SWIG Finance is excited to announce significant team growth, having welcomed four new team members over the last six months. The expansion supports our ongoing commitment to increase our visibility, as well as the visibility of Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) as a whole.
First, we’re thrilled to introduce Angela Abbotts as our Senior Business Manager. Based in Bristol, Angela joins us with over a decade of experience in the finance industry. Bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise in strategic planning and client management, Angela’s background in mainstream banking has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of customer needs, which aligns well with SWIG Finance’s ethos of putting clients at the forefront of everything we do.
SWIG’s Business Loans Team (L-R) Rachael Taylor, Rachel Thomson, Adele Jones, Angela Abbotts, Jim McLaren, Craig Slater, John Murray.
Joining Angela are Business Managers John Murray and Craig Slater who each bring fresh perspectives to the team.
John is based in Dorset and has a background in supporting social enterprises through his roles at NatWest Social and Community Capital and, most recently, Charity Bank. His experience makes him well-suited to tackle the challenges and opportunities within the finance landscape.
Equally, Craig Slater, who is covering Devon, has a strong background in business finance, including 15 years at Barclays Bank, and he also has experience working as a finance broker for One Stop Business Finance. This diverse experience has given him an unparalleled understanding of the SME Finance landscape.
Hayley Scott has joined on a part-time basis, as our newly appointed Marketing and Communications Assistant.
Finally, we welcome Hayley Scott on a part-time basis, as our newly appointed Marketing and Communications Assistant. Hayley will be spearheading our social media strategy and PR outreach while continuing to grow her floristry business ‘Hayley Scott Blooms’, which SWIG assisted with a Start Up Loan six years ago. She brings a hands-on, adaptable mindset developed through small business ownership, seamlessly balancing creative direction, client relationships, and commercial growth.
SWIG’s Managing Director, Matthew Wilde commented “We’re delighted to welcome our newest team members – their diverse skill sets will enhance our capabilities here at SWIG, allowing us to expand our reach and meet growing market demands. We believe that the strength of our team is integral to our success and is essential to continuing to build upon the relationships we have with our customers and intermediary network.”
The team growth comes after SWIG Finance observed significant uplift in lending, with more than £18.4 million lent to small businesses in the South and West Country during 25/26. Further details are to be announced in SWIG’s upcoming Impact Report, which is due to be published in June 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to expand and evolve, and continue to provide unparalleled financial solutions tailored to you!
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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