Hi Rachel! Welcome to the CCBS Team!
What was your first day like?
The team at CCBS are so engaging and fun. I already feel like I have worked with them for ages! There really is a lovely energy in the air…plus I have already got an invite to the Christmas party!
How do you take your tea? *makes notes for tea round*
I like my tea white (weak) and coffee black (strong) – two coffees on a morning as a minimum!
Tell us more about your role at CCBS and what you will be doing.
I will be reaching out to SMEs across manufacturing, energy, renewables and green industries and helping them to grow sustainably by accessing the right funding solutions through CCBS, as well as getting advice and help with sourcing investment. I am hugely passionate about the North East, having spent many years working with and supporting SMEs in the region, so being able to now support CCBS in putting down firm roots in the Tees Valley and Durham is just amazing.
What are you looking forward to most about working at CCBS?
Being able to help businesses grow is what I am passionate about. Supporting CCBS in their next phase of growth and working with an amazing team is really exciting, and also being able to help SMEs in the region access the right funding solutions and helping them grow is the icing on the cake!
How would you describe what CCBS do in three words?
Problem-solvers, financial-matchmakers, solutions-focussed (is adding a hyphen cheating?!)
What are the types of business challenges that CCBS can help SMEs overcome?
As I mentioned earlier, having worked with SMEs for a long time now I have seen the pain points and supported SMEs in bridging many gaps, however, funding challenges is nearly always at the top of the list. Here are a few of the challenges I have recently heard from companies:
- “I have just won a big contract, I need extra working capital.”
- “My current funder is not supporting me, I need some advice.”
- “The bank won’t lend me any money, can anyone else help?”
- “I have just lost a major client and I’m not sure what to do.”
- “My current funding structure isn’t working, how do I make it more efficient?”
If this is you, we can help! Contact us today – with no obligation – you never know where it could lead.
Finally, it’s coming up to Christmas – what’s on your list?
When you have a 7-year-old and 9-year-old, its more about their lists than mine! But spending the valuable time together is priceless (although if you do see my husband tell him that big diamond ring is still on my list!).