About

Paul is Managing Director of Mercia Business Loans, leading Mercia's lending activities and overseeing the deployment of business funding to ambitious SMEs across the UK.

Having joined Mercia in 2006, Paul brings more than 30 years of lending and investment experience. He played a key role in the launch of Mercia's SME Loan Funds and oversees the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund.

Paul works closely with established businesses and management teams, providing funding to support growth, acquisitions, management buyouts, working capital requirements and investment in assets. Throughout his career at Mercia, he has helped numerous businesses access the finance needed to achieve their ambitions and has overseen a number of successful exits, including CoreRFID and Finch Consulting.

In addition to leading Mercia's lending activities, Paul supports portfolio companies through board representation and strategic guidance, helping management teams navigate key stages of growth and development.

Previous experience

Prior to joining Mercia, Paul was Regional Director at Barclays Ventures, where he was responsible for investment activity across the North of England and the Midlands. During this time, he completed numerous equity investments in management buyouts and development capital transactions across a wide range of sectors, including specialist manufacturing, support services and distribution.

Earlier in his career, Paul held senior corporate banking roles in both the UK and overseas, building extensive experience in lending, relationship management and supporting growing businesses.