Paul Bennett
Leicestershire
Summary
Professional with extensive experience in SME relationship management and financial analysis, specializing in business lending and funding solutions. Achievements include supporting high-growth companies through strategic guidance and comprehensive risk assessment. Expertise in fostering partnerships and enhancing client growth with tailored business support. Committed to maintaining ethical standards while driving competitive advantages for clients and teams.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Innovation & Growth Specialist
East Midlands Chamber of Commerce
, Leicestershire
2020.03 - 2026.03
- Managed portfolio of 30 SMEs in advanced manufacturing and innovation sectors turnover up to 12 million
- Provided support for funding and finance innovation strategy.
- Conducted due diligence on financial risks for funding projects assessing viability and risks with business owners.
- Built relationships with research technology organisations and universities in East Midlands to support client growth.
- Utilised business tools such as business model canvas, growth mappers, and financial modelling to assess strategies and risks.
- Developed collaborations with manufacturing technology centre to provide expertise and secure funding for client innovation.
- Researched market for grant and funding opportunities, offering guidance with success in obtaining £1.5 million in grant funding.
- Promoted Innovate UK at various events and shared insights gained through experience.
Growth Hub Advisor
East Midlands Chamber of Commerce
2020.03 - 2023.08
- Managed portfolio of 60 SME businesses and supported triage of over 500 inbound leads with excellent communication to ensure appropriate support provided.
- Assisted in writing and reviewing grant and growth funding applications and presented to funding panels in professional manner.
- Collaborated with local authorities, universities, British Business Bank, and local enterprise partnerships to promote business growth.
- Self driven own performance management and generated regular reports, consistently achieving targets and educating team
- Trained and mentored new business advisers to enhance capability and quality of SME support.
- Ensured adherence to regulatory requirements and understanding legal documents and terms.
Finance Associate
BlueSky Corporate Finance Ltd
2019.01 - 2020.02
- Assisted in preparation of financial due diligence reports for local enterprise partnership funding decisions up to £3 million pounds
- Contributed towards development of financial models and forecasts for SME funding applications across debt, equity, mezzanine, & peer-to-peer finance.
- Supported businesses in becoming investment-ready by enhancing governance, financial controls, and strategic planning.
Technology Business Advisor
Coventry University Enterprises Ltd (CUE)
2017.01 - 2018.12
- Assisted 96 innovative businesses annually.
- Managed portfolio of 60 technology-led SMEs.
- Conducted own workshops on lean canvas, cashflow management, and growth planning with positive client feedback.
- Aided with R&D funding applications and Innovate UK applications.
- Supported proof of concept projects focused on commercialisation and IP.
Finance Consultant
Express Tooling Limited, Leicester
Leicester
2016.01 - 2017.01
- Developed improved income and expenditure reporting, strengthening financial visibility and control.
- Consolidated business debt to improve cashflow and financial resilience.
- Implemented customer and supplier engagement strategies, contributing to increased sales across new product lines.
- Led cross-functional team meetings, ensuring alignment with financial objectives.
Business Manager (Consultant)
Barclays Bank PLC
2007.09 - 2015.12
- Relationship managed 100 high-growth SME businesses, predominantly within manufacturing, with turnovers between £500k–£5m.
- Grew portfolio consistently above target, achieving:
- 59% growth in debtor balances
- 74% growth in credit balances
- 10% growth in international business
- Structured and presented commercial lending proposals, achieving 97% approval rate.
- Delivered lending clinics for brokers and accountants, improving understanding of policy and credit criteria.
- Applied detailed financial and strategic analysis (EBITDA, ratios, SWOT, PESTLE, benchmarking) to assess affordability, risk, and sustainability.
Education
BA (Hons) - Business Administration
De Montfort University
LeicesterSkills
- SME Relationship Management & Portfolio Growth
- Credit Risk Assessment & Due Diligence
- Financial Analysis (Cashflow, EBITDA, Ratios)
- Blended Grant, Debt & Equity Funding Solutions
- Manufacturing & High Growth SME Sectors
- Stakeholder & Ecosystem Partnership Working and influencer
- Regulatory & Policy Understanding
- Performance Management & Reporting
Certification
- Level 7 Diploma in Professional Business & Enterprise Support Services (2023)
- Barclays Professional Lending Courses and EMC professional finance & investor modules
- Barclays Risk Instant Recognition Award
- Qualified in Intellectual Property (CUE Ltd)
- Carbon Literacy Certification
- Barclays Prestigious Award for Performance & Project Management Excellence
- Completed 3 Peaks Challenge within 24 hours for charity
Timeline
Innovation & Growth Specialist
East Midlands Chamber of Commerce
2020.03 - 2026.03
Growth Hub Advisor
East Midlands Chamber of Commerce
2020.03 - 2023.08
Finance Associate
BlueSky Corporate Finance Ltd
2019.01 - 2020.02
Technology Business Advisor
Coventry University Enterprises Ltd (CUE)
2017.01 - 2018.12
Finance Consultant
Express Tooling Limited, Leicester
2016.01 - 2017.01
Business Manager (Consultant)
Barclays Bank PLC
2007.09 - 2015.12
BA (Hons) - Business Administration
De Montfort University