Skipton Business Finance has extended a six-figure invoice finance facility to Sheffield-based SG Brands, a specialist distributor of fine and niche fragrances, as it looks to scale its operations across the UK luxury retail market.

Founded in 2019 by Samuel Gearing, SG Brands supplies independent and high-end fragrance labels to renowned retailers including Liberty and Fortnum & Mason.

The business, which has carved out a reputation in the prestige beauty and personal care space, will use the facility to strengthen supplier relationships, purchase stock more flexibly, and expand distribution across a wider network of retail partners.

The funding, provided in the form of invoice factoring, will also allow SG Brands to pursue new partnerships with established European names such as Portuguese skincare house Benamôr and historic French brand Bienaimé, helping the business meet growing consumer appetite for distinctive and heritage-led products.

Samuel Gearing, director at SG Brands, described the facility as a pivotal development for the company. “Securing the funding from Skipton Business Finance is a pivotal moment for SG Brands.

“It gives us the capacity to scale our stockholding and develop relationships with our brand partners,” he said.

“We chose to work with Skipton not just because of their flexible funding model, but because they took the time to understand our business and what makes it special.

“Their support means we can now pursue our growth plans with greater certainty and ambition.”

COMMITTED TO INDEPENDENT FIRMS

Skipton Business Finance, which provides tailored invoice factoring and invoice discounting facilities for SMEs across multiple sectors, said the agreement demonstrated its ongoing commitment to supporting UK independents.

Jim Furey, regional sales director for the North West and Midlands, commented: “We’re delighted to support SG Brands at the start of this exciting growth chapter.

“Samuel and his team have built a distinctive and highly respected business in the fine fragrance sector, and our funding will enable them to respond to increasing demand while safeguarding the operational ability of the company.”

He added: “At Skipton, we work with an incredibly diverse client base, from traditional industries to innovative niche sectors, and SG Brands is a great example of that range.

“We’re proud to be backing them through this period of growth and looking forward to being on that journey with them.”

The deal was introduced by Mark Millhouse of Oldham-based PMD Business Finance.

Pictured: (L-R) Samuel Gearing, Jim Furey