Avance

Carlsberg selects Avance to manage its revamped lending strategy

Carlsberg has appointed Avance Group, the specialist outsourcing organisation, to spearhead its new commercial lending strategy.

Carlsberg has created a new portfolio of competitive loans as it positions itself as one of the licensed sector’s lead specialist commercial lenders, and expects to build its loan portfolio by 15 per cent in the first 12 months. The loans process has been redesigned with emphasis on speed of delivery to create an industry leading service.

All brewers recognise the significant part commercial loans play in gaining business and while one or two in recent years have established links with retail banks adopting a more traditional banking approach, Carlsberg is the first to outsource the process to a recognised specialist provider.

Jarlath McHale, managing director of Avance says:

“The lending market has always been attractive to brewers, as anecdotal evidence increasingly suggests brewers derive greater value from their customer relationships when they couple a trade relationship with a financial one. Carlsberg is innovating by becoming the first to launch an independent commercial lending strategy.�

Avance, which has managed customer relationship and credit processes for major brewers and pub operating companies for more than ten years, will manage the customer-facing end of the loans service, credit scoring applicants, opening new accounts on behalf of Carlsberg, and overseeing the customer relationship from “cradle to grave�.

Mark Owen Financial Controller of Carlsberg comments:

“Carlsberg UK Ltd are pleased to announce the outsourcing of its loans assessment and underwriting to Avance Group. The outsource has been accompanied by a review of processes, designed to significantly enhance the speed of service to customers.

“The provision of funding to our trading partners we recognise as a key part of our product offer adding value to our customers businesses, facilitating growth and building lasting relationships.”

McHale adds, “Our unrivalled experience of credit management in the licensed trade will help Carlsberg manage risk, and ensure customers benefit from swift lending decisions and the highest level of customer service.”