I completed a 'medium sentence' of 14 years with high-street banks, working in commercial and corporate roles. During that time, I completed numerous funding transactions for SMEs with turnover below £25 million, as well as property clients ranging from individual self-builders to investors with multi-million-pound portfolios.

The lure of a self-employed role, where I would no longer be restricted to one sector, was too strong. Setting up SWBF with Steve has been a great journey and has allowed us to help a growing number of clients.

I am a keen sportsman, particularly when it comes to rugby, and have been lucky enough to play at Twickenham twice, ten years apart. I am currently trying to retire from the game, although that is proving much harder than I expected.

My main outlook on life is to stay positive and make things happen.