DEFINING A DECADE
ADVERTISING FEATURE
The SWBF story so far …
South West Business Finance ( SWBF ) are local experts when it comes to finding funding solutions for business . SWBF was formed nine years ago in 2014 by Managing Directors Steve Barrett and Dan Smith , coming from HSBC and Lloyds respectively .
Over the past nine years the firm has grown from a team of three to a team of 18 , including Partners with over 400 years ' combined Commercial Banking experience . Steve and Dan share the SWBF story so far and look ahead to the future .
WHAT ’ S CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED OUT ? We have moved offices to Corsham and the team has grown , taking on new Partners and employees . We have also signed up to the Women in Finance Charter , improved all our internal processes and procedures , updated our websites and developed our social media offering .
Moreover , we have survived the difficult conditions created by the pandemic and completed several mammoth challenges raising lots of money for our charity partners . We have also been proud recipients of Industry Awards over the years .
WHAT ’ S REMAINED THE SAME ? Our commitment to serve the SME community and find the best possible funding options for our clients . Our values of family , trust , experience and relationships have remained constant throughout as we strive to be the trusted partner for our clients and support them on their business journey .
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES ? The last few years have thrown up a few challenges , including adapting our working processes and supporting our clients during Covid , and more recently the context of rising energy prices , interest rates and inflation . The lending landscape is constantly changing and it is our job to stay abreast of these changes and what they mean for the SME lending market .
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST LEARNINGS ? Our biggest learnings revolve around preparation and business resilience , always trying to stay one step ahead of the competition and be agile enough to respond to any changes in the economic landscape . Our advice to our clients would always be to plan ahead , understand your business funding structures and what you need in place to best achieve your goals .
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR HIGHLIGHTS ? There have been so many , but the team growing and maintaining our ‘ family feel ’ and staying true to our values is a real highlight . Our year-on-year growth and tenacity to find solutions for our clients in sometimes very difficult lending conditions also makes us feel proud . Finally , there are the challenges we have completed as a team over the years for our charity partners including a 13-mile walk , 25-mile bike rides , golf days and more recently the Three Peaks Challenge ! ( read more on page 75 )
WHAT ’ S NEXT FOR SWBF ? Continuing to help our clients achieve their goals and making sure we understand the financial landscape in the best detail possible . We will also be planning events to celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2024 . Watch this space !
“ Our values of family , trust , experience and relationships have remained constant throughout as we strive to be the trusted partner for our clients ”
South West Business Finance is a broker of credit and not a lender . South West Business Finance is a trading name of Aspire Commercial Finance Limited Registered in England & Wales under No : 09076273 . Aspire Commercial Finance Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ( 690089 ) also a member of the NACFB ( 06 / 0035 / CM )
funding solutions for your business and property needs
01225 800849 www . swbf . co . uk
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