NON-traditional business lender Simply has set up a base in Belfast, creating four jobs in the process.
Founded just two years ago by a team of asset finance specialists in response to the need for innovation and disruption, Simply provides asset finance to small and medium sized businesses to help them purchase equipment, free up working capital and invest in growth.
Majority owned by a Cabot Square capital fund, it has recruited more than 80 staff across the UK and attracted more than 2000 customers in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, construction, transport and recycling.
The firm, which has opened in the Clockwise shared office space in Belfast's River House, says it has "ambition plans for growth in Northern Ireland".
Gary Coburn, head of sales for Simply Northern Ireland, said: “It’s an exciting road ahead, building the Simply brand and presence in the region.
“As the first lender in a long time to properly commit to Northern Ireland by establishing a presence here, Simply is serious about supporting the local business economy and has ambitious plans for growth.
“Firms in Northern Ireland, with their growing need to finance, have welcomed us with open arms, and my new team will be making sure our customers get exactly what they need from the very beginning.”
Simply chief executive Mike Randall added: “The team in Northern Ireland has more than 100 years’ relevant experience between them.
“As a locally-based asset finance provider we can actively support SMEs in the region with their funding requirements, and we believe Simply’s expansion is good news for brokers and small and medium-sized businesses alike.”
