Take a deep dive into finance as Matt talks about what it takes to get into the industry.
What is your role at Knights Row?
Matt: My role as the director and founder of Knights Row commercial finance involves a range of day-to-day tasks to help businesses secure the financing they need to grow and succeed. This includes researching the market, meeting with clients, assessing options, negotiating with lenders, managing the application process, and providing ongoing support. By leveraging my knowledge of the market and relationships with lenders, I work to ensure that my clients have access to the best financing options available and that their financing needs are met - whilst also running the operations side of the business.
Why did you start Knights Row?
I founded Knights Row Commercial Finance after experiencing my own frustrations as a customer in the industry. As a business professional and investor, I needed to access specialist lenders on numerous occasions. However, I often found the process to be disjointed, and some brokers were more interested in pushing through a deal than understanding my specific requirements. My experience as a customer in the industry drove me to disrupt the traditional model and establish a consultancy with actual business experience. At Knights Row, we take the time to fully understand our clients' needs and desired outcomes before delivering a tailored financing solution. We prioritise building long-lasting relationships with our clients and lenders based on trust, transparency, and exceptional service.
What past experience has enabled you to work as a director in the commercial financial sector?
I believe that sound business experiences are essential to understanding clients' needs and providing effective solutions. My property career has provided me with a wealth of experience in funding for investments and developments, giving me a deep understanding of project stages and the necessary actions to achieve successful outcomes. In my business career, I have also been involved in critical decision-making at multinational corporations, taking into account all financial data and demonstrating a high level of financial literacy. This unique perspective from both sides of the fence motivated me to establish Knights Row Commercial Finance, and since then, I have continuously sought to enhance my knowledge through education. My goal is to leverage my extensive market knowledge and relationships to provide our clients with the best solutions over time, ensuring they receive exceptional service and achieve their financial goals.
What skills have you learned since starting Knights Row?
Since starting Knights Row Commercial Finance I have developed and refined a wide range of skills. One of these skills is structuring communication in a clear and effective manner that suits the audience to achieve the best results. This could be with clients, lenders, solicitors, or accountants. Another essential skill I have developed is the ability to build strong relationships with lenders. This involves identifying potential lenders who may be a good fit for my clients and nurturing those relationships to secure the best possible financing options. Problem-solving is another crucial skill that I have honed over time. I have learned to identify potential issues and develop effective solutions by thinking critically and creatively. In some cases, it may be necessary to think outside the box and come up with a bespoke funding solution to meet the client's specific requirements.
Future goals for Knights Row?
Our ultimate goal is to become the largest and most reputable commercial finance brokerage in the UK. To achieve this, we will leverage the latest technological advancements to provide innovative and efficient financing solutions. However, we recognise that our success is not solely dependent on technology. We are committed to upholding values of trust, transparency, and exceptional service in everything we do and building long-lasting relationships with clients. So our goals are twofold: to continually improve our services and become the go-to source for commercial finance solutions in the UK.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to work in the commercial finance sector?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the commercial finance sector, I would recommend taking the time to learn as much as you can about the wide range of products and lending options available to clients. This means going above and beyond and educating yourself on the various types of financing available, including property finance, asset finance, invoice finance, and more. By developing a deep understanding of the product range, you can position yourself as an expert in the field and better serve your clients. You will be able to provide informed guidance and recommendations based on your knowledge of the various products and lending options available, ultimately helping your clients secure the best possible financing solution for their needs.
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