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Wall Street slips on fading hopes for quick Iran deal

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Wall Street slips on fading hopes for quick Iran deal

US stocks have fallen in choppy trading as hopes dimmed ‌for a quick end to the Iran war while investors grappled with a mixed bag of earnings reports as concerns resurfaced about AI-driven disruption across the software sector.

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Raiders Shock with No. 1 Pick on QB Fernando Mendoza, Star RBs Fly Off Board

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The Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday's Super Bowl in New Orleans bidding to make history by clinching a third straight title

PITTSBURGH — The 2026 NFL Draft opened with a bang Thursday night at Acrisure Stadium as the Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, kicking off a first round heavy on skill-position talent and defensive playmakers.

The NFL logo appears on a goal post before the 2015 NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Jan. 18, 2015.
2026 NFL Draft Result: Raiders Shock with No. 1 Pick on QB Fernando Mendoza, Star RBs Fly Off Board

Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, stood as the clear consensus top prospect in a class defined by quarterback upside and explosive offensive weapons. At 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, the athletic signal-caller brings arm talent, mobility and leadership that Raiders brass hope will finally stabilize the franchise’s long-troubled quarterback position.

New York Jets general manager took the edge with the second pick, selecting Texas Tech standout David Bailey, a versatile EDGE rusher praised for his explosiveness and run-stopping ability. The Arizona Cardinals made history of sorts at No. 3 by grabbing Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love — the highest drafted running back since Saquon Barkley — signaling a commitment to revitalizing their ground game.

The surprises continued at No. 4 when the Tennessee Titans selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, a polished route-runner with elite hands and contested-catch ability. The New York Giants followed by taking Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, bolstering their front seven.

Trades spiced up the evening. The Kansas City Chiefs moved up to No. 6 to snag LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, a shutdown talent who immediately upgrades their secondary. Multiple deals involving the Giants, Cowboys and Dolphins reshuffled the board, underscoring aggressive maneuvering for premium talent.

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The draft, hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time since 1948, drew massive crowds to Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium. Fans packed the North Shore as Commissioner Roger Goodell announced picks amid roaring cheers and occasional boos for certain selections. The shortened 8-minute clock between first-round picks kept the pace brisk compared to previous years.

Analysts praised several teams for addressing core needs. The Raiders, coming off another losing season, landed their franchise quarterback. Mendoza’s selection marks a bold reset in Las Vegas, where new coaching staff and front office personnel are under pressure to deliver results quickly.

The running back surge stood out as a defining theme. Love’s selection at No. 3 broke a long-standing trend of devaluing the position early. Later in the round, additional backs and skill players heard their names called, reflecting a class rich in offensive firepower. Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price also went in the first round, giving the Fighting Irish two early selections at the position.

Defensive talent flowed steadily. Bailey’s selection by the Jets addressed pass-rush concerns, while several linebackers and cornerbacks found homes in the top 15. The draft’s depth at EDGE and secondary positions allowed teams to fill immediate holes without reaching.

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Quarterback movement extended beyond the top spot. The Los Angeles Rams selected Alabama’s Ty Simpson at No. 13, adding a developmental prospect to compete and learn behind Matthew Stafford under Sean McVay’s tutelage. Other teams addressed the position later as the board unfolded.

Team grades poured in quickly from analysts. The Baltimore Ravens earned high marks for smart value picks, including interior offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State. The Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears also drew positive reviews for addressing key roster gaps efficiently.

Off-field storylines added intrigue. Several top prospects brought compelling personal narratives, from Mendoza’s rise through the Big Ten to Love’s work ethic at Notre Dame. The event’s Pittsburgh setting amplified local pride, with Steelers fans turning out in force despite their team picking later.

As Round 1 wrapped, attention shifted to Friday’s Rounds 2 and 3, where depth at wide receiver, offensive line and defensive tackle should produce strong value. Teams with multiple early selections, including the Jets and Giants, positioned themselves well to build around their top picks.

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The 2026 class is projected as one of the stronger groups in recent memory, particularly on offense. Mendoza’s leadership qualities and arm strength drew comparisons to established NFL starters, while skill-position talent across positions offered immediate contributors for contending teams.

General managers emphasized fit and character in post-pick interviews. Many highlighted how selected players aligned with scheme needs and locker room culture. The draft’s three-day format allows continued action Friday evening and Saturday, culminating with Mr. Irrelevant on the final day.

Broader NFL context frames the event’s importance. Several franchises, including the Raiders, Giants and Titans, view this draft as pivotal for their rebuild timelines. Veteran free agency moves earlier in the offseason created specific holes that Thursday’s selections aimed to fill.

Fans and analysts will debate value for weeks. Early consensus suggests the top of the board played out largely as anticipated, with some reaches and steals emerging as the round progressed. The inclusion of multiple Ohio State and Notre Dame products underscored the strength of those programs’ recent cycles.

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Pittsburgh’s vibrant atmosphere enhanced the spectacle. From riverside fan zones to stadium energy, the host city delivered a memorable experience, boosting local economy and NFL visibility in the region. Organizers reported strong turnout for the free NFL Draft Experience at Point State Park.

As the league moves into Day 2, expectations remain high for continued impactful selections. Teams still seeking quarterbacks, edge rushers and offensive linemen will find options in the middle rounds, while depth charts across the league begin taking shape for the 2026 season.

The 2026 NFL Draft has already delivered drama, star power and strategic maneuvering. With Fernando Mendoza leading the way as the Raiders’ new hope and dynamic talents like Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate joining NFL rosters, the class promises to influence the league for years to come. Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday will determine which teams maximized their opportunities in this talent-rich draft.

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Global cues weigh on Dalal Street as oil spike fuels investor worries

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Global cues weigh on Dalal Street as oil spike fuels investor worries

Indian stock markets declined nearly 1% on Thursday, mirroring losses in Asian benchmarks as Brent oil prices surpassed $100, fueling cautious sentiment. Analysts anticipate range-bound trading until strong market triggers emerge, with the Nifty closing at 24,173.05 and Sensex at 77,664.

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Asia stocks fall as tech losses, oil surge weigh; Japan CPI in focus

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Asia stocks fall as tech losses, oil surge weigh; Japan CPI in focus

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US soldier charged after winning $400,000 betting on removal of Maduro

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US soldier charged after winning $400,000 betting on removal of Maduro

Gannon Ken Van Dyke allegedly made trades on Polymarket on the basis of classified information, the justice department says.

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Marvell: The AI Opportunity Is Massive

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Marvell: The AI Opportunity Is Massive

Marvell: The AI Opportunity Is Massive

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Mercedes steels itself for ’roller coaster’ competition in Chinese market

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Mercedes steels itself for ’roller coaster’ competition in Chinese market


Mercedes steels itself for ’roller coaster’ competition in Chinese market

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Harley-Davidson recalling 17,000 motorcycles over brake failure risk

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Harley-Davidson recalling 17,000 motorcycles over brake failure risk

Harley-Davidson is recalling nearly 17,000 motorcycles over a potential brake failure issue that could heighten the risk of a crash, according to federal regulators.

The recalled motorcycles include 2025 and 2026 models.

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Affected motorcycles include the Harley-Davidson FXLRS with a production date from Dec. 5, 2024, to March 16, 2026; Harley-Davidson FXLRST with a production date from Oct. 3, 2024, to March 16, 2026; Harley-Davidson FXBB with a production date from Oct. 3. 2024, to March 16, 2026; and Harley-Davidson FLHC with a production date from Oct. 3, 2024, to March 12, 2026.

The company was first flagged in March regarding a claim of inoperable brakes on a 2025 FXLRST model motorcycle, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report.

FORD RECALLS OVER 140,000 PICKUP TRUCKS OVER WIRING FIRE RISK

Harley-Davidson motorcycle

Harley-Davidson is recalling nearly 17,000 motorcycles over a potential brake failure issue. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

Three other claims of brake fluid loss or inoperable rear brakes were identified after a review of warranty and service records, the report states.

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Upon further investigation, Harley-Davidson discovered that the affected models lacked enough clearance between the rear brake line and the body control module (BCM).

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HOG HARLEY-DAVIDSON INC. 23.38 +0.45 +1.96%

“Contact between the brake line and the BCM, over time, could lead to a hole in the brake line and a loss of brake fluid. If brake fluid loss remains undetected, rear braking may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA said in its report.

Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson discovered the affected models lacked enough clearance between the rear brake line and the body control module. (iStock / iStock)

“The operator may note the presence of brake fluid underneath the motorcycle. In addition, the rider may note a decrease in rear brake performance,” the report says.

No accidents or injuries have been reported with the motorcycles included in the recall.

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TOYOTA RECALLS 73K HYBRID VEHICLES OVER PEDESTRIAN WARNING SOUND ISSUE

Harley-Davidson logo is seen near the store

No accidents or injuries have been reported. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Harley-Davidson will notify all dealers about the recall effort by Monday, and owners are expected to receive notification letters by May 25, according to the recall notice.

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“The BCM caddy and associated hardware will be replaced on all affected vehicles. In addition, the rear brake line will be inspected and, if damaged, will be replaced along with associated parts,” the notice states.

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Harley-Davidson did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

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20 Best SEO Tools Every Digital Marketer Must Use in 2026

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20 Best SEO Tools Every Digital Marketer Must Use in

As artificial intelligence reshapes search algorithms and user behavior in 2026, digital marketers need smarter, faster and more integrated tools to stay competitive. Traditional keyword stuffing and basic backlink building no longer guarantee results. Success now depends on AI-powered content optimization, real-time ranking tracking, competitor intelligence and visibility across both traditional search and AI-generated answers.

20 Best SEO Tools Every Digital Marketer Must Use in
20 Best SEO Tools Every Digital Marketer Must Use in 2026

From all-in-one platforms to specialized AI assistants, the SEO toolkit has evolved dramatically. Here are the 20 best SEO tools that leading marketers and agencies rely on in 2026, grouped by primary use case with practical insights on why they matter and how to use them effectively.

All-in-One SEO Platforms

1. Semrush Semrush remains the most comprehensive SEO platform in 2026. With over 50 tools covering keyword research, site audits, rank tracking, content optimization and competitive intelligence, it serves as a complete command center for marketers. The AI-powered features, including predictive keyword trends and content briefs, help teams create search-optimized material faster than ever. Agencies particularly value its white-label reporting and client management tools.

2. Ahrefs Ahrefs excels in backlink analysis and competitor research with the industry’s largest index of live backlinks. Its Site Explorer, Keywords Explorer and Content Gap tools help marketers uncover opportunities competitors miss. In 2026, enhanced AI insights predict ranking potential and flag toxic links more accurately, making it essential for link-building strategies.

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3. SE Ranking SE Ranking offers an affordable all-in-one alternative with strong rank tracking, site audits and AI content tools. Its clean interface and flexible pricing make it popular among small to medium businesses and growing agencies. The platform’s AI Overview Tracker monitors how brands appear in AI-generated search results, a critical capability in the current landscape.

AI-Powered Content Optimization Tools

4. Surfer SEO Surfer SEO leads in on-page optimization by analyzing top-ranking pages and providing data-driven recommendations for headlines, structure, keyword usage and readability. Its AI features generate optimized content outlines and score drafts in real time. Marketers use it to consistently create content that ranks higher with less guesswork.

5. Clearscope Clearscope focuses on content quality and topical authority. It evaluates search intent and suggests semantically related terms that strengthen relevance. In 2026, its integration with AI writing tools makes it a favorite for content teams producing large volumes of high-performing material.

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6. Rankability Rankability stands out as a full-cycle AI SEO platform. It combines research, content briefs, optimization and performance monitoring in one workflow. Many agencies name it their top AI SEO tool for 2026 due to its autonomous capabilities and strong results in both traditional and AI search visibility.

Keyword Research and Discovery Tools

7. Google Keyword Planner Still free and essential, Google Keyword Planner provides accurate search volume and competition data directly from the source. Marketers combine it with paid tools for deeper insights.

8. Google Search Console No SEO toolkit is complete without Google Search Console. It delivers first-party data on indexing, performance, core web vitals and AI Overview appearances. Regular monitoring here remains the foundation of any successful strategy.

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Technical SEO and Site Audit Tools

9. Screaming Frog SEO Spider This desktop crawler remains the gold standard for technical audits. It identifies broken links, duplicate content, crawl issues and schema opportunities across large websites.

10. Nightwatch Nightwatch excels at accurate daily rank tracking across thousands of locations and devices. Its competitor visualization and white-label reports make it popular among agencies.

Backlink and Link-Building Tools

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11. Majestic Majestic specializes in trust flow and citation flow metrics that help evaluate link quality. Its fresh index supports proactive outreach campaigns.

12. Moz Moz offers beginner-friendly SEO tools with strong domain authority metrics and link analysis features.

Specialized and Emerging Tools

13. Writesonic — Strong AI content generator with built-in SEO optimization.

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14. AirOps — Excellent for scaling content operations with AI automation.

15. SE Ranking AI Overview Tracker — Monitors brand visibility in AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity.

16. Exploding Topics — Identifies trending keywords and topics early for content planning.

17. AlsoAsked — Reveals related questions and people-also-ask data for comprehensive topic coverage.

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18. SparkToro — Uncovers audience interests, websites and influencers for better targeting.

19. AgencyAnalytics — Best for white-label reporting and multi-client dashboard management.

20. Gumloop — Leading automation tool that connects SEO workflows and eliminates repetitive tasks.

Choosing the Right Stack in 2026

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Most successful marketers use a combination of three to five tools rather than trying to master everything. A typical powerful stack includes Semrush or Ahrefs for research, Surfer or Clearscope for content optimization, Nightwatch or SE Ranking for tracking, and Google Search Console for free foundational data.

Budget-conscious beginners can start with free tiers of Semrush, Google tools and limited Ahrefs access. As campaigns scale, investing in premium features delivers strong returns through higher rankings and efficiency gains.

Emerging Trends in SEO Tools

AI integration has become table stakes. Tools now predict ranking volatility, generate content briefs, monitor AI search visibility and automate outreach. Voice search optimization, schema markup automation and zero-click search strategies appear more prominently in 2026 platforms.

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Mobile-first indexing, core web vitals and user experience signals continue growing in importance. The best tools provide actionable recommendations across these areas rather than raw data alone.

Final Advice for Digital Marketers

Mastering these 20 tools will not guarantee success by itself. The most effective marketers combine technology with strong strategy, creativity and a deep understanding of their audience. Regular testing, continuous learning and ethical practices remain essential as algorithms evolve.

In 2026, the marketers who win are those who use the best SEO tools not just to chase rankings but to create genuine value for users. The platforms listed here provide the capabilities needed to achieve that goal efficiently and at scale.

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Start by auditing your current toolkit against this list. Identify gaps in research, optimization, tracking or automation. Then build a focused stack that matches your budget, team size and objectives. The investment in the right tools consistently pays dividends through improved visibility, traffic and conversions.

The SEO landscape moves quickly, but professionals equipped with these 20 essential tools will stay ahead of the curve throughout 2026 and beyond.

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Oil Price Today (April 24): Crude oil nears $110, extends 5-day rally as Iran war tensions rise. Here’s what experts say

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Oil Price Today (April 24): Crude oil nears $110, extends 5-day rally as Iran war tensions rise. Here’s what experts say
Oil prices edged higher on Friday morning, extending gains for a fifth session in a row, amid fresh concerns of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The move followed Iran releasing footage of commandos boarding a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, along with reports that its air defence systems had engaged what were described as “hostile targets.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran may have increased its weapons stockpile “a little bit” during the two-week ceasefire, but added that U.S. forces could neutralize it within a day.

Crude oil price on April 24

Brent crude futures climbed $1.23, or 1.17%, to $106.3 per barrel by 0107 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate rose $1.07, or 1.12%, to $96.92. Both benchmarks had already settled more than 3% higher on Thursday, surging nearly $5 a barrel after reports of air defence activity over Tehran and indications of a power struggle within Iran between hardliners and moderates.The standoff has increasingly taken the form of competing naval pressures, with both the U.S. and Iran seeking economic leverage to strengthen their negotiating positions.

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Iran continues to insist that vessels obtain its permission before passing through the strait, while Trump claimed the U.S. has “total control” over the waterway. At the same time, the U.S. Navy has maintained a blockade targeting Iranian ports and vessels.
Separately, Israel’s defence minister said Jerusalem is awaiting U.S. approval to resume military action against Iran and “complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty.”
Trump also stated in a social media post that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks following a high-level meeting at the White House.

Where are prices headed?

A Haitong Futures note cited by Reuters said that the ceasefire phase increasingly appears to be a buildup toward further conflict. It added that if U.S.-Iran negotiations fail to make meaningful progress by the end of April and hostilities resume, oil prices could hit new highs for the year.

Macquarie estimates that crude prices could remain supported in the $85 to $90 range in the near term, with a gradual rise towards $110 as supply conditions improve. It also cautioned that prolonged disruptions through April could push Brent prices as high as $150 per barrel.

Nuvama Institutional Equities added that an extended closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries around 20 million barrels per day, could drive crude prices into the $110 to $150 range.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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5 Best Invoice Finance Providers UK (2026)

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For UK businesses, international debt collection is a labyrinth to navigate. Recovering outstanding payments is typically clouded in factors such as cultural nuances, legal discrepancies and linguistic barriers.

Invoice finance has become one of the most important cash flow tools available to UK businesses – particularly for SMEs waiting on slow-paying clients while still needing to cover wages, stock, and supplier costs. With the right provider, you can unlock up to 90% of an invoice’s value within 24 hours, without taking on traditional debt.

But the market is crowded. Providers vary significantly in fee structure, advance rates, contract flexibility, and the industries they serve. This guide profiles five established invoice finance providers in the UK for 2026, covering what each offers, who they’re likely to suit, and what to look out for before you sign.

What Is Invoice Finance?

Invoice finance is a type of asset-based lending that allows businesses to borrow against outstanding invoices. Rather than waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days for a customer to pay, you receive an advance – typically 70–90% of the invoice value – from a lender, who then collects the payment from your customer (or passes collection back to you, depending on the arrangement).

There are two main types:

  • Invoice factoring – the lender manages your sales ledger and collects payments directly from your customers. Typically suits businesses that want to outsource credit control.
  • Invoice discounting – you retain control of your sales ledger and continue collecting from customers yourself. The facility remains confidential, and it tends to suit larger, more established businesses with an in-house credit control function.

There are also selective (or spot) options – where you finance individual invoices rather than your full ledger – which suit businesses with irregular cash flow needs.

Below are five invoice finance providers operating in the UK market, covering a range of business sizes, sectors, and facility types.

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1. Novuna Business Cash Flow

Novuna Business Cash Flow

has established itself as an invoice finance provider UK businesses have come to rely on, and appears first on this list given the breadth of its product offering.

Novuna Business Cash Flow is a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, itself a subsidiary of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc. – one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups – which gives it significant financial backing. For UK SMEs, lender stability is worth factoring into the decision: you want confidence that your provider will be there in 12 months’ time, not just today.

What Novuna Offers

Novuna provides a full suite of invoice finance solutions, including invoice factoring, invoice discounting, selective invoice finance, and asset-based lending (ABL). Their offering extends to specialist facilities for:

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  • Recruitment and staffing agencies – with PAYE processing support
  • Construction firms – including contra charge arrangements
  • Logistics and haulage businesses
  • Wholesale and distribution companies

Advance rates are competitive, typically up to 90% of eligible invoice value, and funding can be available within 24 hours once a facility is established.

Novuna’s service model is relationship-led rather than platform-only. Rather than routing clients through a call centre, Novuna assigns a dedicated relationship manager – someone who understands your sector and your ledger, and who you can contact directly when speed matters.

Pricing

Novuna’s pricing is structured around a service charge (as a percentage of turnover) plus a discount charge (interest on the funds you draw down). Exact rates depend on turnover, sector, and the structure of your ledger – and as with any provider, it’s worth asking for a full illustration of all charges before proceeding.

Best For

  • UK businesses with turnover from £500k upward
  • Businesses in staffing, logistics, construction, and manufacturing
  • Companies that want a single funder for multiple working capital facilities (invoice finance + asset finance combined)
  • Businesses that want a relationship-led approach rather than a platform-only product

Who This May Suit

Novuna’s combination of financial backing, sector coverage, and relationship-led service model makes them worth considering for businesses that want more than a transactional facility. If those factors matter to your business, they’re a reasonable starting point for conversations.

2. Bibby Financial Services

Bibby Financial Services is one of the largest independent invoice finance providers in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in the market and a broad sector footprint spanning transport and haulage, manufacturing, construction, and recruitment.

They offer invoice factoring and invoice discounting, with advance rates of up to 85% of eligible invoice value. Their standard factoring and discounting facilities suit businesses of varying sizes and turnover levels, with contract flexibility available – businesses can choose between fixed-term agreements or a rolling 30-day notice arrangement depending on the product and circumstances.

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What Bibby Offers

  • Invoice factoring and invoice discounting
  • Advance rates of up to 85% of eligible invoice value
  • Contract flexibility – fixed-term agreements or rolling 30-day notice arrangement available
  • Broad sector footprint spanning transport and haulage, manufacturing, construction, and recruitment
  • Over 40 years of experience as one of the UK’s largest independent invoice finance providers

Best For

UK businesses across a range of sizes and sectors looking for an established independent provider with specialist knowledge in transport, manufacturing, construction, and recruitment.

3. Ultimate Finance

Ultimate Finance has been providing invoice finance to UK businesses since 2002 and positions itself as a relationship-driven lender for growing and mid-market SMEs. Their invoice finance facilities run from £100,000 up to £10 million, with advance rates of up to 95% of invoice value.

They offer both invoice factoring and invoice discounting, and have built a reputation for practical credit assessment and strong client service – including dedicated relationship managers and a 24/7 online portal. They are particularly active in construction, recruitment, and professional services, and have won multiple industry awards including Invoice Finance Lender of the Year at the SME Funding Awards.

Eligibility typically requires a trading history of at least six months and an annual turnover in the region of £500,000, though this can vary depending on the facility and business circumstances. Eligibility criteria should be confirmed directly with Ultimate Finance.

What Ultimate Finance Offers

  • Invoice factoring and invoice discounting
  • Facilities from £100,000 up to £10 million
  • Advance rates of up to 95% of invoice value
  • Dedicated relationship managers and 24/7 online portal
  • Active in construction, recruitment, and professional services
  • Winner of Invoice Finance Lender of the Year at the SME Funding Awards

Best For

Established UK SMEs looking for a relationship-led provider with competitive advance rates and a track record in construction, recruitment, and professional services.

4. Skipton Business Finance

Skipton Business Finance is part of the Skipton Building Society Group and has been providing invoice finance for close to 25 years. Unlike many providers, they work with businesses at a range of stages – from start-ups through to established companies – and are known for taking a more flexible approach to underwriting than traditional banks.

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They offer invoice factoring, confidential invoice discounting, and two differentiated products: Skipton Select, an interest-free factoring solution where clients pay a single service charge based on turnover rather than a daily discount rate; and LedgerLite, a lighter-touch facility designed for businesses not yet ready for a full factoring arrangement. Advance rates go up to 90% on standard facilities.

Sectors they are active in include manufacturing, recruitment, and transport and logistics.

What Skipton Offers

  • Invoice factoring and confidential invoice discounting
  • Advance rates of up to 90% on standard facilities
  • Skipton Select – interest-free factoring with a single service charge based on turnover
  • LedgerLite – a lighter-touch facility for businesses not yet ready for a full factoring arrangement
  • Flexible approach to underwriting – accessible to start-ups and newer businesses
  • Active in manufacturing, recruitment, and transport and logistics
  • Close to 25 years of invoice finance experience

Best For

Businesses at various stages of growth, including start-ups and newer businesses that may find it harder to access facilities elsewhere, as well as more established SMEs looking for predictable fee structures.

5. Satago

Satago is a tech-first invoice finance platform that integrates directly with your accounting software – including Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, and over 300 other platforms – and allows businesses to finance invoices selectively or across the full ledger, with both options available in a single interchangeable facility.

Their selective invoice finance product has no long-term contract and no minimum volume commitment: you fund the invoices you choose, when you need to. Their full invoice finance product connects to your accounting software in real time, automatically displaying eligible invoices and updating your facility limit without the need for manual reconciliation.

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To be eligible, businesses need a minimum annual turnover of £100,000 and at least six months of trading history (eligibility criteria should be confirmed directly with Satago). Satago also offers credit control tools and risk insights as part of its platform, available via paid subscription plans.

The trade-off compared with full-service providers is the absence of a hands-on relationship management layer – Satago is designed to be largely self-service. Businesses with complex ledgers, specialist sector requirements (such as construction retentions or recruitment PAYE), or a preference for dedicated account management may find a more traditional provider better suited to their needs.

What Satago Offers

  • Selective invoice finance and full ledger invoice finance – both available in a single interchangeable facility
  • No long-term contract and no minimum volume commitment on the selective product
  • Real-time integration with Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, and over 300 other accounting platforms
  • Automatic updating of facility limit without manual reconciliation
  • Credit control tools and risk insights available via paid subscription plans
  • Minimum turnover of £100,000 and at least six months of trading history required (eligibility criteria should be confirmed directly with Satago)

Best For

UK businesses with at least £100,000 turnover looking for a flexible, digital-first invoice finance solution without long-term contract commitments.

Invoice Finance Fees Explained

Understanding what you’ll actually pay is essential before committing to a facility. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of the main charges:

Service charge (management fee): a percentage of your total turnover put through the facility, covering administration, credit checking, and (in factoring) collections. Rates vary by provider, turnover, and the complexity of your ledger – always request a full illustration rather than relying on headline figures.

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Discount charge: interest on the funds you draw down, charged daily. Typically quoted as a margin above base rate. This is the equivalent of the interest rate on a loan. The rate you are offered will depend on your business profile, sector, and the provider’s assessment of your ledger.

Additional charges to watch for:

  • Minimum usage fees – if your drawing is below a certain level in a given period
  • Survey fees – for an initial review of your ledger
  • Exit fees – charged if you terminate before the end of a minimum contract term

Always ask for an all-in illustration rather than comparing headline rates alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I access funds through invoice finance? Once a facility is established, most providers can advance funds within 24 hours of an approved invoice being submitted. Setup timescales vary by provider and the complexity of your business, so it is worth asking each lender for an indication upfront.

Will my customers know I’m using invoice finance? Only with invoice factoring. Invoice discounting is confidential – your customers make payments to you as normal, and the finance arrangement remains private.

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Is invoice finance regulated in the UK? Invoice finance is not directly regulated by the FCA in the same way as consumer credit products, but most reputable providers are members of UK Finance and adhere to the Invoice Finance and Asset Based Lending industry code.

What turnover do I need to qualify? This varies by provider. Some work with businesses from as little as £100k turnover. Most full-service providers require at least £250k–£500k.

Can I use invoice finance alongside other lending? Yes – many businesses use invoice finance alongside asset finance, commercial mortgages, or term loans. Some providers (like Novuna) can provide combined facilities under a single relationship.

Final Thoughts

The right invoice finance provider will depend on your turnover, sector, and how much control you want to retain over your customer relationships. The providers in this guide each have different strengths – and the best fit will vary depending on your circumstances.

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Whatever you choose, it’s worth getting quotes from at least two or three providers and comparing all-in costs – not just the headline service charge.

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