Experience

NestEgg.ai

• United Kingdom
• Software Development
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Co-Founder

  • Oct 2016 - Present

  Manchester, United Kingdom NestEgg ia on a mission to open-up access to fair & affordable credit. We believe the consumer credit industry is secretive and stuck in the past. As a result, far too many are not getting a fair deal. The NestEgg platform matches those looking for affordable credit with loan products offered by responsible lenders. Applicants find the right loan from the right lender, see if they’d get accepted and apply. If not, get tips on how to be accepted. The platform sends loan… Show more NestEgg ia on a mission to open-up access to fair & affordable credit. We believe the consumer credit industry is secretive and stuck in the past. As a result, far too many are not getting a fair deal. The NestEgg platform matches those looking for affordable credit with loan products offered by responsible lenders. Applicants find the right loan from the right lender, see if they’d get accepted and apply. If not, get tips on how to be accepted. The platform sends loan applications to responsible lenders and provides credit decisioning services so they can make better lending decisions for themselves and their customers. It does this by analysing credit, banking and other data in a fair, flexible and transparent way. Show less



Central Liverpool Credit Union Ltd

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Digital Transformation Programme Manager

  • May 2018 - Present

  Liverpool, United Kingdom Overall programme management to improve use of technology including: • Creating and helping the team move to a new Target Operating Model • Gathering requirements and completing change requests • Managing risks, issues, dependencies and the overall project timeline • Negotiating contracts • Migrating the core system • Upgrading the web-front end to improve member experience, including straight through processing of loans • Implementing new tools to improve productivity… Show more Overall programme management to improve use of technology including: • Creating and helping the team move to a new Target Operating Model • Gathering requirements and completing change requests • Managing risks, issues, dependencies and the overall project timeline • Negotiating contracts • Migrating the core system • Upgrading the web-front end to improve member experience, including straight through processing of loans • Implementing new tools to improve productivity • Bringing together new integrations as part of a wider IT ‘eco-system’ Show less



third-sector.co.uk

• United Kingdom
• Business Consulting and Services

• Director

  • Jun 2005 - Present

  Third-Sector.co.uk helps credit unions and innovative finance providers develop their services. We can help start-ups and established businesses by: *Establishing or re-defining business and operating models. *Helping develop a realistic business plan. *Designing and deploying products and services. *Identifying funders and revenue models to ensure sustainable growth. *Troubleshooting, including running organisational, financial, regulatory and operational health… Show more Third-Sector.co.uk helps credit unions and innovative finance providers develop their services. We can help start-ups and established businesses by: *Establishing or re-defining business and operating models. *Helping develop a realistic business plan. *Designing and deploying products and services. *Identifying funders and revenue models to ensure sustainable growth. *Troubleshooting, including running organisational, financial, regulatory and operational health checks. *Providing interim management services. Show less



retailCURe

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services

• Interim CEO

  • Apr 2017 - Aug 2018

  Manchester, United Kingdom Taking on the overall executive management of the Credit Union during its start-up phase, including: • Revising the operating model and organisational structure • Working with providers to ensure the continuous improvement of digital services • Developing the business plan and financial targets • Updating value propositions, revising products and delivering B2C and B2B marketing campaigns • Engaging with retailers to develop partnerships and expand services to staff As a… Show more Taking on the overall executive management of the Credit Union during its start-up phase, including: • Revising the operating model and organisational structure • Working with providers to ensure the continuous improvement of digital services • Developing the business plan and financial targets • Updating value propositions, revising products and delivering B2C and B2B marketing campaigns • Engaging with retailers to develop partnerships and expand services to staff As a regulated deposit taker, retailCURe had to build its capital base; for every £1m in loans it issued the Credit Union needed to allocate £100k to reserves. This restricted retailCURe’s ability to grow as quickly as it desired. In May 2018 it was agreed to consolidate our balance sheet with Voyager Alliance Credit Union. This enables continued and rapid expansion into the retail sector, making retailCURe one of the fastest growing and largest credit unions in the UK. Show less



Bristol Pound

• United Kingdom
• Civic and Social Organizations

• Senior Consultant

  • Sep 2016 - Dec 2017

  Bristol, United Kingdom A unique project to assess the feasibility of, and develop, a business lending scheme using a local currency. The consultancy involves building and testing financial models, presenting ideas for delivery methods, developing the value proposition and advising on regulatory matters.



Bristol Credit Union

• United Kingdom

• IT Consultant

  • Nov 2016 - Jun 2017

  Bristol, United Kingdom A project to review the Credit Union’s functional, operational and legal requirements for an IT platform, shortlist providers and draw up a potential solution stack.



retailTRUST

• Netherlands
• IT Services and IT Consulting
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant: retailCURe (credit union start-up)

  • Apr 2013 - Apr 2017

  Cheadle, United Kingdom This is an exciting project to create what could be the UK’s biggest credit union for 4.8m retail employees. The role includes: • Assessing the feasibility of the initial proposal • Writing the application business plan for the FCA/PRA • Helping design back office services and documenting these in a policy and procedures manual • Meeting with the regulator to ensure the credit union meets the threshold conditions • Supporting retailTRUST to structure the funding • Overseeing… Show more This is an exciting project to create what could be the UK’s biggest credit union for 4.8m retail employees. The role includes: • Assessing the feasibility of the initial proposal • Writing the application business plan for the FCA/PRA • Helping design back office services and documenting these in a policy and procedures manual • Meeting with the regulator to ensure the credit union meets the threshold conditions • Supporting retailTRUST to structure the funding • Overseeing the authorisation process and answer the regulators' questions with an emphasis on material outsourcing (SYSC8) • Assisting with the start-up phase of the new Credit Union under a new regulatory process called mobilisation The application to the regulator was submitted in May 2014 and in early November 2015 retailCURe was authorised. It is the first credit union to go through mobilisation and took several months to test IT, establish its operating model and recruit staff. The credit union launched in October 2016. If you work in retail you can join here: www.retailcure.org.uk Show less



Castle & Crystal Credit Union

• Banking

• Business Development Workshop

  • Jan 2017 - Jan 2017

  Dudley, United Kingdom A half day workshop to help the credit union develop its: • Loan products • Application and assessment processes • Value proposition • Approach to marketing



MoneyCircles

• Interim Chief Commercial Officer

  • Apr 2016 - Oct 2016

  As Interim Chief Commercial Officer, this was a seven month consultancy to ensure that the start-up understood the market, designed the right Minimal Viable Product and its development road-map. I brought credit risk expertise and a thorough knowledge of the challenges facing co-operative financial service providers to take MoneyCircles through proposition development and customer discovery.



LEEDS CITY CREDIT UNION LIMITED

• IT Strategy Consultant

  • May 2016 - Jul 2016

  Leeds, United Kingdom Developing an IT strategy for one of the UK’s largest credit unions, including: • Systems landscape • Member requirements • Credit union requirements • Approaches to infrastructure • Options evaluation • Regulatory considerations • Potential solution stack



Cornerstone Mutual Services

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Senior Subject Matter Expert

  • Jun 2013 - Apr 2016

  Manchester, United Kingdom As part of the exciting £36m Credit Union Expansion Project (CUEP) I provide subject matter expertise across the Programme especially relating to lending decision and banking platform services. During phase one of CUEP I oversaw the development and deployment of an automated lending platform. This popular system has enabled credit unions to reduce operational costs and bad debt charges, whilst enhancing the customer journey by improving loan turnaround times. To help credit… Show more As part of the exciting £36m Credit Union Expansion Project (CUEP) I provide subject matter expertise across the Programme especially relating to lending decision and banking platform services. During phase one of CUEP I oversaw the development and deployment of an automated lending platform. This popular system has enabled credit unions to reduce operational costs and bad debt charges, whilst enhancing the customer journey by improving loan turnaround times. To help credit unions meet their social objectives a decision engine was set up to ensure that people vulnerable to predatory lending practices – who may therefore have poor credit ratings – can still borrow money. By enabling a better understanding of risk, credit unions can now offer more competitive rates and reach out to borrowers in the £26k - £40k income bracket. Automated lending is now operational in all 70 Programme credit unions. Phase 2 of the work has involved helping the project identify a new IT platform to enable credit unions to offer their unique services in a better and more accessible way. This included agreeing the critical business requirements for the platform, evaluating tenders and being part of the senior team that is choosing, building and delivering the new platform and wider Target Operating Model from late 2015. Show less



Association of British Credit Unions

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Associate

  • Jun 2008 - Apr 2016

  Responsible for mentoring credit union managers, providing support to credit unions on lending and development issues and writing training courses (especially those relating to credit control, lending and business planning). I also provide bespoke training courses in the classroom and online for individual credit unions or regional forums.



Churches Mutual Credit Union

• Consultant (credit union start-up) via ABCUL

  • Jan 2012 - Dec 2014

  London, United Kingdom Thanks to the intervention of the Archbishop of Canterbury, a credit union for clergy and church staff is back on the agenda. I have provided training to the shadow board of directors and have refreshed the application business plan and Policy and Procedures Manual which was submitted to the PRA/FCA for approval in December 2013. The Credit Union was authorised in December 2014.



Unify Credit Union

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Business Planning Consultant

  • Feb 2014 - Jul 2014

  Wigan, United Kingdom A project to assist Unify to develop a business plan, including an analysis of the credit union’s current circumstances, a planning day workshop and full three year business plan, including: o SWOT analysis. o Risk management action plan. o Improvements to loan policy, application and assessment processes. o Savings and loan product development. o Three year adaptable financial model, forecast P&L and balance sheet with sensitivity analysis. o An approach for addressing… Show more A project to assist Unify to develop a business plan, including an analysis of the credit union’s current circumstances, a planning day workshop and full three year business plan, including: o SWOT analysis. o Risk management action plan. o Improvements to loan policy, application and assessment processes. o Savings and loan product development. o Three year adaptable financial model, forecast P&L and balance sheet with sensitivity analysis. o An approach for addressing external opportunities. Show less



Northern Money

• United Kingdom
• Non-profit Organization Management

• Researcher

  • Mar 2013 - Jul 2013

  North of England This evidence based research project examined the cost effectiveness of credit union loan processes, in partnership with Northern Money and the Association of British Credit Unions. The research assignment collected data from individual credit unions, analysed it and produced a report with recommendations on the most cost effective approach so credit unions can increase their loan portfolios whilst successfully managing risk. The project deliverables included: • Collecting… Show more This evidence based research project examined the cost effectiveness of credit union loan processes, in partnership with Northern Money and the Association of British Credit Unions. The research assignment collected data from individual credit unions, analysed it and produced a report with recommendations on the most cost effective approach so credit unions can increase their loan portfolios whilst successfully managing risk. The project deliverables included: • Collecting information on current loan application and assessment procedures. • Collecting information on current delinquent loan procedures. • Producing a report identifying good practice and summarising recommendations for improving current approaches. • Generating standardised paperwork for use by participating credit unions. Show less



Waltham Forest Community Credit Union

• Consultant: Product Development

  • May 2013 - Jun 2013

  London, United Kingdom We have been commissioned to run a loan development workshop for the credit union as it looks to expand its loan portfolio to 'tier two' members. The areas covered include: 1. An analysis of the current loan book. 2. Understanding the needs of middle income members. 3. Improving back office so that borrowers can make quicker applications. 4. Product design. 5. Marketing techniques.



The Pentecostal Credit Union

• Photography

• Consultant

  • May 2012 - Jun 2013

  London, United Kingdom This project focused on compliance. The credit union had £11m of assets but its policies and procedures have not kept pace with the growth of the organisation. As such assistance was offered to bring TPCU’s Policy and Procedures up to date. The credit union's actions around corporate lending resulted in a public censure by the FSA. However with our support the credit union was able to continue trading and avoid being fined. The consultancy included a review of the credit union’s long-term… Show more This project focused on compliance. The credit union had £11m of assets but its policies and procedures have not kept pace with the growth of the organisation. As such assistance was offered to bring TPCU’s Policy and Procedures up to date. The credit union's actions around corporate lending resulted in a public censure by the FSA. However with our support the credit union was able to continue trading and avoid being fined. The consultancy included a review of the credit union’s long-term strategy, developing loan and savings products, corporate lending and improving the back office and website and concluded with the recruitment of a new CEO. Show less



Norris Green Credit Union

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant

  • Feb 2013 - Apr 2013

  Liverpool A project to assist Norris Green Credit Union to: • Design new application and welcome packs for members • Develop business lending policies and procedures • Write a loose leaf staff handbook



Castle and Minster Credit Union

• United Kingdom
• Security and Investigations

• Consultant

  • Sep 2012 - Apr 2013

  Huddersfield, United Kingdom Helping to develop loan policy to increase the number of middle income borrowers and ensure that the individual and aggregate exposures for lower income borrowers are reduced. The consultancy includes: • A desktop analysis of the credit union’s financial and market position • A face to face visit to the credit union to meet staff, assess procedures and get a better understanding of the day to day operation and the types of applications being received. • A short report to… Show more Helping to develop loan policy to increase the number of middle income borrowers and ensure that the individual and aggregate exposures for lower income borrowers are reduced. The consultancy includes: • A desktop analysis of the credit union’s financial and market position • A face to face visit to the credit union to meet staff, assess procedures and get a better understanding of the day to day operation and the types of applications being received. • A short report to include recommendations for enhancing loan product design, improving online access and marketing, reducing the cost of loan assessment, modernising the loan policy and assistance with marketing campaigns. Since January 2013 the consultancy was extended to include a full financial review of the credit union with a report to the board detailing key actions required to improve profitability and the key financial ratios. Show less

• Consultant: product development

  • Jan 2013 - Mar 2013

  Dudley We have been commissioned to run a bespoke version of our popular seminar 'Reaching out to Middle Income Members' for this credit union as it looks to expand its loan portfolio. The areas covered include: 1. An analysis of the current loan book. 2. Understanding the needs of middle income members. 3. Improving back office so that borrowers on payroll deduction can make paperless applications. 4. Marketing techniques. Following the seminar third-sector.co.uk has been… Show more We have been commissioned to run a bespoke version of our popular seminar 'Reaching out to Middle Income Members' for this credit union as it looks to expand its loan portfolio. The areas covered include: 1. An analysis of the current loan book. 2. Understanding the needs of middle income members. 3. Improving back office so that borrowers on payroll deduction can make paperless applications. 4. Marketing techniques. Following the seminar third-sector.co.uk has been contracted to: * Develop three distinct loan products to target different borrower segments e.g. low income, fair credit profile and those on payroll deduction * Recommended interest rates and provide market comparisons * Create 'application gateways' for the three products * Draw up application form(s) for the loans both paper-based and for online use * Provide an aide-mémoire for a Loans Officer to help them interpret the answers given on the application form Show less



SurreySave Credit Union

• IT Services and IT Consulting
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Business Planning Consultant

  • Feb 2012 - Dec 2012

  Woking Revising SurreySave's business plan to account for performance since launch and to support common bond extensions into Kingston and Richmond.

• Consultant (credit union start-up)

  • Apr 2009 - Jan 2012

  Surrey Responsible for establishing a credit union across Surrey. This included fundraising, business planning and leading on the application to the Financial Services Authority. Within 6 weeks of being authorised £250k of savings had been committed, a record for a UK-based credit union.



Central Liverpool Credit Union

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant: fundraising

  • May 2012 - Oct 2012

  Assisting the credit union to put together a successful consortium bid to the City Council to provide financial support for the introduction of the Credit Union Current Account and businesses lending service. Business lending policies and procedures are being written and include a bespoke business lending score card.



North Somerset Credit Union

• Consultant: strategic development

  • Apr 2012 - Aug 2012

  Weston-super-Mare Creating an external facing marketing prospectus to demonstrate the positive impact NSCU has for new and existing members, companies, supporters and the wider community. The prospectus was complemented with an internal facing document with recommendations for improving back office services to ensure greater take-up of credit union services, especially by middle income households.

• Business Planning Consultant

  • Jun 2011 - Mar 2012

  Liverpool, United Kingdom Revising the credit union’s business and development plan, including: • Preparing for the Legislative Reform Order including developing a detailed risk management plan to enable CLCU to offer interest on savings. • Developing loans and savings products. • Reviewing processes and procedures to streamline operations, reduce costs and improve use of ICT. • Producing a three year budget, identifying realistic targets and developing new funding streams.



West Sussex Credit Union

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant (credit union mergers)

  • Sep 2009 - Oct 2011

  Worthing Transferring the engagements of three existing credit unions in West Sussex to the newly formed West Sussex Credit Union. This included hosting meetings between the credit unions to agree a common way forward, conducting due diligence, assessing current and future loan portfolio performance, changing common bonds and leading on the relevant FSA applications.



Kent Savers Credit Union

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant (credit union start-up)

  • Oct 2008 - Oct 2010

  Responsible for setting up the UK’s largest geographical / population credit union with Kent County Council. This included writing the business plan, raising funds and negotiating with the FSA. The credit union launched in Feb 2010 with around £600k of funding and 1,000 loan applications were received in the first six weeks of operation.



Reading Credit Union

• United States
• Computer and Network Security
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant (credit union common bond extention)

  • Aug 2009 - Sep 2010

  Reading, United Kingdom Working, with Jenny King, to expand the credit union's common bond county-wide. Includes business planning, negotiating with the FSA and fundraising.



Money Advice Plus

• United Kingdom
• Individual and Family Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant: quality of service

  • Apr 2005 - Feb 2010

  Assisting the charity with its quality procedures and quality mark audit in February 2010.

• Interim CEO

  • Aug 2008 - Apr 2009

  I oversaw an organisational restructuring leading to the recruitment of a new CEO. This process involved redundancies and negotiating exit strategies for staff, including the negotiation of compromise agreements.

• Interim Manager

  • Aug 2008 - Nov 2008

  Responsible for the induction of the General Manager and assisting the credit union to begin trading.



East Sussex Credit Union

• Manager

  • Jun 2005 - Sep 2008

  Overall managerial responsibility for a credit union, including: • Raising funds and moving the credit union to high street premises. • Expanding county-wide with an emphasis on providing services to low income households. • Developing effective credit control procedures. • Establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with a range of stakeholders.



Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau

• United Kingdom
• Non-profit Organization Management

• Director

  • Jan 2001 - May 2005

  Brighton Youngest CAB Manager in the UK at 27 years of age with overall managerial responsibility for an advice organisation employing 29 members of staff and offering services to 15,000 local residents, specifically: • Increasing funding from £220k to £650k per annum and staff from 6FTE to 18FTE within 3 years. • In partnership with the University of Brighton, developing the country’s first ‘invest to save’ concepts for advisory services that were later used by national Citizens Advice… Show more Youngest CAB Manager in the UK at 27 years of age with overall managerial responsibility for an advice organisation employing 29 members of staff and offering services to 15,000 local residents, specifically: • Increasing funding from £220k to £650k per annum and staff from 6FTE to 18FTE within 3 years. • In partnership with the University of Brighton, developing the country’s first ‘invest to save’ concepts for advisory services that were later used by national Citizens Advice and others. • Responsible for management of twelve distinct budgets and £650,000 turnover. • Leading senior management team and line managing specialist projects team. • Establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with funders and other agencies.

• Advice Work Supervisor

  • Jan 2000 - Dec 2000

  Hove Responsibility for supervising advice sessions, ensuring quality of advice, allocation of advisers and developing systems to improve client services

• Money Adviser

  • Sep 1998 - Dec 1999

  Brighton, United Kingdom Providing a 'self-supervising' money advice under the Legal Aid scheme, including successfully defending rent and mortgage possession proceedings in the County Court.