Glossary

Overtrading

When a business grows faster than its working capital can support — straining cash flow even as sales and profit rise, and a common cause of failure.

2 min read

Definition

Overtrading happens when a company takes on more business than its cash can fund — buying stock and paying staff to fulfil orders long before customers pay. Sales and profit look healthy, but the bank account runs dry. It is a growth problem, not a demand problem.

Why it matters

Overtrading is a classic reason profitable businesses fail, and a classic case for working-capital finance to bridge the gap. Watch it in your net cash flow. See affordability red flags.

Funding for UK limited companies

Credicorp lends to your company, not to you personally — short-term working capital with no personal guarantee. See what your business could access.