Meet the team

Paul Connell
Managing Partner

Joint Managing Partner & Founder, Paul, bought, invested in and sold a number of successful Finance businesses over the years.

Paul started in business finance with Bank of Scotland Asset Finance, achieving the level of Branch Manager at the age of 24. After a further 2 years at Bank of Scotland, Paul decided to join a privately owned finance company, achieving a significant shareholding. He sold this company to an American finance group in October 1998.

Buying this business back 2 years later, Paul has since bought, sold and invested in a further 8 businesses.

When not working, Paul spends as little time as possible following Charlton Athletic

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Lionel Blackledge
Partner

Lionel is one of the most experienced Asset Based Lending intermediaries in the UK and has specific responsibility for helping our clients who may find themselves in difficulties. His broad experience enables him to address business funding solutions.

Lionel has worked for major accountancy practices and gained a close working knowledge of the demands placed on business and the importance of securing appropriate working capital support, having also worked as a Business Manager for NatWest Bank.

Lionel has specialised in the past 8 years in advising, a large number of Asset Based Lenders in respect of both deal origination and structure, and on recovery options.

Lionel has spoken at both the Asset Based Finance Association and the International Factors Group meetings on issues affecting the industry.

Despite knowing better he remains a keen Tottenham supporter.

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Gerry Donnelly ACA
Regional Director

Gerry is part of the National Asset Based Lending team, where his broad experience allows him to address business funding solutions.

Gerry joined in November 2009 and is a Graduate Chartered Accountant, having qualified with a Big Four firm in 1991. He has held a broad range of senior management positions within the Automotive Engineering and Asset Based Lending industries and has eleven years Asset Based Lending experience covering risk, new business and strategic roles up to main board level. The last 3 years were spent providing risk and pre-lending reviews to the main independent and bank owned lenders, specialising in complex/distressed lends.

Gerry is married with three children and enjoys reading and playing golf. He is also a lifelong Glasgow Celtic supporter.

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