Meet the team
With decades of experience in both asset finance and running a business, our team will have a really good understanding of your situation, enabling them to put you in touch with the best lender for your needs.
Phil Betts founded Primary Finance in 2005 following a distinguished career in banking and asset finance at Midland Bank (now HSBC) and Fraser Smith. He previously founded and ran PB Corporate Finance, a successful asset finance brokerage focusing on the SME market, for over a decade before it was sold in 2002.
Having worked in the asset finance sector since 1989, Phil leverages his considerable expertise in debt finance and strong network of lenders to benefit our clients, arranging innovative funding solutions.
He most enjoys working on complex deals that require creativity, as it allows him to leverage his experience in the field.
How your colleagues describe you: Fair, reasonable and experienced.
Advice to a growing business: Keep very accurate management accounts.
Hobbies: Spending time with my family and new grandson and playing golf.
Neil joined Primary Finance in 2012, having worked with the business on several projects in previous years. After earning a degree and post-graduate qualification in banking and finance, Neil started his career in TSB’s graduate programme. Since then, he has worked in various roles with institutions such as Lloyds Bank, West Bromwich Building Society and BNP Paribas/Cardif, which included an overseas posting. Subsequently, together with former colleagues, Neil acquired and grew an independent finance house business before exiting following a successful sale to an established SME funder.
Neil focuses particularly on sales support and deal management. While proud of the business’s high level of technical expertise in the complexities of debt finance, he believes that Primary Finance’s professional, personal and client focused approach is what truly sets us apart from the competition.
How your colleagues describe you: Diligent, honest and committed.
Advice to a growing business: Produce a cash flow forecast, use realistic assumptions, monitor it regularly and keep it up to date.
Hobbies: Playing cricket and supporting junior cricket at my club as well as watching football.
Mike joined the Primary Finance team in 2019, bringing with him a strong background in finance and lending. He has previously worked for the likes of ABN AMRO and Shawbrook in the past with particular specialisms in asset based lending, structured finance and receivables funding. Mike’s pedigree and track record in assisting companies, especially in the East of England, means that he enjoys an excellent reputation within our heartland business community and beyond.
In his role at Primary Finance, Mike is able to bring his considerable experience to bear by assisting an extensive range of companies to access optimum funding solutions for their circumstances. He is highly knowledgeable across a range of sectors and always interested in what makes client companies tick and assisting them to thrive. Despite having had responsibility for looking after some of the UK’s largest FTSE-listed businesses during his career, Mike has a particular passion for helping SME businesses.
His favourite transactions are the ones where he needs to use all of his creative skills to deliver what our clients need, and that result in game-changing outcomes for them.
How your colleagues describe you: Supportive, tenacious and, hopefully, fun to work with!
Advice to a growing business: Always know what your cash position is today and for 13 weeks ahead at least. Cash is, has been and always will be “King”.
Hobbies: I am a keen motorcyclist and have two bikes I ride regularly. I most enjoy time with my family, whatever we are doing.
Robin became a member of the Primary Finance team in January 2022, joining us with over four decades’ experience in the asset finance sector. He has worked for mainstream lenders and challenger funds, in addition to undertaking roles in the intermediary space.
Although during his career he has primarily occupied customer-facing positions, Robin also has extensive experience as an underwriter, recruiter and trainer, which he has brought to bear for the benefit of our clients. This wide-ranging background enables Robin to offer an almost unique perspective on funding scenarios to enhance delivery.
Robin utilises his clear understanding of client requirements, together with his comprehensive knowledge of the finance market, to consistently facilitate positive outcomes and funding solutions. He most enjoys working on transactions that help businesses on the growth or success journey and with clients who can see the value in having a great funding partner.
How your colleagues describe you: Honest, old and a technophobe!
Advice to a growing business: Don’t drain cash buying assets that can be financed.
Hobbies: Holidays, music, watching non-league & ladies’ football.
Paul is a highly experienced business leader with over three decades’ experience in both owning and managing various businesses in the technology, manufacturing and logistics spaces. He has worked with Primary Finance on an associate basis since 2019, putting his commercial and financial knowledge to excellent use. Together with the wider team, he has the knowledge and expertise to help a broad spectrum of clients with their funding requirements.
Paul is a qualified business mentor and a member of the Association of Business Mentors. He has also previously served as an Approved Person for an SME directly authorised by the FCA. Paul specialises in M&A and debt finance in the technology sector, specifically data centres (land, property and associated infrastructure).
How your colleagues describe you: Honest and knowledgeable.
Advice to a growing business: Focus on your customer and make sure they are delighted with the services you deliver.
Hobbies: Playing golf.
Terry has over 30 years’ experience working within the asset finance industry. He has held senior sales and leadership roles across both bank-owned and independent lenders, where he has supported a wide range of clients, from small businesses to large corporations. Working across diverse sectors like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and technology has provided Terry with a broad commercial perspective and an understanding of industry-specific challenges.
Terry brings with him a strong background in structuring asset finance solutions, with a particular focus on delivering flexible, outcome-driven funding facilities. Known for his collaborative approach and long-standing relationships, he combines technical expertise with a genuine commitment to helping get deals done. His extensive network and reputation for integrity make him a valuable member of the team in helping meet clients’ needs.
Terry most enjoys working with owner-managed businesses as it is more relationship-driven and on deals that present a challenge.
How your colleagues describe you: Knowledgeable, tenacious and problem-solving.
Advice to a growing business: Invest in the right team and look after them.
Hobbies: Rugby, motorsport, gardening, music, films, walking and cooking (ok, eating!)
Max joined Primary Finance in November 2025 as a Graduate Finance Associate. With a strong knowledge of financial markets and macroeconomics, he holds an economics degree from the University of Nottingham and has had previous experiences in numerous accountancy firms, including KPMG.
In his role, Max shadows acquisition deals and longer, more complex story-led transactions. He most enjoys working on deals which are not initially straightforward, and require the team’s specialist knowledge to complete, as it provides him with valuable experience.
How your colleagues describe you: Enthusiastic, sociable and driven.
Hobbies: Spending most Saturdays watching Cambridge United home and away or playing golf.
Nathan joined Primary Finance in June 2026. He began his career in asset finance at Lloyds Commercial Finance, moving into the broker market with Paragon Business Finance and later becoming a self-employed broker.
As our Relationship Manager, Nathan’s role involves arranging client funding predominantly through asset finance and commercial loans. He covers all industries but mainly focuses on hard assets in the construction or hire sectors. Nathan most enjoys assisting customers who have been rejected by main high street lenders and who have been through a difficult period.
How your colleagues describe you: Calm, collected and knowledgeable.
Advice to a growing business: Don’t think high street lenders are your only option; over £40bn was lent to customers via asset finance last year, the majority of that via Challenger Banks.
Hobbies: Spending time with my young family, including supporting my son’s U9’s football team.
Contact us
Whether you are a business seeking advice or a lender interested in joining our panel, we would be delighted to hear from you.
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