

Accountants

How do we work with accountant partners?

Finance Options

Learn about the types of finance on offer

Dealers

How we work with our partner dealers

FAQs

Frequently asked questions on our partnership scheme.

Partnership Hub

Back to the main hub page