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In this episode, David and Trevor speak with Paul Marston, CEO of The FSE Group and Non-Executive Director at Allica Bank.

Paul knew from the age of 11 that he wanted to work in banking. Today, that passion continues as he focuses on supporting small and medium-sized businesses that struggle to access finance and what he refers to as the “market gap.”

Many lenders only back businesses that are already profitable and whose owners are homeowners. FSE takes a different approach. Their mandate is to support strong entrepreneurs with realistic business plans and forecasts that show potential for growth and job creation.

Outside of work, Paul’s a big fan of Padel Tennis and Queen. He can even play Bohemian Rhapsody on the piano!

David recently helped a client secure a £200k facility when no other lender was willing to step in. If you are a business owner or Guild member looking for funding, you are welcome to contact David or Paul directly to learn more about the £400m+ in funding available through FSE and other British Business Bank fund managers across the UK.

There are plans to meet up and reminisce with Paul's romantic past at 'Bog Island' in Bath. Everyone is welcome...but no proposal of marriage in guaranteed!

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In this short episode, Dave and Trev share a few updates from The Guild of Business Finance Professionals, including news about new members joining the cause.

Dave takes a break from his holiday to join Trevor for a quick conversation about growing frustrations in the market. They touch on how some lenders and online brokers are still using misleading language to chase commissions or rates, often without making sure business owners get proper advice before applying for finance.

Later this month, they'll be joined by a lesser-known lender connected to the British Business Bank. That episode will be worth a listen.

Enjoy the heatwave, and as always, feel free to share, comment, or check out past episodes.

Support the show

Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'.

To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/

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Season 3 kicks off with a candid conversation featuring Robert Schogger, co-founder of Metspace London Ltd.

Robert shares his journey from leaving school at 17 to building a successful business, moving from an entry-level "gofer" role in the 1980s to running his own company. A key part of that story is his evolving relationship with business finance...from using post-dated cheques to securing credit lines with established lenders like Arkle Finance of Weatherbys Bank.

A big part of Robert’s success has been his long-term connection with Guild member Nash Giardina at Ideal Leasing & Finance. Their relationship, which spans over two decades, highlights how valuable it is for business owners to work with professionals who truly understand the finance landscape.

This episode dives into the importance of finding the right lender, the right finance product, and how hard that still is in today's market. Robert also shares his frustration with the lack of clear signposting available for business owners trying to navigate the maze funding options.

One question that was asked..."Is the UK the only nation in the world that consists of so many lenders offering so many finance options?" If so, are UK businesses in a unique business finance black hole?

Support the show

Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'.

To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/

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In this special episode, David and Trevor sit down with Stephen Bassett, Chair of The Guild of Business Finance Professionals, to talk about the state of business lending in the UK.

On March 13, 2025, the Government launched a call for evidence to review the current lending landscape and better understand what’s holding UK businesses back from getting the best financial support they need.

It’s a conversation that builds on previous episodes, all 3 voice the growing concerns and especially around ensuring that business owners’ best interests are at risk unless the signposting to a business finance professional is not high enough.

Are lenders who deal directly with business owners really acting in their clients’ best interests? Or are sales targets taking priority? And is the pressure to compete leading to questionable marketing tactics that are misleading and are leaving many business owners in the dark and, at worst, with the wrong and/or an expensive debt option.

Stephen doesn’t hold back. He’s calling on the Government to recognise the chaos in the marketplace and the urgent need for proper signposting, so that businesses know where to turn for reliable advice before taking on debt.

All three bring deep experience and strong views to the table, tackling the real obstacles businesses face in finding the right finance from the right lenders. They argue that a trusted advisory route is key to helping UK businesses survive, grow, and boost the economy.

Agree? Disagree? Got your own experience to share whether it be good, bad, or ugly? Drop a message and join this ongoing conversation.

Support the show

Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'.

To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/

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Reflections, Insights, and What’s Next

In the final episode of Season 2, David and Trevor take a well-earned break in the stunning Algarve and look back on the standout moments from the past nine episodes.

As the BFM Podcast marks its first anniversary — alongside The Guild’s birthday on 6 June — a reminder to members: the AGM will take place on 3 June at County Hall, London.

This episode features valuable insights from a recent meeting with Rachael Raymond, Head of Broker Sales, and Ben Frank, Relationship Manager at Funding Circle.

In that meeting, David and Trevor raise important concerns around the use of misleading language in the marketing of debt finance, reinforcing the vital role of qualified professionals — particularly members of The Guild of Business Finance Professionals — in helping businesses secure the right funding.

The pair also revisit some of the season’s most inspiring guest stories. Notably, in Episode 6, former England and Leicester rugby star Rory Underwood reflects on his sporting career, time in the RAF, and his journey as a business owner.

With exciting plans already underway for future seasons, David and Trevor thank you for tuning in and encourage you to keep your feedback coming.

Support the show

Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'.

To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/

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In this inspiring episode, Dave and Trev sit down with Joe Regan, one half of a brotherly duo behind Rootd Adventure Limited—a business dedicated to delivering unforgettable residential adventure experiences for primary and secondary school children.

Still in their mid-twenties, Joe and his brother Jamie are already making waves. With a strong foundation laid by their mother’s experience in the industry, they’ve built a business that’s quickly gaining momentum. But their journey hasn’t been without challenges.

Joe opens up about the pivotal role played by Guild member Neil Baxendale, whose guidance and financial expertise helped steer the business in the right direction. Joe is candid in saying that without Neil’s support, the business may have never reached its current success.

As a start-up less than 18 months old, accessing finance wasn’t easy. But finding the right support made all the difference—highlighting the importance of working with a trusted business finance professional early on, and to avoid the temptation of apply for finance either directly or online.

Enjoy!

For further information on Rootd Adventure, please go to the following website: www.rootd-adventure.com

Support the show

Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'.

To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/

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After the hugely popular episode with Rory Underwood, Dave and Trev are thrilled to announce that Rory has officially joined The Guild’s mission as an Honorary Ambassador.

This episode also dives into growing concerns about the state of the business finance marketplace — where some lenders and brokers are turning it into a ‘Wild West’. Dave and Trev discuss how misleading and false information, spread through social media and direct mail, is luring businesses into applying for debt finance under questionable pretences.

On a lighter note, Trev skilfully sidesteps any Six Nations rugby talk and shifts focus to Crufts, while Dave seizes the dog theme to proudly share his recent success in raising capital for a brand-new dog parlour venture.

Support the show

Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'.

To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/

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In this episode, Dave and Trev sit down with rugby legend and business owner Rory Underwood.

From his illustrious sports career to his time in the Royal Air Force, Rory opens up about the challenges he’s faced in the business world as Founder and Managing Director of Wingman Limited.

He reflects on the struggles of navigating the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic—when traditional banks offered no support—highlighting a reality many small business owners can relate to then...and now.

The conversation also turns to The Guild of Business Finance Professionals, with Rory passionately supporting its mission. And of course, rugby makes its way into the mix, leading to a friendly wager on the upcoming Six Nations clash between England and Scotland.

Tune in for a candid and compelling conversation with a true gentleman with a story to tell—while, for once, the hosts say very little!

Support the show

Please subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter/X. Just search for 'Business Finance Matters'.

To listen to the Podcast, all episodes can be found on all the major platforms including Spotify, Apple, Amazon and YouTube and https://bfm.buzzsprout.com/

All comments are welcomed and may be discussed on future episodes and you may get award a BFM mug!

Thanks for listening