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Strukta Group – Committed to supplier success
By setting up a Virtual Card programme, Strukta Group have streamlined supplier payments and strengthened cash flow.
Read time: 4 mins Added: 17/03/26
A better way to pay suppliers
Strukta Group is a specialist builders' merchant, which today operates 10 trade stores across the south of England. From its head office and distribution centre in Andover, the company manages significant volumes of supplier payments each month. For James Ross, Finance Manager at Strukta, managing the company's growth while maintaining its strong supplier relationships has been crucial to their success. When the opportunity arose to improve how they handled supplier payments, the long-standing relationship with their bank opened the door to a solution that would benefit everyone involved.
A collaboration shaped by business expertise
Solutions tailored to fit the team’s needs
James Renshaw, Associate Director - SME Corporate Cards at Lloyds, worked with Strukta to identify which suppliers would benefit most from the new approach. “We had a conversation to understand a little bit around Strukta’s current payment processes," he explains. "We approached the idea, not because the team were struggling in any particular way, but rather because we thought it was a really nice example of a system that supports and simplifies payments.”
One crucial requirement to consider was ensuring the new system could accommodate Strukta’s specific authorisation processes. "The ability to adapt to our authorisation requirements was important," says James Ross. "Depending on the level of spend, different numbers of people need to authorise those payments. Our mandate is specific to us."
Lloyds configured the platform around these needs, ensuring it would support the finance team's reconciliation processes and subsequently provide the right reporting.
Perhaps most impressive was the speed of implementation. Once Strukta decided to proceed, everything moved quickly. The team wanted to start using the new system for their upcoming end-of-month supplier payments and, with swift action from both sides, they made it happen.
"When we decided to go for it, it was a very quick turnaround," recalls James Ross. "We were trying to get it done for the end of the month so we could pay our end-of-month suppliers on the card and we managed it. It was very impressive how swiftly everything came together."
Stronger relationships, healthier cash flow
The new payment approach has delivered several practical benefits for all parties involved. Suppliers now receive payments earlier than they would have done through traditional transfers.
At the same time, Strukta benefits from extended payment terms, providing extra breathing room between collecting customer payments and settling supplier invoices.
Strukta has adapted to the day-to-day process smoothly, with the finance team finding the transition straightforward. The platform has also reduced complexity, offering a fresh way of working that delivers additional value.
James Ross Finance Manager, Strukta GroupWe're now able to pay suppliers earlier than they would normally get paid. It's a win-win all round really.
Room to grow
Having successfully implemented the solution for their highest-value suppliers, the next step is to consider how to extend the approach. Starting with the largest payments made sense initially, but there's now potential to work through more of their supplier base.
This willingness to explore what's possible reflects both parties' approach to the relationship. Things are constantly evolving, particularly around what technology can enable, and the ongoing dialogue creates opportunities to identify solutions that deliver genuine business value.
For James Renshaw, Strukta’s experience demonstrates how Commercial Cards have evolved far beyond their traditional role.
James Renshaw Associate Director - SME Corporate Cards, LloydsCards used to be great for just travel and expenses, but it just isn't about that anymore. Clients can pay their suppliers sooner while we're able to offer additional value. There's also the additional security of making payments through a Commercial Card.
The key, he believes, is being proactive about identifying opportunities where the bank can help. "I think it’s about taking the initiative in enhancing relationships where we can. It's always good to give back to a loyal client."