Here at Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd we are proud to have the standard accreditation for Investors in People and we are continually striving to achieve and progress through the levels to Gold. We actively encourage our staff to continue their development in the finance industry, providing our individuals with the opportunity to fulfill their potential and as a business ensure that we are at the forefront of what is going on in the industry.
Our Sales Director, Lee Simms is currently studying for the Diploma in Asset Finance from the London Institute of Banking and Finance and has recently completed the module in ‘Business Management and the Provision of Asset Finance’. We thought now would be a good time to catch up with him to see how he is getting on…
So Lee, what made you decide to study for the Diploma in Asset Finance?
“I’ve always liked to learn and test my knowledge and this seemed like a good course that would compliment my current role. Our Operations Director, Justin Ford, completed the course a year or so ago and was very complimentary so I thought I’d give it a go.”
But what was so important about this particular Diploma and how will it benefit not just you but also our network?
“The support that we give to our Franchisees and Appointed Representatives needs to be correct and relevant and we can only do that if we are playing an active part in keeping up to date on things that are going on in the industry. The Diploma in Asset Finance gives a good overall view of the asset finance industry.”
You have been in the industry quite a while, have you learnt anything new so far on your course?
“Thanks for reminding me! The module that I have completed, ‘Business Management and the Provision of Asset Finance’ is very much based around different types of customers, different products and different types of lenders and their appetite, all areas which I am exposed to on a daily basis. Although, most of it was lurking in my brain…. Somewhere, there were certainly areas that I needed to refresh and the module was great for that. Going forward I can see the next couple of modules will push me further out of my comfort zone.”
And how was studying during lockdown?
“It had its advantages and disadvantages that’s for sure! One of my daily responsibilities is to liaise between our funders and our Franchisees and Appointed Representatives. As you can imagine, this was particularly full on when we were trying to communicate the processes with regards to payment holidays, CBILs and BBBLs across 75 different funders, especially as everything seemed to be changing on a daily basis. On the flip side, not being allowed out reduced the number of distractions, which gave me plenty of time to revise and do my coursework!”
Lee is not the only one who continues to educate himself, not just for personal, but also for professional gain. Quite a few of our internal staff have been, or are going through external qualifications. Emma Marsden, our Compliance Manager, is a professional member (MICA) of (ICA) the world’s no.1 membership and globally recognized awarding body for compliance professionals. Rob Jones, is one of our Finance Support staff who is progressing his education and qualifications in Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), level 4 diploma and Olivia McCaughran our Marketing Executive is enrolled to commence Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) level 4 when lockdown and social distancing is lifted.
So, on conclusion there is no ‘perhaps’ about it……….you can teach an old dog new tricks!
