Award-winning commercial finance specialist CCBS Group has completed a management buyout, positioning the North East business for a dynamic new chapter following the celebration of its 10th anniversary last year.
The buyout sees Graeme Harrison, who joined CCBS five years ago to drive business development, take over as Managing Director. Founder Peter Cromarty, who established CCBS in 2014, will remain involved as Non-Executive Chairman, supporting the leadership team and continuing to work closely with clients.
Graeme Harrison said:
“We’ve built a resilient, client-focused business with an unwavering passion for delivering exceptional results for our clients. This transition marks an exciting new phase, and I’m looking forward to working with Michael Horner, Matt Lister, and the wider team to bring our ambitious plans to life.”
CCBS Group, known for its expertise in delivering bespoke funding solutions for businesses across the North East, has experienced consistent year-on-year growth since its inception. The company prides itself on providing clear, strategic advice for clients navigating funding landscapes, particularly during uncertain times and when traditional routes may be unavailable due to complex factors.
Reflecting on the journey to date, Peter Cromarty commented:
“It’s been an incredible journey, building CCBS from a one-man operation to a leading independent finance boutique with a team boasting over 125 years of lending experience. We’ve supported businesses through every stage of growth – from acquisitions and management buyouts to international expansion. I’m immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved, and I’m excited to see the business continue to flourish under Graeme’s leadership and the new management team.”
The strategic move, advised by Square One Law and BK Plus, ensures the business remains independently owned and firmly rooted in the North East. Management team members received legal and financial advice from Clark Mairs and The Advisory Group, helping to secure a seamless transaction process that underpins CCBS’s ambitions for long-term growth.
Harrison added:
“While to the outside world CCBS will look very much the same, this internal evolution strengthens our ability to deliver even more for our clients. Our ethos remains firmly in place – understanding client needs and delivering exceptional funding outcomes — but with a renewed energy and shared vision for the future. With our experienced leadership team, robust network of funders, and unwavering commitment to the businesses we serve, we are well placed for another decade of success.”
Looking ahead, CCBS plans to continue expanding its presence across the North East, building on its strong reputation for client service, industry expertise, and resilience. Recent investments, including the opening of a new office in Teesside, reflect the company’s ambition to support even more businesses across the region.
Harrison concluded:
“This is a proud moment for the team. We are passionate about the future and committed to growing CCBS in a way that stays true to our culture and values, and contributes positively to the North East business community.”
What is your role at CCBS and how did you get here?
My career prior to joining CCBS was spent in ABL and Trade Finance. I originally started on a graduate scheme with an independent organisation, before moving into banking. The fast-paced, results-oriented world of the independent space coupled with the exposure to larger, more complex funding structures in banking put me in good stead for CCBS.
What is your specialism in the team?
My role within the business is to plan and implement the business development strategy, however, much like the rest of the team, most of my time is spent working with clients, intermediaries and funders, providing funding solutions and structuring finance facilities.
What is a typical day like for you at CCBS?
There is no typical day at CCBS. Although we all work from the office as much as possible, we’re regularly out meeting clients, funders and intermediaries. When we’re in the office we’re typically writing credit proposals or negotiating with funders to get the best possible outcome for our clients. The rest of the time is spent rotating the many plants around the office and arguing over the temperature.
What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time, what’s that!? I have a toddler so she takes up 99% of it, however, I do like to squeeze in the odd gig, game of football or afternoon in the pub if the opportunity presents itself.
Have you ever played football naked?
No.
If you weren’t working at CCBS, what other job would you like to be doing?
As a kid I was fascinated with history and always wanted to be an archaeologist. I imagined a life like Indiana Jones, travelling the world and discovering hidden tombs however, as part of my A-Level History course we spent a day at a local dig, which, let’s just say did not live up to expectations. The pace was so slow that banking and finance suddenly became an exciting alternative. I’d still love to do it as a career though.