New senior hires at WeDo to support expansion strategy

The WeDo Business Services group has made two key hires to support its expansion strategy.

Sam Wilson has joined as chief commercial officer, taking responsibility for the group’s sales functions with a focus on securing new business and maintaining and growing relationships with key partners.

Eileene Hardy has been appointed as business development manager to support the sales team as WeDo looks to expand into new sectors.

Both are new national roles for the group. Sam and Eileene are based at WeDo’s head office in Oldham.

They have more than 45 years’ combined experience in the banking industry and the commercial finance sector, including invoice finance and asset-based lending.

Both have joined from 4Syte, where Sam was regional managing director and Eileene was business development manager.

The WeDo group provides invoice and trade finance, asset finance, loans and start-up funding, as well as accountancy, HR, back-office and IT services.

Joint chief executives Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson founded WeDo in 2019 with just four staff, and the business has grown through organic expansion and acquisition.

It currently has over 70 staff based in Oldham and its network of offices.

Its overall lending now exceeds £50m, and it aims to reach £100m within the next three years.

The group’s current nationwide client base spans sectors including recruitment, engineering, manufacturing, logistics and wholesale distribution.

WeDo recently secured £50m in funding from alternative investment manager Waterfall Asset Management to significantly expand its support of SMEs across the UK.

In the past year, WeDo has launched its asset finance and loans divisions and has welcomed James Broadhead, a former chief executive of Close Brothers Motor Finance, as its new chairman.

The group was also named in the 2024 Sunday Times Best Places to Work list.

Mark said: “Sam and Eileene have enjoyed long and successful careers in the finance sector and have excellent reputations, and they will play pivotal roles in helping us to achieve our goals.

“Following the investment from Waterfall Asset Management earlier this year and the springboard for accelerated growth which it has provided, it’s an extremely exciting time for the group.

“Our trajectory means we are always looking to bring in great people to support the expansion of the business and our excellent customer service standards.

"Our approach is to grow in a responsible and professional manner, and these qualities are exemplified by Sam and Eileene.

“Sam’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable to the team, and her leadership qualities will help to drive the business forward and develop the team in her charge.

“Eileene’s expertise in banking and invoice finance and managing relationships with SMEs, alongside her financial analytical and lending skills, will enhance our business development team in targeting clients across a wider spectrum of sectors.”

Mark added that further recruitment is planned by the group in the coming months as it continues to grow.

Sam said: “This is an ideal time to join WeDo, as the company is growing in staff and client numbers.

"It has a solid product offering which fits perfectly with my experience, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the group’s journey.”

Eileene said: “I’m really excited to join the team at WeDo.

"I hope to further enhance its invoice finance offering and support the existing business development team as we look to the future.”

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