The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 30: April/May 2017 | Page 5

BUSINESS NEWS It’s a hat trick for South West Business Finance Partners Dan Smith and Steve Barrett are celebrating three years of continued growth, after setting up SWBF in 2014, a funding advisory firm. Both corporate bankers, the pair met over their love of rugby at Trowbridge RFC. Dan had been working for Lloyds for 14 years and Steve had been at HSBC for 29 years and both were fed up of the corporate race and red tape involved in large institutions. They were both going to leave their respective jobs and go solo, but after a few discussions they decided they were stronger together and set up SWBF. Steve said: “I left the bank firmly believing that I could assist businesses far better outsid e of the bank, by being able to offer a much wider range of funding options. We have the flexibility of being able to go out to multiple lenders giving clients greater choice and the right product for them.” Now in its third year, the firm has grown to an eight-strong team, with over 200 years combined experience in the banking industry. SWBF work with companies across Wiltshire and the South West, providing comprehensive financial advice to help with short, medium and long term financial planning requirements. They offer expert advice and services in the following areas: • Property investment • Property development • Commercial mortgages • Bridging finance • Invoice finance • Crowd funding • Asset finance • Banking consultancy Dan said: “Businesses come to us at all stages of growth and the capital they need could be for a range of things, from investment in machinery, to property, equipment, office refurbishments or investment in people.” SWBF has worked hard to create a professional network of solicitors, valuers and accountants to ensure a company’s financial needs are met, whilst they focus on the funding requirements. This gives business owners and entrepreneurs the ability to continue to focus on running their company. Steve added: “It’s all about the personal approach. We’re not order takers. We take time to meet with our clients to discuss and fully understand their needs before making lending recommendations. This could be ensuring they receive other expert advice before they proceed with a deal.” Steve and Dan believe their personal approach of really getting New eatery opens at Hartham Park Corsham’s Hartham Park business and enterprise centre is celebrating the opening of its eagerly awaited new food offering. Previously called Jacks’ restaurant, the space is now home to the Hartham Park Café, following a complete refurbishment. The café is open to both business members and visitors, providing a wide- selection of locally sourced, freshly prepared food. The café is open from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday, serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot and cold drinks. Hartham Park owner Jeffrey Thomas said: “My vision for the café, is to provide healthy, wholesome food in a relaxed and modern environment. We have listened carefully to our existing business members and have responded to their feedback.” The photos (right), show how the space has been used to create an informal and inviting area for customers to eat and socialise. The café has until recently been operating a pop-up service and this has proved popular. With a mix of coffee tables and comfortable sofas, together with more practical cafe style tables and chairs, the idea is to offer an inspiring atmosphere for all tastes. The new café is the first stage in a planned string of major room refurbishments at Hartham Park, with each of their meeting rooms also receiving major work over the coming months as Jeffrey’s vision gradually becomes a reality. to know a client has been key to their success. Dan said: “In three years, there’s only been one deal we couldn’t find a solution for.” SWBF is committed to ethical practice and responsible lending and is FCA regulated. To aid the firm’s growth SWBF have just invested in a new office in Corsham. The space is close to the M4 and to Bath enabling the team to easily serve clients across the south west. Pickwick Workshops, on Park Lane is their new home from April 2017 and they are looking forward to welcoming long-term contacts and prospects to an open evening in the near future. To coincide with their third anniversary and move to their new home, SWBF have recently refreshed their brand and launched a new- look website too. For more info: www.swbf.co.uk 01225 800849 [email protected] SWBF South West Business Finance Hotel’s relaunch begins a new management era DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon has celebrated the launch of its rebranded hotel with a glitzy, Vegas-styled casino party. On Thursday March 2, the hotel’s newly-appointed general manager, Adam Flint, welcomed guests to enjoy the refreshed look for a night of glamour at the roulette tables. Speaking at the party, Adam said, “It’s amazing to see the new look and feel to the hotel. I’m incredibly proud of the end result. The casino party has been a wonderful way for people to enjoy this vibrant and welcoming space. We hope all our guests will love what’s changed and continue to enjoy our great service.” Adam’s arrival at the hotel on Great Western Way follows a 17-year career with Marriott International, most recently as the general manager of the Swindon Marriott. The refurbishment, which extends from the lobby to the rooms, has focused largely on the hotel’s local surroundings and its customers’ experiences. All 171 en-suite rooms are named after picturesque Cotswold villages, such as Bibury, Lechlade and Mickleton. And the hotel’s new brasserie has been named 14Twelveafter the 14 locks and 12 miles of the Stroudwater Navigation Waterway. The personal touch extends to both holidaying and business guests alike. Every stay begins with a warm chocolate-chip cookie and entrance to the thriving lounge space, which has increased its seating capacity from 36 to 60. Lobby guests, day guests, conference users and Hilton HHonors members also enjoy free Wi-fi. Many of the region’s biggest employers look to local hotels for quality meeting rooms. The hotel’s refurbishment provides revamped and functional spaces for working teams to enjoy. THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017 5