Helping the marine sector seize opportunities for expansion
16 September 2024

Insights from DF Capital’s Angela Goulding

In the marine industry, financial flexibility and industry-specific expertise are crucial for growth. Angela Goulding, managing director of commercial assets and powersports at DF Capital, chats with MarineTalk about why supporting industry events like the Southampton International Boat Show is important and shares how DF Capital supports the marine sector. 

In your opinion, what differentiates DF Capital from other financial services providers in the marine industry?

Answer: We’re not just another bank; we’re a partner providing specialist finance products with knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities within the marine sector. Our tailored, flexible working capital solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of dealers, distributors and manufacturers within the marine industry. Whether they’re dealing with seasonal fluctuations, optimising their production and supply chain models or expanding into new markets, our solutions can help to expand product distribution, improve cash flow position and provide a platform for growth. 

What does that mean in practice?

Answer: We offer financing solutions that address specific needs, such as managing cash flow during the off-season or financing new stock ahead of a busy summer. Our stock funding facilities are designed to provide the financial flexibility marine businesses need to grow, whether they’re a boat manufacturer, a distributor or a dealership. For dealers and distributors, and subject to our affordability and standard checks, we provide funding facilities that dealers can use to fund both new and used stock. We pay up to 100% of the invoice value to the dealer, take title of the asset and the dealer pay us fees each month to keep stock on their funding plan. At any time the dealer can pay us back in full – this is normally at the point when they have sold on to their end customer. 

For manufacturers and distributors, we set up finance programmes that they can offer to their dealer network. We agree on the terms and the dealers get access to the programme. This helps manufacturers to distribute product and they can get useful analytics about capacity, stock turn and performance of the programme. 

We work closely with our customers to understand their buying cycles and how the facility is working for them. 

What industries does DF Capital specialise in, and how does that expertise benefit marine customers?

Answer: While DF Capital serves a range of industries, our expertise in the marine sector is a key focus. We understand the marine supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution, and the importance of timing in this market. Our customers benefit from our knowledge of industry-specific trends, such as the growing demand for sustainable boating solutions, and our ability to provide financing that aligns with these trends. Having said that, the benefit of working across diverse industry sectors from agriculture, materials handling, automotive to motorcycle means that often an innovative solution in one sector can apply into another.

And because we work in such a diverse range of sectors, our macro-level understanding of the economic climate and trends positions us as responsive and agile to customer demand. 

How does DF Capital use technology to enhance the customer experience?

Answer: We want to make it easy for our customers to do business with us so we have developed a number of user-friendly tools to make sure this happens. Our DF Connect platform is a game-changer for marine businesses as it offers real-time access to financing information, allowing customers to track funding, manage repayments, and monitor cash flow - critical for businesses that deal with the seasonal nature of the industry. This technology also gives our customers greater control and visibility, enabling them to make informed decisions quickly. 

DF Check, our auditing app and DF Onboard, our online onboarding process, are also part of our tech package. 

Our customers also benefit from the management information we can provide - including analysing stock turn or age profiles of stock as well as wider industry trends.

What kind of service can marine customers expect from DF Capital?

Answer: Marine customers can expect exceptional service that’s tailored to their industry. We provide support through our dedicated teams who are not only financial experts but also knowledgeable about the marine market. Whether you’re preparing for the peak season or navigating off-season challenges, our team is on hand to provide advice, resolve issues, and help make sure that your business is on track. Our commitment to customer service is reflected in the long-standing relationships we’ve built in this sector.

Tell us how you’re helping customers?

Answer: From global manufacturing giants to local UK boatyards and dealerships, our customers span the marine industry. By partnering with businesses at every level, we provide tailored funding solutions where they need it most, driving their success.

For manufacturers, we empower them to launch new products by offering funding to their dealers. This enables dealers to stock a wider range, including exciting new models and brands, meeting the growing demand from customers.

For dealers, our funding enhances cash flow, buying power, and working capital, allowing them to invest in business growth. Our support doesn't just boost financial performance; we’re also helping businesses raise their profile and competitive advantage. A recent partnership enabled a dealer to participate in high-profile events like the Southampton International Boat Show, expanding their reach and solidifying their reputation.

How does DF Capital contribute to the marine community and industry?

Answer: DF Capital is committed to the marine community, not just as a financial partner but as an active supporter of industry growth and innovation. By sponsoring key events like the Southampton International Boat Show, and initiatives such as Women in Marine Day, it helps us stay connected with the industry, champion diversity, and contribute to a more forward-thinking marine sector. Our support extends beyond just financing; we’re here to help shape the future of the marine industry in a positive way.

Angela Goulding has been managing director – commercial assets and powersports at DF Capital since the beginning of 2024. She and her team play a vital role in supporting dealers, manufacturers and distributors in the motorcycle, marine, specialist automotive and commercial assets sectors, providing them with award-winning inventory finance and first class customer service to help manage and grow their businesses and make the most of current commercial opportunities.

About DF Capital

DF Capital is a trading name of DF Capital Bank Limited, a subsidiary of Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc. It is a specialist bank providing both award-winning inventory finance solutions to dealer and manufacturing businesses across the UK, and personal savings products to retail customers.

With its headquarters in Manchester, the bank now employs over 100 people. It has provided over £3.5bn of funding across a variety of leisure and commercial sectors, including motorhome & caravan; lodges & holiday homes; specialist/prestige cars, motorcycles/all-terrain vehicles; marine; agriculture; industrial and transport. 

The bank is a Living Wage Employer and, in January 2024 it was awarded a 3-star accreditation – reflecting ‘world-class’ levels of workplace engagement - by Best Companies. The bank was also awarded the Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo at the beginning of 2024 for its savings offering and holds the Feefo Exceptional Service badge – with customer satisfaction currently standing at 4.8 out of 5 stars. 

For more information visit www.dfcapital.bank