A BRADFORD district-based finance firm has launched a major recruitment drive as it plans to turn over £6 million by 2025.

ABL Business, a commercial finance consultancy company based in Cleckheaton, has started the move for more staff as its ambitious joint managing directors chase their growth target.

The company has opened regional offices in the North East and South West of England, and aims to open a further 12 locations across the UK in the next three years.

Alex Beardsley, joint managing director at ABL Business, said: “As an intermediary, our 360-degree view of the complex commercial funding market is increasingly popular with businesses, and their advisors, looking for independent advice to structure and secure the best possible finance package.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Andy Copsey, non-executive director at ABL Business Andy Copsey, non-executive director at ABL Business

“The funding is out there for UK businesses looking to grow, but they and their advisors no longer know where to go to get independent, unaffiliated support to ensure they access the best deal.

“Add to this the fact that commercial lending is going to be more difficult to secure because of the pandemic – plus the lack of ability for businesses to access to bank managers unless they have a turnover of plus £5m or they are a prime customer - means the need for independent commercial finance advice is greater than ever.”

Ms Beardsley says the roles the firm is looking to recruit include finance consultants and regional managing directors as its expansion across the country continues.

She added: “This represents a huge growth opportunity for ABL Business as we are uniquely positioned to help.

“We have a proven business model that works, and we are now actively recruiting for finance consultants, senior finance consultants and regional managing directors to help shape the future of the company.”

In February, the firm announced that former Handelsbanken UK chief operating officer, Andy Copsey, had joined its board as non-executive director to help advise on and deliver its growth plans.

Speaking at the time, Mr Copsey said: “I am delighted to be joining ABL at a time when the UK commercial finance and banking market is changing quickly, and businesses are increasingly seeking commercial finance consultancy that is independent of lenders.

“ABL’s business proposition gives business owners and advisors an independent view of the complex commercial funding environment, thus delivering real value to businesses, and the UK economy, while fulfilling a crucial market requirement that is getting greater by the day.”