Meet the Expert: Cameron Robson, Regional Sales Manager

Here he tells us about his favourite part of the role and discusses his predictions for the industry in 2024.

Briefly tell us about your role and what you do…

I started with Close Brothers Asset Finance as an Area Sales Manager in 2018, and since early 2023 I have been a Regional Sales Manager. My role involves maintaining good relationships with our existing customer base and more importantly helping their businesses grow. I also spend a lot of time out on the road building new relationships with prospective customers.

One of the most useful things is being able to sit down in front of our customers, gaining a real in-depth understanding of how their business works, which enables us to tailor the best finance solutions for them. As part of my role, I also manage a small team of Area Sales Managers providing support, mentoring and an understanding of how we work at Close Brothers Asset Finance.

What was your journey to Close Brothers Asset Finance?

After gaining a Higher National Diploma in accounts, I worked in a variety of financial services roles. Looking for a new challenge I joined Bell Equipment, a South African based company that manufacture articulated dump trucks, in this role I was responsible for the Scottish parts department. I then moved to Finlay Scotland, suppliers of tracked mobile crushers and screeners, and following this I joined Close Brothers Asset Finance. The experience gained in working for two equipment suppliers has given me a better understanding of the assets we can fund and an introduction to several of my current customers.

What’s your favourite part of the role?

I’ve found that the best part of my role is being able to get out and meet people face to face. Whether it's an existing or a new client, their business journey is often fascinating. At Close Brothers Asset Finance most of our business is completed face to face which is ideal for me, though being in Scotland it is important to keep boots and waterproofs in the car!

Can you give us an example of a time where asset finance has helped one of your customers?

I had a customer who had ordered two new tractor units which he would be using to fulfil a new contract that he had just undertaken. We were able to come up with a finance solution that worked for him and suited his cashflow, offering a deposit spread over six months and deferring the VAT allowing him to get his trucks on the road. Through the use of asset finance this customer was able to invest in and ultimately grow their business.

What assets have you found are the most ‘in demand’ at the moment?

I’ve found that executive chauffeur vehicles are in high demand at the moment. I suspect the likely reason for this is that people are more willing to travel and spend money on holidays with the effects of both the pandemic and Brexit reducing.

What do you think 2024 holds for your industry?

I hope that in 2024 we will see some stabilisation in the market and hopefully there will be a slight reduction in interest rates. This would in turn act as a catalyst for investment and ideally bring the more wary borrowers back to the market.