Close Brothers expands to Ireland

Close Brothers, one of the UK’s leading specialist finance services group, has extended its operations to Ireland.

Having offered invoice finance here since 2007, the newly formed Close Brothers Commercial Finance operation in Dublin will provide tailor-made packages for SMEs and large businesses that span both asset and invoice finance.

Cork-born Regional Sales Director Adrian Madden will lead the day-to-day operations in Ireland. With almost 25 years of experience in the asset finance industry, he was previously responsible for the Asset Finance Sales Team in Ulster Bank and spent many years working for a number of American and Japanese Banks in the UK.

He said: “Getting businesses going again and boosting employment and GDP are at the core of what the government is trying to do, but without access to finance, firms cannot make crucial investments in technology, print, machinery and transport.

“Our team of finance specialists are well equipped to support the funding challenges customers are experiencing from the legacy of the Irish banking crisis.”

Harry Parkinson, Managing Director, Close Brothers Commercial Finance (Ireland) added: “Increasing demand for asset finance has valued the industry at more than €3 billion. The Irish market not only offers us a great opportunity to expand our business portfolio but importantly it could benefit from new flexible funding options particularly in these tough trading conditions.

“It’s important that businesses have ready access to finance for a number of reasons not the least being able to fund growth opportunities even in these challenging times. There has been much rhetoric in this regard but we come to the market with genuine substance and are prepared to work with our clients to help them achieve their goals.”

The introduction of Close Brothers Commercial Finance to the market will bring greater access to finance and could mean the difference between survival or failure for many businesses.

For more information log onto www.closebrothers.co.uk.