In a persistent uncertain environment, even if companies must manage their debtor risk correctly even if they protected by credit insurance policies.. Regular talks with the insurer and the broker will be the best way to determine the risks they can take on their debtors thus contributing to growth in sales. Read more →
Laurie Harton of Hanwell Atkinson Ltd takes a snapshot of the UK economy, especially the strength of the recovery, and how well the credit insurance market is placed to manage both future challenges and opportunities: Read more →
In his latest blog, Mark Barton of our UK associate, Hanwell Atkinson Ltd, assesses the pros and cons of non-recourse invoice discounting compared to recourse invoice discounting allied with a credit insurance policy.
Many companies factoring their invoices also wish to take advantage of credit insurance or bad debt protection and this can be achieved in one of two ways. Some factoring companies offer a non-recourse factoring facility which, as the name suggests, is without recourse to the client in the event of a failure of the customer. Read more →
Only export or innovative businesses are optimistic in the current climate!
There can be no doubt: at a time when many European economies are ailing, the export market, particularly the large export market, is becoming a path to achieve growth for a large number of companies, irrespective of their size.
With Africa’s average GDP standing at 4.5% and can exceed 10% in certain countries such as Angola, the African economic pace is attracting companies willing to invest.
By trading in Africa, companies need to recognise they will deal with new risks which may require a precise analysis of the situation, notably in the area of customer risk evaluation.
This risk can be transferred to the credit insurance market and our customers seek first and foremost to build a partnership with a credit insurer with the local country experience and ability to write credit limits for debtors in those countries.
Credit risk analysis is based on the overall business and political environment, transparency of company accounts and creditor protection in the event of default. But insurers also take into consideration the business relationship and past payment experience between the insured and its buyer.
Analysis of the political risk may be linked to factors such as the date set for the country’s next general election, the rising costs of basic necessities, fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and the buyer’s location within the country. The risk will also vary depending on the presence of differing communities, faiths or ethnic groups within the same country. For example, in the region of Azawad in Mali, credit insurance analysts suspended all cover but continued to insure business transactions in the Bamako area.
It takes time to build a trusting relationship with buyers.
Our qualified professionals can work with you to reduce your risks by securing your sales in Africa.
All that remains to be found is the most appropriate policy solution, optimize your limits so as to be able to work on an “open account” basis with your customers and promote the development of your business in Africa in full confidence.
