Meet the Expert: Jess Gee, Area Sales Manager

Tell us about your role and what you do…

I have been with Close Brothers Asset Finance for nine years. I started as a Sales Coordinator in the Chester office, looking for new business opportunities and supporting existing customers. Three years later I moved into the business support team, where I spent the next four years supporting the sales teams with the pay-out of deals and general customer service support.

With the combined sales and service knowledge I had built up over the last seven years, I felt I was then ready to go out on the road. After two years of learning the ropes, I was appointed to Area Sales Manager. I am now out on the road visiting customers, dealers, and suppliers to see how I can help them grow. 

What was your journey to Close Brothers?

I had two previous customer service roles prior to joining Close Brothers Asset Finance in 2015. I worked for a company called Midas in Warrington who specialised in assisting their clients with legal requirements. Then, I worked for Carol Nash insurance in an interesting role providing insurance for vintage and collector cars. My brother worked for Close Brothers Asset Finance and I had seen the positive progress he had made within the business, I was keen to follow in his footsteps so I applied nine years ago. The rest as they say, is history!

What’s your favourite part of the role?

My favourite part of my job is helping people. Close Brothers Asset Finance as a company supports SME’s success and growth, and I am so proud that I can be a part of that and provide solutions for my customers.

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

I love spending time with my family and friends outside of work. When I am out with my friends, they say I can talk to anyone, I am a people person and I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I have recently become an aunty to my niece who was born in November last year and spend a lot of time with my sister who is currently 8 months pregnant and is due in May!

In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, I have a personal trainer once a week which complements my gym visits, I also enjoy swimming and go whenever I have the time.

When I’m not in work, I also love travelling around the world and seeing different places.

Give us an example of a deal structure that demonstrates how you can help a customer?

Most of my customers are SMEs who are interested in releasing cash from their business’ assets back into their bank. A good example of this, is a deal for £100,000 which I did this month. The business had a short-term cash flow issue caused by one of their customers, something totally out of their control. We were able to refinance several of their assets and provide valuable working capital within a period of four to five days.  

What are your top 2 predictions for your sector in the coming 12 months?

I think the market is hardening and therefore opportunities may be fewer in number. However, it is usually in more difficult trading conditions Close Brothers Asset Finance can demonstrate how we support our clients through the cycle. My second prediction would be, Close Brothers Asset Finance will continue to support our clients to thrive – I will be doing my utmost to make sure this happens!

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.