Meet the Expert: Gavin Martin, Area Sales Manager

Briefly tell us about your role and what you do…

I am an Area Sales Manager for the Transport division; I am based in Exeter with my ‘patch’ covering the whole of the South-West. My role is to provide tailor-made funding options to businesses looking to purchase vehicles. We can fund pretty much anything with wheels, including cars, vans and trucks, we can also offer funding for garage equipment and other transport related assets. A common form of finance we can offer is refinance, this involves releasing capital for businesses to reinvest using unencumbered assets.

My role sees me travelling the South-West meeting face to face with customers to better understand their ambitions and how we can help give them access to the assets they need. Being able to meet people in person helps me to better understand the needs of their business and how Close Brothers Asset Finance can help find a solution that fits both now and in the future. 

What was your journey to Close Brothers Asset Finance?

The majority of my career has been spent in the transport industry. I have spent a lot of time in vehicle sales, starting with cars before moving into commercial vehicles, predominantly working with business and fleet customers. I also enjoyed stints working in vehicle rentals and the travel industry. Towards the end of the pandemic, the opportunity to join Close Brothers Asset Finance presented itself.

Knowing the company and its history of expertise and great service, it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss.

What’s your favourite part of the role?

It may sound cliché, but I really enjoy helping my customers. I love working with them to help them realise their businesses potential as well as watching their companies grow through the purchase of assets they didn’t think they could afford. It’s particularly great when we get a repeat customer, as it must mean they are happy with our service.

Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?

I have 3 small children who keep me pretty busy! I also like to travel as much as possible. When I’m not travelling or parenting, I unwind by cycling or hiking, I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

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

I have had several customers who were newly limited companies, these businesses had had contracts awarded to them but were unable to access the funding for the assets they needed to fulfil them, due to their limited trading history.

We worked closely with all these businesses to understand their goals and potential outcomes once they have access to the right assets. Once we have done this, our underwriting team and I are able to tailor the finance solution to suit the customer.

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

I have found that vans are very consistently in demand, especially with me coming from a van sales background and remaining in touch with a number of people in the industry. The technology and conversions available on commercial vehicles are better than ever and I have found that I can source vehicles for virtually any application to suit the customers’ needs.

What do you think 2024 holds for the Transport industry?

I think 2024 will be busier than previous years for the transport industry. We have the supply of vehicles returning to pre-pandemic levels and many businesses are thriving, meaning both access to assets and demand are both very high!

Products and services are subject to eligibility, status, terms and conditions and availability. All lending is subject to status and our lending criteria. The right to decline any application is reserved.