White Oak UK’s latest initiative has captured the attention of The Herald Scotland. The Centre of Excellence for Asset Finance, Glasgow marks a significant development in our commitment to supporting SMEs with financing solutions.
Who is White Oak UK?
White Oak UK, formerly known as LDF, has been a pivotal player in SME finance since 1987. We provide over £600 million in loans annually, spanning various loan types, which establishes us as one of the UK’s leading alternative funders. Our significant transformation started in 2018 when we were acquired by funds managed by White Oak Global Advisors LLC, a US-based investment advisor. This acquisition marked a key milestone that not only broadened our financial capabilities but also expanded our range of services.
“We truly understand the unique challenges SMEs face across various markets,” says Derek Money, Head of Sales at White Oak UK’s Glasgow office.
The Centre of Excellence in Glasgow
Our Glasgow office, relocated in 2018, exemplifies our asset finance expertise and commitment to training future industry specialists. ‘With our integration into WOGA, we gained access to a broader range of financial products and expanded our offices in Chester, London, and here in Glasgow,’ explains Derek Money. The Centre of Excellence will focus on addressing the industry’s talent gap by training specialists in asset finance from the ground up. ‘Excellence is about the right people doing the right thing for the right clients,’ Money adds. ‘We are dedicated to recruiting and training top talent to provide exceptional service
Training and Recruitment
Our rigorous recruitment process in Glasgow ensures we attract the best candidates for our team. Recruits undergo comprehensive training in finance origination and servicing, preparing them to handle the complexities of asset finance.
“We are excited to bring young talent into our organisation, both in front-office and back-office roles. Asset finance, Glasgow is intricate, and we’re currently looking to recruit trainees to grow our Glasgow team,” says Derek Money.
This effort is part of a broader recruitment drive that has seen over 50 new team members join White Oak UK in the past 12 months. This expansion spans our London & Glasgow offices, as well as our Chester headquarters, underscoring our steadfast commitment to growth and excellence across our entire UK network.
Navigating the Complexities of Asset Finance
Asset finance involves assessing the value of assets both at the time of purchase and at the end of their term. We equip our trainees with the necessary skills to master these complexities, ensuring they become industry experts.
The commitment to our Centre of Excellence has been well-received, as highlighted in The Herald Scotland. This initiative underscores our dedication to advancing SME financing through specialised financial services.
Investing in New Talent
White Oak UK’s commitment to nurturing new talent extends beyond Glasgow. At our Chester headquarters, we run an internship programme in collaboration with Chester University, providing valuable experience in sales, credit evaluation, and back-office processes.
Future Goals
We serve 4,000 to 5,000 SME clients annually, providing finance across our full product portfolio. Our ability to act as both a principal lender and a broker sets us apart,” notes Money.
Our flexible funding model allows us to meet diverse financing needs.
Read more about our story In the Scottish Herald.
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