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Meet the team

Get to know your Broker Development Managers

At Close Brothers, we recognise strong relationships are essential to delivering outstanding service. Our Broker Development Managers (BDMs) play a vital role in supporting brokers and their customers, offering expert guidance and a consistent point of contact. With a broad range of experience and a shared commitment to excellence, our BDMs are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Stuart Brown - BDM
North West

“I very much enjoy working for Close Brothers Broker Solutions, particularly supporting our brokers and their clients achieve their goals.”

Stuart is a relationship specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the asset finance industry. He is also a keen golfer and sports enthusiast.

T: 07710 115478
E: stuart.brown@closebrothers.com

Amanda Close - BDM
West Midlands

“I enjoy building relationships, supporting growth and getting great results for my brokers and their customers.”

Amanda joined Close Brothers in 2022 and brings 15 years of industry experience, including time spent working as a broker. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys fitness, spending time with her dog, painting, and listening to a wide range of music - from funk & soul to drum & bass and occasionally 1940s Big Band.

T: 07927 562790
E: amanda.close@closebrothers.com

Henry Crame - BDM
South East

“I focus on working closely with brokers and internal teams to find practical solutions that help our customers move forward.”

Henry supports a number of broker relationships across the UK. With a professional background in credit and risk, he works closely with internal teams to deliver tailored solutions and ensure the best outcomes for customers.

T: 07720 100213
E: henry.crame@closebrothers.com

Samantha Lill - BDM
East Midlands

“My favourite thing about working for Close Brothers is the people and relationships I’ve built, with my colleagues, our customers and valued brokers. There’s nothing better than a happy customer; it always makes the job worth it!”

Samantha has been at Close Brothers since 2014 and has progressed from the operations team into a key role as a BDM. Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and caring for her dogs.

T: 07708 468839
E: samantha.lill@closebrothers.com

Jess Pooley - BDM
North East

“I love the BDM role, building relationships with brokers and helping to make the journey with our business a positive one from start to finish. I really enjoy getting out and about, flying the flag for Close Brothers and promoting our brand and people”

Jess has been with Close Brothers since 2020, beginning her career in the operations team before transitioning to a BDM in 2023. Outside of work, Jess enjoys travelling - Mexico being a current favourite - and is an avid fan of country music, particularly Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs.

T: 07712 519096
E: jessica.pooley@closebrothers.com

Sarah Toyne - BDM
South West

“For me, it’s all about putting customers first and building lasting connections with our brokers. Seeing the positive impact we make every day is what motivates me in my role.”

Sarah joined Close Brothers in 2016, starting her career as a Vendor Relationship Manager before moving into a BDM role in 2022. She brings a wealth of experience and a customer-focused approach to her work. Sarah is a proud Mum to Dylan and a self-confessed foodie - though prefers eating to cooking!

T: 07542 320795
E: sarah.toyne@closebrothers.com

Samantha Atkinson - BDM
National Accounts

“I love my role with Close Brothers, helping both brokers and customers thrive every day,”

Samantha joined Close Brothers in 2015 and initially worked in the collections team. In 2021, she made a significant career shift to become a BDM, a move she has wholeheartedly embraced. Samantha’s personal interests include renovation/interior design and enjoying good food in the sunshine.

T: 07703 911528
E: samantha.atkinson@closebrothers.com

Gareth Crookes - BDM
Professions

“I enjoy drawing on my experience to support brokers to make a positive impact for their customers.”

Gareth has over 30 years of experience in financial services, spending the last four years supporting brokers in the professions sectors. Outside of work, Gareth enjoys travelling and playing golf.

T: 07720 947173
E: gareth.crookes@closebrothers.com

Neal Ashwood - Sales Director

“I’m passionate about innovation and customer service, and dedicated to delivering efficient, tailored support.”

Neal brings nearly 40 years of experience in the finance industry to his role as Sales Director for the South. He leads the Broker Sales Support Team, overseeing day-to-day broker relationships and transactional funding solutions in the flow space. Outside of work, Neal enjoys travelling with his family and is a long-suffering supporter of Queens Park Rangers!


Senior management team

 

Richard Cameron -
Chief Executive Officer

Richard Cameron is the Chief Executive Officer of Close Brothers Broker Solutions. With over 30 years’ experience in banking and asset finance, Richard leads the team in providing innovative funding solutions for Brokers and was instrumental in establishing our new proposition. He is dedicated to funding business wishing to grow and delivering exceptional customer service.

James Fletcher - Managing Director, Specialist Finance

James Fletcher joined Close Brothers in 2017 and is today Managing Director of Close Brothers Broker Solutions’ Specialist Finance team, which operates in large ticket transactions, block discounting, strategic initiatives, stocking and vendor channels. His extensive experience includes working for major global financial institutions and asset finance brokers in the UK and abroad.

David Forbes - Head of Broker Solutions

David Forbes is Head of our Broker Solutions team. With over 25 years’ experience in the asset finance sector, David is passionate about ensuring his team meets and exceeds our partner Brokers’ needs and expectations. He prides himself on equipping his team with the knowledge and expertise to provide real value and support to our Brokers and their customers.

Rachel Eckersley-Fallon - Head of Operations

Rachel Eckersley-Fallon is the team’s Head of Operations and has been tasked with helping drive the team’s ambition of being the preferred funder for brokers, vendors and intermediaries. With over two decades of experience leading back-office operations teams for some of the UK’s leading funders, Rachel has built a justified reputation for excellence and innovation.

Lauren Rhodes - Commercial Director

Lauren is the Commercial Director of Close Brothers Broker Solutions and has been with the business for nine years. In that time, she has led and delivered various key strategic projects. Lauren serves as Chair of the FLA Market Issues Group; is Chair of Close Brothers’ Social Mobility network, and is dedicated to delivering service excellence.

Tris Welburn - Senior Credit Manager

Tris Welburn is our Senior Credit Manager, responsible for credit appetite across the division. With over 21 years’ experience in the financial services sector, Tris is an accomplished operator with significant commercial grounding. He has a passion for supporting the growth aspirations of both our Brokers and their customers, providing support by delivering consistent decisions.

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Meet the team