Powering business growth
With proven award-winning expertise in providing working capital solutions to businesses since 2011, Upstream delivers a range of structured ABL facilities for growth-focused companies in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain.
Founded by CEO Judith Totten MBE, Upstream has extensive experience in supporting business ambition, unlocking the value of all balance sheet assets to deliver bespoke funding solutions that drive growth.
Supported by a Pollen Street Capital-backed £150m funding facility, Upstream empowers established SME and mid-corporate-sized businesses to raise the capital needed to drive strategic, sustainable and transformational growth whether in transition or restructuring.
Flexible and fast, funding can be secured on a variety of assets including debtors, stock, equipment, machinery, vehicles, brand and property, providing opportunities to unlock finance to drive scale, improve cash flow and stay in control. Upstream has significant local autonomy to deliver finance solutions from £250,000 upwards.


Powering Courtney & Nelson acquisition with Structured ABL facility
We are delighted to confirm the completition a multimillion-pound deal to help finance the acquisition of one of Northern Ireland’s largest confectionery businesses.
Courtney & Nelson, a 65-year-old confectionery wholesaler and distribution company based in Belfast with around 40 staff, has been acquired by leading Northern Ireland businessman Paul Allen in a major deal facilitated by Upstream which supported the transaction by providing a significant Structured ABL funding solution – unlocking the assets of the business to provide both acquisition finance and ongoing working capital to fund the future growth plans of the management team.
The tailored funding, which leveraged a combination of trading assets including Courtney & Nelson’s Supply Chain, Debtors, Inventory and Commercial Vehicles, assured the acquisition team of flexible and scalable finance, thereby facilitating a smooth and seamless transaction for all parties.
John Metcalfe, Acquisition and Relationship Manager at Upstream, said: "Businesses are beginning to wake up to the benefits of ABL funding. Increasingly, it is being viewed as a highly competitive finance solution of choice, and one which can be tailored to individual needs. By leveraging assets, ABL offers great flexibility and scalability, ensuring confidence for business owners to make decisions..."
To get advice or to find out more, email: info@upstreampositive.co.uk or phone +44 (0) 2890 999 450