Our People

South West Business Finance have a friendly, dedicated and fully experienced team.

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We offer a personal service to ensure we fully understand your requirements to provide the right funding solution at the most competitive rate, taking advantage of all the potential benefits whilst avoiding the potential pitfalls which are easily missed.

Your time is valuable and we will manage the application from initial enquiry to full credit sanction and then through to completion.

If you're interested in joining the Team & becoming a Partner.

Get in touch on 01225 800849 or complete the below contact form

Steve Barrett - Founder

I have completed a life sentence (28 years) at my second home Midland/HSBC Bank – this included roles such as branch manager, corporate real estate & senior international manager, working across the South West of England based out of offices in Bristol, Bath & Swindon.

Dan Smith - Founder

After 14 years in commercial and corporate banking, I co-founded SWBF to give clients access to broader, more flexible funding options across business and property finance.

Natalie Charteris

Operations Director

I oversee compliance, marketing, HR and business operations, supporting the team and helping SWBF continue to deliver excellent outcomes for clients.

Tania Russell

PA to the Managing Directors

I oversee the day-to-day running of the SWBF office, support our directors and brokers, and am often the first person clients speak to when they contact us.

Kai Pinnell

Business Development

I help property professionals and SMEs secure tailored funding, drawing on my commercial banking experience and SWBF’s access to the wider lending market.

Rob Matson

Partner

I work closely with business owners to understand their goals and identify commercial finance solutions tailored to their circumstances.

Zoe Morgan

Partner

I provide approachable, relationship-led support and tailored funding solutions for businesses and property investors across the South West.

Paul Lilley

Partner

With more than 40 years’ banking experience, I take a relationship-led, holistic approach to supporting clients and finding practical financial solutions.

Debbie Neale

Partner

I offer a personal, relationship-led service to help businesses and landlords secure the right financial solutions and fulfil their ambitions.

Chris Elliott

Partner

I use more than 40 years’ banking experience to help businesses source appropriate finance, with particular expertise in hospitality, leisure and property development.

Simon Sheldrake

Partner

I combine 27 years’ banking experience with practical and strategic advice, helping businesses raise finance, overcome challenges and move forward.

John Harris

Partner

I draw on 21 years in banking and nine years in commercial finance broking to build long-term relationships and find solutions that meet clients’ needs.

Richard Manning

Partner

I specialise in complex mortgages, bridging and commercial property finance, with particular expertise in title splitting, auctions, social housing and property portfolios.

Russell Stritch

Partner

I help SMEs improve cash flow, unlock working capital and fund growth, with particular expertise in invoice finance and broader commercial funding solutions.

Kevin Willcox

Partner

After more than 42 years with Midland Bank and HSBC, I bring extensive commercial and corporate banking experience to helping clients meet their financial needs.

Callum McGowan Hayes

Partner

I specialise in helping property investors and developers fund their projects, combining more than ten years’ financial services experience with first-hand property knowledge.

David Pitfield

Partner

I help clients access finance through trusted relationships with business owners, professional contacts and colleagues who share the same client-first values.

Richard Hoyle

Partner

I use more than 37 years’ banking experience to source funding for business growth, working capital, property, assets and acquisitions.

Michael Morgan

Partner

With more than 40 years’ banking experience, I help business owners navigate the funding market and find practical solutions for their ambitions.

Tom Fitzcharles

Partner

I combine strong SME relationship experience with formal broker training to structure complex finance and deliver an honest, professional service.

Laura Jeffries

Partner

I bring development finance and project management experience to building strong client relationships and helping turn business and property plans into reality.

Nicki Cholefko

Broker

I specialise in complex buy-to-let and bridging finance, including auction purchases where clients need to complete within demanding timescales.

Rachael Lee

Broker

I provide regulated mortgage advice across a broad range of needs, from first homes and bridging to specialist cases for landlords, expats and self-employed clients.

Let’s bring clarity to your next financial decision.

Speak to a trusted adviser and understand your options – without pressure or jargon.