Approximately 18 months ago a merchant trading in non-ferrous metals approached their bankers for increased facilities. The reason for the request was based on firm orders from the market. Despite this, the facilities were declined in that, in the bank's view, the business was growing too fast or overtrading and did not have adequate tangible security.

Rand Trust assessed the viability of the business and agreed to enter into an Invoice Discounting agreement with the merchant. Since then, sales have increased by in excess of 50 percent. Recently, Rand Trust also put trade finance facilities in place, which has resulted in certain products being imported under a Letter of Credit at very competitive prices. This has also contributed to the increase in sales and profitability.

Understandably, the merchant is delighted with the growth of the business and acknowledges that the results being achieved would not have been possible without the support of Rand Trust.

An entrepreneur approached Rand Trust for an Invoice Discounting facility to fund a profitable division that had been bought out of an insolvent estate of the parent company. His efforts to raise conventional working capital facilities from the bank were unsuccessful due to the blemished trading history of the company.

Rand Trust assessed the entrepreneur and the market and were satisfied that the necessary ingredients were in place to structure a successful business. Fifteen months later we have a business that is turning over in excess of R1 million per month.

The entrepreneur values the "partnership" that has been established with Rand Trust, which has contributed greatly to the success of the business.