Case study

Overseas sales soar for Simworx following support from UKEF

Midlands-based company expands into China and Vietnam thanks to innovative financing.

Simworx designs, manufactures and delivers dynamic simulators and 4D effects cinemas

When entertainment supplier bid for a 拢46 million contract with a major theme park developer in China, it was asked for an advance payment guarantee that would have placed significant constraints on its cashflow.

HSBC and UKEF create solution

Fortunately, its bank, HSBC, introduced Simworx to UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK鈥檚 export credit agency, which was able to provide a guarantee under its Bond Support Scheme. The guarantee, for 80% of the value of the advance payment bond, significantly reduced the amount of the deposit required, and was provided quickly and seamlessly through UKEF鈥檚 new partnership with HSBC.

Simworx secures extra success

This meant that Simworx was not only able to secure that contract, supplying three major rides to four new Chinese theme parks, but also could continue to take on new contracts, like a mini flying theatre attraction for a wildlife park in Hanoi, Vietnam. UKEF is also supporting a number of these new contracts.

Terry Monkton, Managing Director at Simworx, said:

Working with UKEF has been a very positive experience, helping us to bring in tens of millions of pounds worth of business that we otherwise would not have been able to secure. As a business that relies on exports, the support offered to us by UKEF has already become invaluable.

Anne Lockett, Export Finance Manager for Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and the Black Country, said:

Helping UK businesses of all sizes to win, fulfil and get paid for export contracts is at the core of UK Export Finance鈥檚 mission. Our new partnership with the five major high street banks allows companies like Simworx to access trade finance support quickly and easily. I am delighted to see the success that Simworx has had since it started working with UKEF.

About Simworx

Based in the West Midlands, Simworx designs, manufactures and delivers dynamic simulators and 4D effects cinemas to theme parks, museums, zoos and other attractions around the world. From the 鈥楰ung Fu Panda: Unstoppable Awesomeness鈥� ride at Motiongate, Dubai 鈥� which features boat-themed motion simulators and a 4K 3D projection system as well as wind and water spray 鈥� to the 鈥楲ost Temple鈥� Immersive Tunnel at Moviepark Germany, Simworx designs, develops and manufactures world-renowned innovative and dynamic attractions.

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Published 8 October 2018