Tell us about yourself and your background.
I joined NatWest straight after A Levels joining the local branch in Lichfield in 1989.
I was one of the last general intake the bank undertook that got a proper footing in the business of branch banking. This led on to a move to the banks new Birmingham Corporate Banking centre in the early 90’s where it became evident that the future for me was in the SME sector and commercial banking – I just enjoyed it. I continued in a relationship banking role through to 2013 when I decided a change was needed and I joined FDC. I’ve never looked back.
What is your role at FDC?
I have spent the last eleven years working as an Investment Director on several of our funds, primarily on the Advanced Manufacturing scheme. This has been a fabulous journey seeing some exciting cutting edge manufacturing projects.
With our successful award of the British Business Banks mandate for Midlands Engine Investment Fund 2 (MEIFII) I have taken the Deputy Fund Principal role and will head up a dedicated team of lending professionals to seek out and engage with quality SMEs seeking funding for growth with loan requirements of between £100,000 and £2m, across the West Midlands geography.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
It’s easier to seek forgiveness than obtain approval.
Why FDC? What drew you to the family?
An old colleague from my NatWest days got in contact when the business had secured the Advanced Manufacturing Fund advising they needed some help with volume assessments of cases. It was obvious that with the banks becoming more restrictive after the financial crisis of 2008/9, the FDC approach was more aligned with my preference to back good people and businesses with more than just a number-based approach that the banks were now insisting on. The human touch is important to me and I felt that that time had gone in banking.
MEIF II questions:
Tell us a bit about the MEIF?
This is a dedicated West Midlands fund to assist SME’s with their growth plans.
The area covered spans Birmingham and the Black Country, Coventry, up to Stoke via Lichfield and Cannock and then west and down through Telford and Wrekin to Worcester and Bromsgrove.
Loans are available to fund growth plans and expansion in the range of £100k to £2m. We are sector agnostic so happy to speak with a wide range of SME’s.
We can’t do refinance of existing debt or cash out transactions, but we can possibly provide a solution alongside such transactions.
Who is eligible for the fund?
West Midlands based SME’s.
What can the funding be used for?
A wide range of growth opportunities can be catered for, even when your bank may have said no, or cant go all the way to providing the funds you need. Working capital and capital expenditure are clearly first and foremast in an SME’s funding needs to assist, but we can also look at acquisitions and property purchase for example.
What makes the MEIF different from any other FDC Funds?
This funding solution is an excellent addition to FDC’s portfolio.
We have traditionally looked at very specific project or transaction-based lending and generally been working in the £2m+ cheque size arena. This is our opportunity to assist SME’s who require the support of a fully engaged, knowledgeable and professional funding partner with requirements in the £100k upwards range.
We are very excited to be dealing with SME’s in this range and helping them deliver their ambitions.
Find out more about the MEIF II here
Quick fire round
What is your favourite song/artist/author/hobby/thing and why?
Live music is important to me alongside travel and holidays. I went to see The Boss four times in 2023 including trips to Ireland and Scotland and have tickets for another two this year.
I’m a keen football fan (AVFC season ticket holder with my daughter) and am an aviation geek.
Last destination you travelled to and the next one you aspire to go?
Summer holiday last year was to Kefalonia. We went to Greece for the first time a couple of years ago and it made an impression, great people and culture. I’ve booked to go to New York this year, a missed trip and 50th birthday promise lost to the pandemic lockdown! Its important to see the wider world.
One interesting fact about yourself.
I’m learning Spanish, but I think I’m forgetting more than I retain – Es muy dificil para mi, estoy viejo!
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