An Interview with, Senior Funding Partner at TSF Finance, Erin Lochhead

1. What led you into this career?

I’ve always been interested in the commercial side of business and how funding can help companies grow. Over time I’ve realised that finance - in particular asset finance and invoice finance - plays a huge role in helping businesses unlock cash flow and invest in their future.

2. What does a typical day in your role look like at TSF Finance?

No two days are the same, which is something I really enjoy. A huge part of the role is building relationships, whether it’s with clients or lenders, and ensuring we’re delivering solutions that genuinely work for the business.

3. What attracted you to working for TSF Finance?

The main thing that stood out for me with TSF was their reputation in the industry for being relationship-driven and genuinely focussed on helping businesses succeed through the right funding for them.

4. How do you think you’ve made a difference/will make a difference at TSF Finance?

I think the biggest difference comes from taking the time to really understand each client’s situation and finding the right funding route for them which is where I hope to add the most value.

5. What’s one thing that’s surprised you working at TSF?

I already had an idea that the team would be great … so the one thing that surprised me was the wide range of clients we work with - from start up to multi-million pound turnover. It shows the levels of talent here and trust that businesses have in TSF Finance to help them grow to the next level!

6. What’s a work-related accomplishment you’re really proud of?

Give my client the confidence to grow her B&B into a Glamping Pod site with a bridging loan to supply the materials (plus, she builds the Glamping Pods by hand herself!). She is now fully booked until August, with planning permissions for another 5 pods in the near future.

7. What’s a non-work related accomplishment you’re really proud of?

Firstly, my baby, she amazes me every single day. And climbing Ben Nevis on my 24th birthday!

8. What upcoming trends/news/updates in your industry do you think will likely impact the industry in the next five years?

I think we’ll continue to see alternative and specialist lending grow significantly as businesses look for more flexible funding solutions. Technology is also playing a huge role, with faster decision making and improved data processing through AI. It’s allowing lenders to make a more efficient decision which will inevitably result in businesses more likely to have a better funding solution which will be tailored to them.

9. In the current climate, what advice can you give to business owners with regard to their funding challenges?

My main piece of advice would be to explore funding options early rather than waiting until cashflow becomes a pressure point. There are so many more solutions available than business owners realise!