ICS and ETR Digital Partner to Tackle UK Trade Finance Gap

Investec Capital Solutions (ICS) has joined forces with ETR Digital to explore the use of digital financial instruments designed to improve working capital access for UK SMEs. This collaboration highlights how technology can tackle long-standing inefficiencies in trade finance and unlock new funding opportunities for businesses facing liquidity constraints.

Tackling Structural Inefficiencies in Trade Finance

ICS is currently assessing how to integrate Digital Negotiable Instruments (DNIs) alongside traditional financing products. By digitising key aspects of trade finance, businesses may gain faster, more reliable access to liquidity, reducing the friction that often slows down cash flow cycles.

The iC4DTI Cash Conversion Cycle Calculator

As part of this initiative, ICS and ETR Digital are promoting the iC4DTI Cash Conversion Cycle Calculator, a publicly accessible tool created to help businesses evaluate and benchmark their working capital position.

By inputting simple financial data , such as annual turnover, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and inventory levels — SMEs receive a performance report benchmarked against industry norms. This empowers finance teams to identify opportunities to improve their cash conversion cycle (CCC) and free up valuable working capital.

ETR Digital’s Role in Driving Financial Innovation

At ETR Digital, we are bringing our technical expertise in digital infrastructure and data solutions to support ICS in evaluating the commercial viability and scalability of DNIs and digital tools.

Dominic Broom, CEO of ETR Digital, said:

“We’re thrilled to be assisting ICS, a business that shares our commitment to providing innovative solutions to SMEs. By harnessing the power of digital negotiable instruments and business-oriented tools like the iC4DTI Cash Conversion Cycle Calculator, we’re enabling businesses to achieve the financial flexibility they need to scale and grow.”

About the Partnership

As part of this initiative, ICS and ETR Digital are promoting the iC4DTI Cash Conversion Cycle Calculator, a publicly accessible tool created to help businesses evaluate and benchmark their working capital position.

By inputting simple financial data — such as annual turnover, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and inventory levels — SMEs receive a performance report benchmarked against industry norms. This empowers finance teams to identify opportunities to improve their cash conversion cycle (CCC) and free up valuable working capital.

Why This Matters for SMEs

• Better liquidity access – SMEs can identify and act on opportunities to release cash tied up in their operations.
• Benchmarking against industry peers – The calculator provides valuable comparative insights.
• Digital transformation of trade finance – DNIs and data-driven tools are making finance faster, smarter, and more accessible.