LIVERPOOL & SEFTON CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER URICA

URICA, a global early payment network, is partnering with the Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce to offer SMEs in the area an early payment service that will help unleash powerful economic growth. The Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce, a 241-year-old stalwart of the Liverpool business community, selected URICA’s network over other funding options because its model is focused on strengthening the local supply chain. The Chamber will invoice over the platform and is also facilitating its members to receive early payment through the network. URICA is offering each LSCC member five free credit opinions, with no obligation, to mark the roll-out of its service. This will enable members to receive credit information on UK or international trading partners. “URICA is a ground-breaking debt-free cash flow solution for SMEs. Backed by the Government through the British Business Bank and used here at the Chamber, we are delighted to offer our members access to this product,” said Jenny Stewart, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce for Liverpool &Sefton. The association with the Chamber follows the recent hire of Ross Gandy from Euler Hermes. Ross is spearheading a campaign to grow URICA’s network in Liverpool and the wider North West region. The North West grew by 3.1 per cent last year and was the second-fastest growing region in the UK . “There is a lot of opportunity here, in engineering, manufacturing and creative businesses, but it often takes SMEs between 45 and 90 days to get paid,” says Ross Gandy. “We aim to give these businesses a facility to get paid as soon as the next day after invoice, even on their exports, so they can capitalise on this opportunity without fear of overtrading.” URICA offers SMEs early payment without debt, charges on their business, personal guarantees or long-term contracts. Businesses accept a small discount on the invoice for upfront cash on an invoice-by-invoice basis. URICA was founded by Lindsay Whitelaw and Ian Fitzharris, both entrepreneurs who have launched and grown their own businesses, and who wanted to solve a problem which they saw as holding back SMEs. “The Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce has been the most prominent business association in Liverpool for more than 200 years,” said Lindsay Whitelaw, CEO of URICA. “This history and dedication to local business appealed to us, and we are very much looking forward to sharing our passion for growing the success and contribution of SMEs to the Liverpool area.”