How EPI Group Turned a Market Crunch into a Growth Party
Back when the oil and gas world was feeling the squeeze, most companies went on budget mode—tight budgets, tighter gloves. But EPI Group, with a cool £3 million line of credit from Independent Growth Finance Ltd (IGF), decided to flip the script.
Why EPI Took the Road Less Traveled
- Risk‑averse vs. risk‑take: While others boxed themselves in, EPI opted for a “growth & diversification” mindset.
- Immediate returns: Fast‑track strategy now earns the business real, tangible dividends.
Who the Heck Is EPI?
EPI, founded in 1987, is a seasoned energy consulting guru. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for oil and gas: from pitching a new venture to turning raw ideas into seasoned fields.
- Tech‑savvy squad: In‑house experts paired with field specialists.
- Tools of the trade: Proprietary tech plus licensed goodies that turbocharge efficiency.
- Risk mitigation: Less danger, more value—for the clients.
Financial Upswing in 2018
- Recording consultant hours: More than ever before—your mileage matters!
- Revenue hit: £16.5 million, a “once‑in‑a‑decade” double‑plus from the previous year.
- EBITDA leaps: £2.5 million spike.
Throw in a decade’s hardest slump, mass layoffs, and a market that’s just sprouting again—yet confidence hasn’t hit 2014 highs—EPI’s numbers read like a plot twist, a blockbuster moment for the company and its crew.
The Secret Sauce? Partnerships and Courage
Without IGF’s support, EPI probably would have stayed on the sidelines, watching the wave crash. Their bold strategy, backed by steady funding, turned a potential downturn into an upward climb.
Bottom Line: EPI is in Steady Mode, Other Companies are Sinking
When many competitors flat‑lined or dissolved, EPI surged ahead, proving that a daring, diversified approach pays off—especially when you have the right financial wingmen on board.
Investing through the downturn
How EPI Turned a Storm Into a Growth Rally
During a tough patch of the business cycle, EPI’s directors didn’t just weather the storm – they turned it into a launchpad. By betting on a smart diversification plan, they managed to come out of the downturn not only intact but far stronger.
The Big Picture: From Local to Global
Thanks to that bold move, EPI has morphed into a truly global consultancy. Today, the firm operates in more than 50 countries at any given time, offering a fresh lineup of services that sprouted either from organic growth or M&A.
Why a Finance Partner Was Essential
Even when you’re feeling bulletproof, you still need capital to fuel that next leap. EPI’s confidence in its growth strategy during the downturn pushed the company to find a financing solution that could keep the engine running.
Who’s on the Client Roster?
- BP
- Total
- Chevron
- Shell
- Equinor
- ExxonMobil
These tier‑one operators give EPI a top‑notch invoicing book. Yet the twist? Many of EPI’s contracts involve high‑risk zones and tough funding terrain. That’s where the right partner’s flexibility becomes a game‑changer.
Finding the Perfect Match
During the competitive process, EPI zoomed in on a funding partner that understood the nuances of these demanding contracts. The goal? To maximize flexibility and provide ample headroom despite the challenges.
Bottom Line
EPI’s journey shows that even in the hardest times, a clear strategy and the right financial backing can turn setbacks into stepping stones. The result? A resilient, worldwide consulting powerhouse that’s ready for whatever comes next.
Understanding the full scope
How a £3‑Million Invoice Discounting Deal Set the Stage for EPI Group’s Future
Richard Bradley, the COO of EPI Group, spilled the beans about his team’s first dive into alternative finance. When he said, “It was the first time we looked at alternative finance, and it ended up being the perfect solution,” it sounded like the start of a great story—only this one is all about money, not fantasy.
Why Alternative Finance Fit Like a Glove
- Strong Growth, Even in a Downturn: Bradley was confident that the investments made during the slump would pay off once the market warmed up. He wanted a partner that could flex with the company, not just lock it into a one‑size‑fits‑all deal.
- Credit‑Wise Smart Partnering: EPI needed a financier who understood the difference between a credit list and a set of approved territories. With a treasure trove of AAA and blue‑chip clients, they could barely starve of bad debts.
- More Than Just Paperwork: Rob Adams of IGF promised “no red tape, just the bigger picture.” They focused on securing funding based on EPI’s solid client base and the liquidity of its existing collateral.
IGF’s Tailor‑Made Plan
IGF took A‑a‑a‑a‑hay—looked at the business from every side, then stitched together a £3 million invoice discounting facility. It’s like giving the company a giant elastic band: strong enough to hold, stretchy enough to grow.
Three Years of Flexibility (and the Future’s Bright)
With this new funding line, EPI has had the breathing room it needed for the last three years—and the confidence to keep pushing the envelope. It’s the kind of partnership that makes both parties feel like they’ve just taken on a dragon together and won.
Bradley’s Take on IGF
He wasn’t shy about the perks: IGF didn’t just provide a solution, they shared insightful advice and built relationships at the core. It was like having a seasoned friend who not only knows the map, but can actually guide you through the maze.
In short, EPI Group’s CFO felt IGF had understood the full scope of the business, recognized the opportunity, and turned a simple financing idea into a powerhouse partnership.
Investment strategy delivers high reward
How a 2016 Funding Fix Sparked EPI’s Expansion
Picture this: back in 2016, EPI secured a funding facility that was basically a secret sauce for growth. Fast forward to now, and that same funding cushion is still in play, powering a near‑tripling of sales and a 20% jump in headcount. And yep – last year’s turnover was double what it was before, with 2019 and 2020 already on the brand‑new out‑of‑the‑box growth track.
Bradley’s Take – “Cash Flow & Growth on Steroids”
“Since the funding was put in place, we’ve seen a real money‑making boost. It let us hire more people, launch smart investments, and frankly, I can’t even picture where we’d be a few years back. Thanks to the support, spotting opportunities that otherwise would never have been on our radar is now a no‑problem.”
Adams’ Felt‑Good Finale – “Forever Flexible”
“This alternative finance game plan has given EPI the wiggle room it needs to thrive. Our partnership and the funding arrangement grow hand‑in‑hand with the business, making it a reliable, long‑term buddy that keeps our rapid growth train chugging along.”
Key Highlights in Numbers
- Sales ledger: Nearly tripled since 2016
- Headcount: +20%
- Turnover: 2× last year – and still on a roll in 2019 & 2020
Bottom Line
When you pair a solid funding backbone with a bold strategy, the result is a runaway growth story that nobody sees coming—if you hadn’t looked at the numbers, they’d probably miss it.
