Arkle Finance – the Asset Finance subsidiary of Weatherbys Bank, and part of the Weatherbys Group, which itself recently celebrated its 250th year – celebrated its 25th anniversary, with a recent party at Barton Hall Hotel in Kettering.
The event was attended by 150 current and former employees, as well as key friends, supporters and business partners – all whom have contributed to the ongoing success of the business. Memories of those individuals who helped shape the business were shared, and many stories recalled. The fantastic warm weather contributed to the event with and acoustic band, open-air barbecue and al fresco drinks.
Arkle Finance, based in Wellingborough, supports small and medium-sized businesses across the United Kingdom with their leasing and equipment finance needs. It has financed a broad variety of deals, from plant and machinery, vehicles and IT equipment to fit-outs, play equipment and much more.
The company also maintains a consumer finance business, helping fund high-end cars, boats, aircraft and holiday lodges. The business prides itself on a high-quality service and products aimed at the bespoke needs of the customers. Increasingly, the assets are supporting the UK’s attempts to decarbonise, with investments in the renewal of domestic heating, renewable energy and fleet electrification. These assets complement the group’s commitment to sustainability.
Throughout the pandemic, Arkle was a partner of the British Business Bank and able to offer Covid Business Interruption loans as part of a broader package of support to its clients. It continues to offer products under the BBB’s Recovery Loan Scheme.
Speaking at the event, Arkle Finance CEO Daniel Bailey expressed his pride in the business, and highlighted the growth, anecdotes and milestones as the business grew from a small part of the Weatherbys Group to being a key contributor to the success of organisation. Key to that success is the adaptability and capacity to learn, using each day as an opportunity to expand knowledge, skills and capabilities. Today Arkle Finance employs 65 people and supports 7,000 clients with their financing needs – lending £100m a year! The journey had a personal dimension, with Daniel having joined the business as a graduate in 2005 and rising to become CEO in 2018.
Chairman Philip George thanked Daniel and the whole team for their success in scaling the business whilst staying close to its roots and maintaining its family values and those of the Weatherbys Group. He also spoke about his excitement for the future, believing that investments in the people and the renewal of its technology platform and laid foundations for an even more successful next 25 years.
Whilst 25 years is a major milestone, Arkle Finance still has some way to achieve the success of its parent company, which can trace its lineage back to James Weatherby, who started the business 250 years ago.
Find out more about Arkle Finance at www.arklefinance.co.uk or call 01933 304789
