SWIG Finance has announced the appointment of Matthew (Matt) Wilde as its new Managing Director.
Matt succeeds current MD, John Peters, who has led SWIG Finance since 2013 and has been with the SWIG Group since 1998.
Matt is a commercially focussed leader with experience in SME finance, investment and business growth. He has established a strong track record in scaling businesses, securing investment, and driving commercial success, whilst at Lloyds Banking Group and the Development Bank of Wales, and most recently as Senior Data Partnerships Manager at Go.Compare. Matt is also Non-Executive Director and Chair of First Choice Housing Association.
Matthew Wilde, Managing Director of SWIG Finance
Having grown up in Somerset, Matt describes himself as a people-person and problem solver, he is looking forward to bringing his skills and experience together to spearhead future growth at SWIG Finance.
Of his new role, Matt commented “I am motivated by SWIG’s mission and excited to join the team in the next chapter of SWIG’s evolution – scaling reach, strengthening delivery, and supporting more SMEs. Having grown up in the South West, I am delighted to be returning to the region.
“What drew me to this role was the SWIG Finance team’s passion and commitment to impact lending. I’m excited to work alongside the board, the wider team, and SWIG’s stakeholders to help drive forward its mission and amplify its impact”.
Matt is currently relocating to Bristol, along with his partner Polly, and Golden Retriever, Gruff. When Matt isn’t working, he enjoys exploring the great outdoors. As a keen sports fan, he is passionate about Formula One and enjoys powerlifting – he has even competed in Strongman competitions.
John Peters will continue to support SWIG Finance in the position of Executive Director until March 2026. Under John’s leadership, the company has established a regional footprint, tripled its headcount and grown its turnover from £327k to £3m.
The leadership handover comes at an exciting time following the company’s success in securing several high-profile contracts in recent years, including Small Loans for the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund, and a £10m capital boost through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF). In 2024/25, SWIG Finance announced record lending of just under £15m to 573 businesses with over £75.7m in social value generated.
SWIG Finance’s Senior Leadership Team (L-R) Nicola Parker (Lending and Markets Director), Mathew Wilde (Managing Director) and David Bullen (Finance Director)
As the company continues to grow, Nicola (Nic) Parker has been promoted to Lending & Market Director, and will join Matt and Finance Director, Dave Bullen, in a new Senior Leadership Team responsible for driving the growth strategy of the business.
The SWIG Group Board has also seen a refresh over the last few months, with four high-profile additional joining the board.
SWIG Group’s Chairperson Christine Allison added: “As a Board, it was crucial to find a successor to John Peters who shares SWIG’s values, and who has the passion and drive to lead our efforts to support more SMEs throughout the greater South West with their financial needs. We are confident we have found that ideal combination in Matt.”
This successful recruitment campaign was led by Vanessa Moon & Simon Quinn at Moon Executive Search.
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