Jo MacEachen’s appointment – the third new Start Up team recruit in three years – will help meet growing demand from applicants to the government- backed Start Up Loans scheme throughout the Southwest.
Based in SWIG’s Truro office, Jo will be working with new and early-stage business owners to access the funding they need to bring their plans to life.
Jo has previously owned her own successful business. She has a 1st Class BA (Hons) in Business Enterprise and PGCE which enabled her to become a Business and Law lecturer and Deloitte Employability Trainer at Cornwall College.
Since then Jo has worked for Richfords Fire & Flood, first as a Resource Coordinator, progressing to Learning and Development Process Manager.
Of the appointment Jo said “Business is a fascinating subject, and this role will enable me to work with a diverse range of entrepreneurs. I am looking forward to being able to help others to realise their business ambitions and watching their businesses flourish and evolve. It’s great to be part of a purpose-driven organisation.”
SWIG Managing Director, John Peters, commented “We’re delighted to have Jo on board, and I’m sure her business acumen will be a great asset to our growing team. Her appointment is certainly timely as we’re currently approving two applications and counting every working day. By increasing our capacity, we’ll be able help even more new businesses across the region.”
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is a people-based lender that provides loans and support to help smaller businesses in the South and West Country grow. We base our lending decisions on potential rather than collateral, which means that we can often support businesses when others can't.
We’re growing every year. In 2024/25, we lent £14.8m to 501 businesses, helping to create and secure over 1,272 jobs and generate £75.7m in social impact. Download the report here.
If you’d like an informal chat about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to see how we can help: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 930