Paul Heath, Business Development Director in Paragon’s broker team, discusses how the year is progressing, how he became involved with asset finance, and the service Paragon can provide to brokers to support them in delivering for SMEs.

As we reach the second half of 2023, how has the sector fared so far?

At Paragon we have continued to support and work with our broker network during the first half of the year, ensuring that we can find the right funding solutions for their customers.

There is no doubt that it has been a challenging time, with both inflation and energy price rises affecting SMEs, but that said we have continued to lend at high levels during this period and help companies with their requirements.

What services can Paragon provide to brokers – and how can we help them?

We have a team of experienced Business Development Managers who work closely with our brokers, offering a range of flexible funding options for the purchase of new assets and refinance existing of assets.

In addition to this we work with our colleagues in Paragon’s Invoice Finance team to offer a dual approach to assist the broker’s customers with their cashflow and growth plans.

How did you get started in asset finance?

I started in Asset Finance in the mid 1990s after a friend asked if I had considered a total career change and that I should think about working in asset finance.

Not knowing much at the time about the sector, I thought “Why not give it a go”? I ended up joining Bank of Scotland from their office in Southampton, before moving on to roles with Lombard and Close before coming a broker myself.

How long have you worked at Paragon – and what do you enjoy most about your role?

I joined Paragon in August 2019 as a Business Development Manager looking after a network of approved brokers. The best part of the role is going to see the brokers, finding out what is happening and how I can help to support the needs of their customers.

By working with a different range of brokerages no two days are the same, as you get involved with varying sized transactions - all the while knowing that you are helping to support the growth of a business.

Visit our website to learn more about how our Asset Finance team works with intermediaries.