Durham-based Anglo Scottish Asset Finance has announced the launch of a training academy, after identifying a skills gap in the financial services industry.
The academy, open to those with no experience other than a can-do attitude, will train the next generation of Anglo Scottish business development managers.
Established and delivered by Karl Kirkpatrick, who joined the company as director of new business development in January 2021, the programme is currently training its first two recruits, Kyle Johnson-Goodier and Molly Willis.
Kyle, from Wigan, a former duty manager at Lidl, where he held the position for three years before leaving to join Anglo Scottish, and Molly, from Coleshill, Birmingham, formerly a general manager in a pub, are working closely with Karl, benefiting from his many years working in finance.
The academy, which has the capacity to train ten learners every year, is looking to initially attract focused and self-motivated individuals along the west side of the country, in areas such as Manchester, Birmingham and London.
Successful applicants receive a competitive salary, a company car and have the opportunity to progress quickly into a senior position, after they complete six months of training. The academy incorporates a variety of training methods including classroom-based, interactive, on-the-job and online training.
Anglo Scottish is an independent business finance broker, providing a range of financial services across the UK including asset finance, business loans, vendor and dealer finance, as well as personal vehicle solutions and vehicle sourcing.
The company has recently merged with Birmingham-based, Capex Asset Finance, uniting both companies under the Anglo Scottish banner, as it continues to focus on national expansion.
Both Anglo Scottish and Capex are part of the Maxxia Group, which exists to deliver intelligent and creative solutions to its customers’ asset funding and management requirements. The Group is backed by the financial strength of the McMillan Shakespeare Group, a major Australian publicly listed company with a market capitalisation of approximately $1 billion Australian dollars.
Kyle Johnson-Goodier, said: “Having worked at Lidl as a manager for some years, I am very confident around people but this is a completely different role. It’s remote, with a lot of travelling and you need to be personable and able to speak to a broad expanse of people, from tradesmen looking for van financing options to finance directors within large organisations.
“For those who are able to self-motivate and push themselves, surrounded by Karl and a supportive wider team, the opportunities at Anglo Scottish are phenomenal. It’s an exciting time to be part of such a fast-growing business. My goal is to work hard, learn my craft and work my way up to a director position, when the time is right.”
Karl Kirkpatrick, said: “There has, for a long time, been a skills gap within the financial services. As such, we recognised the need to be proactive and the training academy is our way of ensuring Anglo Scottish always has a strong team. As we continue to expand and add to our offering, it is essential we have a continual stream of exceptionally skilled individuals coming through that represent the business and service our clients to the highest standard.
“Kyle and Molly are fantastic examples of the type of people we are looking for. This job isn’t for everyone, you have to have a tough skin and be extremely self-disciplined, in return the rewards are vast, especially as more experience is gained.”
David Foster, managing director, Anglo Scottish Asset Finance, said: “A business is only as strong as the people it has working within it and we are committed to ensuring our team is made up of highly skilled individuals that have the right attitude. As we continue to grow, it is our promise that quality of service and product will never be watered down. Each and every client matters to us and they deserve the best experience we can offer.”
