Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bourn
Bourn is a financial technology company addressing the cash flow challenges faced by UK SMEs. Our mission is to simplify working capital for growth businesses.
What is a Flexible Trade Account?
A Flexible Trade Account (FTA) is a business credit and payment solution designed to help SMEs manage cash flow effortlessly.
How does it work?
An FTA works just like a business overdraft, giving businesses access to a payment account and flexible line available on demand. The account is connected directly to your accounting system so we can keep your funding line up to date and support your financial operations.
Is Bourn a bank?
No. Bourn Technologies Ltd is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 Firm Reference Number: 1033250 for the issuing of electronic money; and registered as a controller with the Information Commissioner reference: ZB692151
Is Bourn a lender?
Bourn is not a lender. We partner with banks and specialist finance providers to help provision working capital for SMEs. We do this by enabling direct funding via the platform or via the establishment of Specialist Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
What makes this different to invoice financing?
Unlike traditional invoice finance, which relies on manual processes and significant amounts of paper, FTAs are designed for automation, streamlining onboarding, payments, reconciliations, and limit management for businesses.
Who is typically eligible for a Flexible Trade Account?
FTAs are designed for any UK-based businesses that trade on credit terms with other businesses, providing flexible funding based on outstanding invoices.
What accounting systems can Bourn connect to?
We connect to over 14 major cloud accounting platforms, including Xero, Quickbooks, Sage and NetSuite.
Is Bourn's Flexible Trade Account available internationally?
Currently, we’re operational in the UK, with plans to expand globally. If you’re in another jurisdiction, let us know, and we’ll update you on our roadmap.
How secure is the information I share with Bourn?
We prioritise your security and ensure all data is encrypted and handled according to GDPR and industry standards.
Who is Jason Bourne?
We don't know.
But we're confident in saying he certainly couldn't simplify your working capital like we can.
But we're confident in saying he certainly couldn't simplify your working capital like we can.