Mayday Assistance: Flexible funding to support emergency care
71%
better visibility into payment timing
£1.2m
supplier invoices paid through Lenkie
59%
reduction in manual finance admin
”
We needed a partner who could help us move quickly when supplier costs came due. Lenkie gave us the confidence to keep growing without letting cashflow slow the team down.
Maya El-Sayed
Managing Director, MayDay
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Borrow up to £1,000,000
Pay invoices instantly
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Repay over 1-12 months
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Overview
Who is Roseground?
Roseground is a fast-growing hospitality group that supplies fresh ingredients and ready-made meals to independent cafés, offices, and events teams across London. As demand grew, so did the pressure on working capital: larger orders meant higher supplier costs long before customer payments arrived.
The finance team had strong demand and reliable customers, but traditional funding options were too slow or too rigid for the day-to-day realities of supplier purchasing. They needed a flexible way to pay invoices quickly without interrupting operations or taking focus away from customers.
The Problem
Growth created pressure on supplier payments
Seasonal peaks made purchasing unpredictable. The team often had to commit to larger stock orders before revenue had fully landed, leaving them to choose between delaying growth opportunities or negotiating with suppliers under pressure.
The process also created unnecessary admin: every payment decision needed manual review, cashflow forecasts changed daily, and the team lacked a single clear view of when invoices could be paid.
Keeping stock moving: the team reviews supplier orders on the shop floor.
The Solution
Turning to Lenkie
Lenkie gave Roseground a simple way to pay supplier invoices immediately and spread the cost over time. Instead of waiting for customers to pay, the finance team could keep purchasing moving, maintain supplier trust, and protect cash reserves for daily operations.
The setup was designed around the team’s existing workflow: invoices could be uploaded quickly, reviewed clearly, and paid without adding more complexity to month-end finance routines.
Implementation
01
Needs assessment and invoice workflow review — Lenkie mapped the team’s supplier purchasing cadence and repayment preferences.
02
Supplier payments went live — invoices were uploaded and settled directly, giving the team a clearer payment schedule.
03
Ongoing optimisation — repayment terms and purchasing patterns were reviewed so the facility continued matching business needs.
Results
More confidence, fewer payment bottlenecks
With Lenkie, Roseground could take on larger opportunities without slowing down procurement. The finance team gained clearer visibility over payment schedules, suppliers were paid faster, and operational conversations shifted from “can we afford this order?” to “how quickly can we fulfil it?”
The partnership also helped leadership plan ahead. By smoothing purchasing costs over predictable repayment windows, the team could invest in growth while keeping day-to-day working capital stable.
Planning the next phase of growth with cash flow no longer a blocker.
“It’s inspiring to support a team that knows exactly where growth is coming from. Lenkie simply removed the friction between demand and delivery.”
Sanjeev Jeyakumar
CEO, Lenkie
Takeaway
Roseground’s story shows how flexible supplier finance can unlock growth without forcing small businesses into rigid funding cycles. By pairing fast invoice payments with predictable repayment terms, Lenkie helped the team turn demand into momentum.
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Why a business line of credit is a game changer for ecommerce businesses
Running an ecommerce business isn’t just about selling great products online - it’s also about managing cash flow, inventory, marketing, and unpredictable growth.
That’s where a business line of credit specifically tailored for ecommerce businesses can make all the difference.
Unlike traditional term loans, a business line of credit offers flexibility, speed, and control - three things fast-moving online businesses need to stay competitive and profitable.
What is a business line of credit?
A business line of credit is a type of financing that gives businesses access to a set amount of money, which you can draw from as needed. It’s revolving, which means once you repay the amount used, the funds become available again - much like a credit card, but often with lower interest and better suited to specific business needs.
For ecommerce businesses, this is particularly useful because it allows you to borrow exactly what you need, when you need it - without taking on long-term debt you may not use.
Why ecommerce businesses need flexible financing
Ecommerce is a dynamic industry. Your sales might surge during peak seasons like Black Friday or Christmas, and drop off during slower months. You may need to order inventory in bulk, launch a new marketing campaign, or deal with unexpected shipping costs. All of this requires working capital.
Here’s where a business line of credit comes in:
Bridging cash flow gaps: Ecommerce businesses often pay for inventory or marketing upfront but don’t get the revenue until weeks later. A line of credit fills that gap.
Managing inventory: If you’re seeing a spike in demand, a credit line allows you to order more stock without waiting on sales revenue to arrive.
Seizing opportunities: Whether it’s a flash sale on supplier goods or a chance to run paid ads at scale, having fast access to capital means you can act quickly.
Scaling up: A business line of credit can support you as you grow, helping you maintain cash flow while reinvesting in operations.
Key benefits of a business line of credit for ecommerce
The idea of business credit can sometimes have negative connotations for business owners, but when used strategically it can be a fantastic tool to have in your back pocket - for when you really need it.
Let’s break down the specific advantages:
Flexibility
Only borrow what you need. If you don’t use the full limit, you don’t pay for it. This gives you control over your financing and your costs. It also gives you breathing space for the inevitable unknowns that you’ll face when running a small business.
Reusability
Once you repay the funds you’ve used, they become available again. It’s a reliable safety net you can keep using as your business evolves. There’s no need to keep going through lengthy and painful application processes whenever you’re short of cash.
Speed
Many online lenders offer fast approvals and funding - sometimes within 24 to 48 hours - so you can respond to business needs in real time. At Lenkie, we can give you a pre-qualified offer in just two minutes, and funds in your account within 48 hours.
No long-term commitment
Unlike term loans, you’re not tied to fixed repayments over years. You use and repay funds on your terms. Most lenders will let you choose from a range of repayment periods, so you can find a solution that works best for you.
Builds credit
Despite fears you may have about what debt finance means for your credit rating, it can actually have a positive impact. Using and repaying a business line of credit responsibly can help improve your business credit score, making it easier to access more financing in the future.
Real-life use cases in ecommerce
Here’s how ecommerce businesses typically use their line of credit:
Inventory purchasing: Stocking up on products ahead of peak season or flash sales.
Advertising spend: Investing in PPC, Facebook, or influencer campaigns to drive traffic and sales.
Supplier payments: Paying suppliers quickly, especially when payment terms are tight.
Returns and refunds buffer: Covering customer refunds or unexpected product returns without disrupting operations.
Logistics costs: Handling unexpected shipping or warehousing costs during busy periods.
At Lenkie, many of our ecommerce customers leverage our credit facility to circulate stock multiple times before repayment is due - maximising working capital efficiency.
One standout example is ecommerce phone retailer Inc Tablet. With a fast-moving, high-demand product, founder Adam Hamdoud has strategically used his credit line to accelerate growth:
“Using the facility on loop normally provides the most benefit since you get to consistently compound the inventory.
Since starting with Lenkie, we were running at £400,000-£800,000 sales and we are now on par to reach £2.4m in sales.”
Read more about how Lenkie helps businesses unlock growth and scale revenue faster.
How to qualify for a business line of credit
Ecommerce businesses can qualify for a line of credit from banks, online lenders, or fintech platforms. Requirements vary, but here are some typical criteria you'll need to provide:
Trading history
Consistent monthly revenue proof
Access to your business bank account/s
Basic financial documentation (e.g., bank statements, management accounts)
Some lenders also connect directly to your ecommerce platform (like Shopify or WooCommerce) to assess your business in real time.
At Lenkie, we also have a few additional eligibility requirements. You need to:
Be registered as a limited company
Have been trading at least 18 months
Have £1m+ annual revenue based on your latest filed accounts
Things to consider before applying
Before you apply for a line of credit, keep the following in mind:
Credit limit: Make sure the facility offers enough to cover your working capital needs but doesn’t encourage over-borrowing.
Interest rates or fees: These vary based on provider and your credit profile. Always check whether rates are monthly or annual.
Repayment terms: Understand how and when you’ll repay the amount you draw, and whether early repayment is allowed without penalty.
Fees: Some lenders charge draw fees, maintenance fees, or inactivity fees - read the fine print.
Final thoughts
A business line of credit for ecommerce businesses isn’t just a safety net - it’s a strategic tool. Whether you’re dealing with cash flow gaps or looking to seize a growth opportunity, flexible financing helps you stay one step ahead.
If you're running an ecommerce brand and want to operate with more confidence, control, and freedom, a business line of credit could be exactly what you need to thrive.
Need fast, flexible finance for your ecommerce business?
Explore how Lenkie’s revolving credit facility can help you grow without slowing down. Get a pre-qualified offer in just two minutes.
