STEVEN FOLEY Relationship Development Director for CCBS Group
What were your career ambitions growing up?
Believe it or not I really fancied the idea of being an astronaut. That said I quickly realised that a future in space was never going to happen, and I needed to be more realistic in my career choice.
Tell us about your current role?
My current role is a breath of fresh air. I help and support businesses to obtain funding. Very much working for the client and approaching funders on their behalf.
What is your proudest business achievement?
36 years in the banking sector and the last 22 as a relationship manager is something that I am proud of. Not just the time served but what I managed to achieve during that time and the genuine respect I seemed to have from clients, my colleagues and the wider North East business community. Something I didn’t realise when I was there!!
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
One of the biggest changes that I have seen is that once upon a time a business would go to their Bank if they needed anything and specifically funding. However, that is not the case now. That is where CCBS come in and the role that we play not only now but going forward is becoming invaluable as business owners look for help and support to grow and develop their businesses.
What are you currently working on?
Early days (week 4) but one things that I am currently looking at is the refinance of some existing bank facilities that will give the client significant headroom and comfort that whilst navigating some of the trading headwinds they, and many others, are currently facing. The good thing is, is that the phone is ringing with new opportunities every day.
Tell us about the team you work with?
First and foremost, I knew the people before I started to work at CCBS and yes, I still joined! That is a huge help for any new starter, even a 54 year old one. That is helped by the fact that we are all in the office so can talk things through face to face and then move things forward quickly. Extremely collaborative, supportive and helpful team who enjoy some very good relationship with the funders that we use to support the requirements that our clients/prospects have.
What does the future hold?
Work wise then I see the next five years being exciting times at CCBS. I know the plans that the business has, and I want to be part of those and to help the business deliver those. We really do have some good clients as well excellent connections in the North East business community that also want to help and support us as they know we deliver what we say.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Never say yes when you should say no. None of us likes to say no to a client but sometimes that is exactly what we should be saying. I would always try and do this face to face and I would also take this one step further by always having a Plan B for the client. It would be remiss of me not to mention this sales gem that I learned a few years ago and that is ”always sell the sizzle and not the sausage”. I will leave that one with your readers.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge for me is learning what funding we have access to. The days of me having one funder i.e., the bank, have gone and I now have access to a number of funders who can be selected depending on the funding requirement that we are looking to meet. It is honestly amazing to see at first-hand what is available.
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
In the mid 90’s I worked for a chap called John Riddle who was an incredible man. I learned a lot from him. Away from business then I would have to say that Mark Cavendish continues to inspire me. The man is an absolute legend and one of our greatest ever sports people.
How do you unwind outside of work?
Believe or not, I am a very keen cyclist. You won’t be able to tell by looking at me, but I like nothing better than jumping on my bike and heading out into the countryside for a few hours for cake and coffee.
Favourite Book and Boxset?
I am slightly embarrassed to say that I am not a great reader, but I am an excellent listener and I do enjoy listening to Podcasts. I regularly listen to The Good, The Bad and The Rugby which really is an excellent show even if you don’t like rugby!! In terms of watching then currently Derry Girls is taking up viewing time.
