Tottenham-based e-commerce brand Vanquish Fitness has secured a £1 million trade loan from NatWest, guaranteed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), in a move designed to accelerate its growth and expand its reach in international markets.
Founded in 2014, Vanquish has carved out a niche in the competitive athleisure and gym wear market, supplying high-quality active streetwear to a global customer base. With strong sales in the UK and the US, the brand now aims to scale further, using the new financing to invest in products, strengthen supply chains, and explore opportunities in North America.
The flexible trade loan facility gives the business the ability to draw down funds as required, ensuring timely payments to international suppliers, safeguarding stock levels, and reducing the risks of delays or shortages — challenges that have hampered many e-commerce brands in recent years.
Co-founder and CEO Oliver Maloney said the partnership marked a turning point for the business.
“This funding from NatWest is a game-changer for us. It allows us to manage our cash flow more effectively, ensuring timely payments to our suppliers and preventing any disruptions in our supply chain. With this support, we’re well-positioned to continue our growth trajectory and explore new market opportunities as well as building on our success in the US.”
The deal is part of NatWest’s wider strategy to boost trade finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering working capital support to help businesses expand into new markets.
Ayaz Sadiq, Relationship Director at NatWest, said: “By leveraging our trade finance solutions and specialist expertise, we are able to support businesses like Vanquish Fitness who want to take the next step in levelling up their business and achieving growth in new areas.”
Ellie Morrison, Trade Finance Manager at NatWest, added that the loan demonstrated the bank’s ongoing commitment to the SME sector.
“This funding provides the necessary working capital to help the business overcome cash flow challenges and achieve its growth ambitions, something which exemplifies our commitment to supporting SMEs and fostering economic growth.”
The involvement of UK Export Finance underscores the government’s efforts to back British brands with global potential.
Keisha Silvera, Export Finance Manager at UKEF, said: “We’re pleased to support Vanquish Fitness in partnership with NatWest. They’re a business that’s ready to build on their strong domestic foundation and scale up in key export markets like the US.
By providing the guarantee to NatWest’s trade loan, we’re helping Vanquish Fitness maintain reliable supply chains whilst they pursue their growth ambitions in the competitive global athleisure market. This shows exactly what UKEF is here for: to help British businesses overcome financing barriers and compete successfully on the world stage.”
With demand for athleisure continuing to rise globally, the funding positions Vanquish to capitalise on both new product development and international expansion, supporting its ambition to become a leading British brand in the global activewear market.
