Finance For Enterprise strengthens team with new appointment

Finance For Enterprise is expanding its operations in Grimsby, following the appointment of former banker, Dave Topliss.

Dave joins the alternative business lending provider as an investment manager, where he will be responsible for helping business owners and new entrepreneurs across the region to access loan funding to realise their growth ambitions.

Dave is no stranger to North East Lincolnshire’s Business community having spent nearly 40 years working in the banking sector. He began his career straight after leaving school, rising through the ranks at Natwest where he went on to hold management roles in the bank’s Grimsby, Brigg and Scunthorpe branches.

In 2005 Dave chose to specialise in Business Banking where he supported a wide range of businesses throughout North East Lincolnshire. He developed a particular interest in supporting SMEs across the region and helped to fund a number of significant management buy-outs.

Dave said: “One of the best things about my job is being able to help businesses access loan funding at the times when it is needed the most. Lending decisions made by Finance For Enterprise are determined by really getting to know how a business operates and providing tailored financial support to help them realise their goals.

“Many business owners are often surprised when they approach traditional lending providers such as banks, only to find their application for a business loan has been rejected. A recent report by Responsible Finance suggested just 4 in 10 loan applications from SMEs are approved. In many cases, Finance For Enterprise is able to help businesses which have seen loan applications rejected by other lenders, as the company looks beyond the balance sheet. This approach can often mean existing jobs are safeguarded, new roles created and provide businesses able to access the vital funds needed to adapt to a changing economic climate. It’s an approach grounded in traditional banking values and by joining Finance For Enterprise, I’m hoping to help businesses across the region to unlock their potential and realise their goals.”

Andrew Austwick, managing director, said: “Dave is a very experienced banker who has devoted much of his career towards helping businesses across the region to prosper. His appointment will help more businesses across the region to access the funds they need at the times when are needed most. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and his appointment will help us to strengthen our investment management team in North East Lincolnshire."