What’s your business motto?
We’re your independent Bank Manager. Get the old style expertise and professionalism that you once expected from your bank manager, but with the choice of the whole of the commercial finance market.
How do you make contacts which are useful for business?
Lots of networking meetings, and I manage to get a lot of meetings through LinkedIn. That’s a great tool. As well as receiving recommendations from other professionals and existing clients, I get existing contacts to introduce me to people they know.
What makes your business different?
We understand lender’s requirements, so linked with the ability to conduct a thorough investigation into the business’ financial affairs, we write our report in the best way to get finance.
What do you always have with you?
My phone.
Do you dress up or dress down for business?
It depends who I’m seeing but I hate work clothes. I don’t think people expect suits these days. I do have work dresses but I’m much happier in a pair of smart skinny jeans, top and nice jacket, possibly heels but I can’t walk far in them.
Which person has inspired you most in your business life and in what way?
I always remember my Dad hated his job so much. That inspired me to make sure I do something I enjoy.
What’s your proudest achievement in business?
There’s always a feeling of pride and satisfaction each time I’ve helped a business with a funding problem.
What’s your company’s greatest asset?
Me. Ha ha – just kidding. Definitely the team though. The guys at Key are great at what they do. There is so much knowledge within the team. They’re a lovely bunch and have really made me welcome.
Do you use social media and if so with how much success?
I use LinkedIn and Twitter for work. I need to write more content. Sharing and liking other posts still gets you noticed but it’s hard to quantify how much business it generates.
If you hadn’t gone down your chosen career path, what would you be doing?
I’d be a Crisp Tester.
Give us one tip for a successful business
Listen to your customers.
At what time of the day are you most creative or inspired?
During the day, I’m more reactive to things. So, I often do my marketing/social media in the evening. When stuck for content it’s amazing what a glass of red wine can do to get the creative juices flowing. Although the laptop goes away on glass three. Not every night, though.
How do you relax away from work?
With two sporty boys, there’s not a lot of time to relax. When I do it’ll be on the settee, with red wine (bit of a theme here) and Chicken Sensations. Ideally a big bag all to myself.
When do you take your coffee break?
Other than my morning brew I tend to only drink hot drinks when I meet with someone. I don’t think I’ve ever had an actual Coffee Break.
Who would you most like to have a coffee with?
A year or two ago I would have said Joe Hart but not for his conversation. However, after the “Head and Shoulders” advert that crush as gone. Now it’s probably Micky Flanagan so I could just sit and laugh.
What’s your coffee break favourite?
I don’t like “proper” coffee and I hate bad breath so I tend to drink tea.
