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
Phil launched Primary Finance in 2005, drawing upon a wealth of experience in banking and asset finance gained from previous roles including at Midland Bank (now HSBC) and Fraser Smith. Prior to establishing Primary Finance, Phil founded PB Corporate Finance, an asset finance brokerage focusing on the SME market. This business traded successfully for a decade before being sold in 2002 after which Phil continued to provide support prior to the creation of Primary Finance.
Phil leverages his considerable expertise in debt finance for the benefit of our clients. With a strong network of funders built up over years and experience in other business and commercial ventures, he is extremely well placed to arrange excellent funding solutions for our clients.
Neil Taylor
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.
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 UK largest FTSE listed businesses during his career, Mike has a particular passion for helping SME businesses.
Chris joined Primary Finance after three years spent managing the Asset Based Lending team at RSM. There, he focused heavily on both debt advisory and due diligence mandates assisting companies and also funders to achieve their objectives. Prior to his time at RSM, Chris spent 15 years working lender side, specialising in the financing of trade receivables and other balance sheet assets for Close Brothers and Bibby. Primary Finance believes that Chris must be one of the most highly experienced finance professionals in the market today within his key areas of expertise.
Additionally, Chris’s background also covers extensive M&A and restructuring projects. This has enhanced his ability to deliver strong funding outcomes for companies against tight timescales and frequently in pressurised circumstances. Chris’s commercial mindset ensures a measured approach to key stakeholder management, critical during any transaction or delivery of funding.
Robin became a member of Primary Finance 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.
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.
Clare has worked in the finance industry in a variety of support roles for over 20 years, culminating in a senior HR role for Danske Bank in London. Following a career break, she undertook several administrative roles in the education sector and subsequently added to her skill set by training and working as a reflexologist for several years. Clare joined the Primary team in 2024 to assist in a business support role, bringing with her a ‘can do’ attitude and diligent approach in supporting the team and our clients.
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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