After twenty years in the asset finance sector, I thought I knew a good deal about the workings of the asset finance industry, but since becoming a member of The Guild of Business Finance Professionals it has shown me how little I knew and looking back over the past two and half years, how much more I have learnt.
It really began for me from day one of Brokerzone, when after the very first meeting, our now Vice Chairman contacted me and asked if we could meet and have a chat about me and where I was with my business at that time.
At that time, I was in no man’s land, and I could not decide what to do next with my business – did I stop, work for another brokerage or get help and get some clarity, so that the business could be moved forward with clear focus? The meeting took place a month later and a strategy plan was put in place in January 2023. This changed my thinking and gave me clarity on my business, what to do and when to do it – and looking back, it has been one of the best things to happen in my twenty-two year career in asset finance.
Having the benefit of someone from outside coming in and objectively reviewing my business was like a breath of fresh air, a weight lifted off my shoulders. Suddenly the mist had cleared, and all was good and set for the future.
During the days of Brokerzone and subsequently the Guild, I have had the absolute pleasure in making trusted friendships with a good few of the members and will make more as time goes on. Indeed, joint collaboration with other members has yielded a good number of mutual opportunities where both parties and the customer has benefited.
Since meeting other members there have been numerous highlights, including starting our own book lending business, RTN Finance Limited, taking on fellow member Toby Jones as a director and shareholder for GTF as part of our businesses succession plan. And perhaps, most importantly, making new professional friends and having the ability to talk in trust with members without any fear of them stepping on my toes. That I remember from our very first discussion way back in December 2022 was what many members wanted and needed.
I believe The Guild has just got going and has a great future. We started with a blank canvas and just a few colleagues getting together creating this open, trusted community. To be leaders with innovative ideas for the betterment of the industry and our customers must be a good thing, and having this collective voice must give us all hope for meaningful influence and real change in the future.
I have benefited well beyond my expectations from being a member of The Guild and now it is time for me to put something back by joining the Steering Committee to help make a difference with my colleagues and all current and future members. I am and always have been a believer that in life, you only get something out, if you put something in The rewards are there, so I would encourage all fellow members just to put in a little more and I am convinced that you will reap the benefits of what The Guild has become for me and will go on to achieve for all our benefit in the future.
Neil Baxendale – Founder Full Member – April 2025
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