Nick Simpson
AFS Group Managing Director
Nick is a founding Director and shareholder of AFS Group, establishing the first group company Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd jointly with Co-Director Justin Ford in 2005. Having worked in the financial services industry since leaving school and then exclusively in the asset finance sector since 1994 for both high street banks and specialist Lessors, Nick has been in the broker market since 2005. As Group MD, a major part of his time is now spent developing those excellent working relationships with every Funder who help form, without doubt, the largest and most comprehensive Funder portfolio in the indirect finance market place.
AFS Group was formed after AFS Compliance Ltd was established in 2014, the Group’s FCA Principal business, which is responsible for all matters FCA and providing a wide range of supporting resources to the broker network businesses. In 2015 all of the experience gained from successfully building the Asset Finance Solutions franchise network to its market leading position was harnessed to introduce Synergy Commercial Finance Ltd. Synergy is aimed at commercial finance brokers and complements the specialist asset finance brokers operating within Asset Finance Solutions.
When not busy with the expanding day job, Nick likes nothing better than enjoying a day at the races and the additional buzz of racehorse breeding and ownership. He is also a long-standing junior football coach at the local village football club and a keen cyclist often exploring the local Yorkshire countryside.
Mike Geddes
Group Compliance Director
I’ve been in the finance industry since 1993, having worked for a few high street banks. I joined AFS in 2006, having met Nick and Justin at ING Lease, they eventually convinced me to give up working for the bank and explore the opportunities and rewards broking offered. My role has developed over the years, and I now find myself in the position of Group Compliance Director, which means I am responsible for all things relating to regulation and ensuring we meet the ever-expanding demands of the various regulators we fall under.
I am extremely proud of the compliance function we have built at AFS, and I count myself lucky to have such a great team around me. As should always be the case, we strive to improve our compliance capability all the time ensuring AFS and Synergy Network members are always meeting and surpassing the expectations of the regulators.
Away from work I have two sons who keep me busy, I am Chairman of my local Junior Football Club where my eldest son plays and also an avid follower of my youngest son’s rugby team, with what little time I have left I also have a passion for restoring classic cars and always have several projects on the go.
Justin Ford
AFS Group Operations Director
With over twenty years in the industry, finance is definitely in my blood and something which still excites me and for which I still have a passion for.
From the lightbulb moment of the concept in 2005 to the innovative business we have become, I have always been incredibly proud of everything we have achieved and have a huge amount of respect and admiration for our staff and franchisees, all of whom have played a major part in our success and development.
As Group Operations Director, I tend to get involved with all aspects of the business which makes me truly live and breathe our unofficial company moto – “solutions not problems”. From overseeing our head office functions in Blackburn to the selection and recruitment of our franchisees, the role I undertake is enjoyable whilst challenging, just the way I like it.
Out of work I’m usually happiest when listening to music on my retro stereo system or watching a movie (new or old) with a glass of wine, whilst also trying to maintaining hero status to my three beautiful daughters.
Lee Simms
Managing Director (Asset Finance Solutions UK Ltd)
How have I ended up here? Good question. I certainly didn’t envisage being Managing Director for Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd as I finished my Zoology degree in 1999 that’s for sure! After a couple of false starts teaching children and working in Canary Wharf, I found myself working for First National Asset Finance supporting a sales team that included Justin, Nick and Mike way back in 2003. After becoming the first trainee Sales Executive I took the decision to move to Lombard to broaden my knowledge where I held various roles from Sales Executive right through to being part of the training team and finally ending my time there as Head of Agricultural Finance.
It was while I was Head of Agriculture that I found myself near Preston having a beer with Justin after writing an article for the Farmers Guardian. I’m not sure how strong the beer was but I ended up agreeing to join Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd! I can honestly say it’s the best move I’ve ever made. Every day is different, I get to work with some of the industry’s top brokers and funders and the opportunities to help our customers are endless.
It’s fantastic to be part of such a such a successful organisation and really exciting to be part of its future.
In my spare time I like to be outdoors. Whether that be fishing, walking or playing sport. In addition, my taxi driving skills are improving every week due to my young daughter!
