Member Article

Finance company Beta on the up as market expertise aids growth despite UK economic slowdown

A commercial finance company is defying the gloomy economic forecasts for the UK and planning its second expansion in 2020. Beta Commercial Finance is on course for record turnover levels in 2020 and has already double its team from two to four and Managing Director Tom Wilkinson is set to advertise two new roles. Growth is based on expertise and customer care as Beta has been a regular source of knowledge and advice during the current crisis, while Tom and Senior Account Manager, Jacqui Wright, both have many years of experience in sourcing financial solutions for business, first within the big High Street banks and now with Beta, founded in 2016. Tom, of Alton, Staffordshire, said: “The economy is contracting due to the Covid-19 pandemic but there will always be space for ambitious company directors and chief executives to expand and they need financial options. Up until the global recession in 2008, that would have meant going to a High Street bank, but we can explore the whole of the market for our clients and find flexible solutions. “Since founding Beta in 2016, I have always been keen to share our knowledge and that’s been crucial during lockdown as we have been able to give our time freely to advise the wider business community of financial strategies available to help weather the storm and retain jobs where possible.” Beta has supported businesses, mainly in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, to build and expand business premises and purchase vital equipment. Tom added: “Our expansion plans mean we will be able to reach more companies across the UK and we have medium team plans for a second office. We’re currently based in the Old Chapel on Alton High Street and that’s ideal for me, as I come from the village. I have every intention of staying here, but I am also exploring the possibility of establishing a more accessible base, possibly in Stoke-on-Trent or Newcastle-under-Lyme, close to the motorway network and more accessible to clients. New starters in 2020 are Commercial Manager Becky Kilday and Account Manger Sue Matthews and there are plans to advertise for a Commercial Manager and another Account Manager. Tom added: “Sue is also from Alton and was on board before lockdown, however, Becky was due to start at the end of March, just as the Prime Minister told people to vacate their offices, if they could. I decided her start date should be honoured and that we could start with remote working. It was unusual, as I wanted Becky to be working with me, so she could get used to how the company operates, but she’s taken the initiative and we’ve adapted to the new situation.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nigel Howle .