Our Expertise
There is no one better to talk to than people who have been there and done it themselves. Let us help guide you on your journey.
Think Of Us Like One Of Your Team
We have seen the world through your eyes. Whether it is starting a company or raising capital, we have experienced every milestone first-hand. Having bought and sold our own businesses, we can fully appreciate all the challenges you will face when seeking growth. We use this insight to support and nurture your ambitions, acting as an extension of your team and helping you to realise your full potential.
Highly
Experienced
Relationship
Focused
Prioritising
Your Goals
Progressive Thinking
FTC’s progressive thinking is powered by our ability to empathise and strategise with your business in a truly harmonious way. We approach SME funding deals from £200k up to £2,000,000 with energy and positivity, and it is this that makes us unique. We believe in our clients’ businesses, this is why we fund you, and we use this belief to instil and encourage your confidence at every step of your journey.
Ultimately, we pride ourselves in offering total visibility in our business and providing a truly ‘hands-on’ approach. Nothing is hidden in our practices, and we are always available, in person, to help you confront your challenges.
At FTC, we know how to think like you, in order to succeed for you.
Mel Hird
Founder and DirectorMel successfully carved a rare path in the professional services industry, transferring from advisory roles to become an entrepreneur. In the early part of her career, she spent 10 years in restructuring, working for Ernst & Young and Kroll. She also undertook a secondment to HSBC Bank, where she advised on funding and business strategy across a wide range of SME sectors with turnovers of up to £100m.
Driven by her desire to support SMEs further, she then co-founded several private investment funds that focussed on turnaround and growth capital. This venture involved providing the debt whilst also taking equity stakes and advising the management teams on their wider strategy.
In 2017, Fresh Thinking Capital was founded by Mel and her business partner Andrew. Together, they saw a need to provide SMEs/entrepreneurs with growth capital and advisory services using a tailored approach to each client, rather than a one-size-fits-all model. In turn, they wanted to empower business owners to make their own decisions without diluting equity.
You will find Mel at her happiest when she is sharing stories with business owners, helping them on their journeys and watching them grow. She has an infectious passion for business and takes real pride when a deal repays, knowing Fresh Thinking Capital has played a part in her client’s success.
Contact Mel via email at mel.hird@freshthinkinggroup.com, via mobile on 07917 888 880, or via landline on 03300 552 255.
Andrew Walls
Founder and DirectorAndrew has over 20 years of experience working in the finance industry including a variety of roles in corporate finance, restructuring, private equity, and industry whilst also spending a year on secondment to RBS working in the banks higher risk portfolio.
In 2012 he joined Seneca to work alongside Mel managing an equity fund focusing on turnaround and growth capital investments. Andrew worked closely with Management teams to develop and deliver a strategy to enable successful exit on each investment.
Andrew co-founded Fresh Thinking Capital in 2017, raising a debt fund that provided flexible funding solutions to support businesses and entrepreneurs in achieving their objectives.
Contact Andrew via email at andrew.walls@freshthinkinggroup.com, via mobile on 07720 714 448, or via landline on 03300 552 255.
Marie Nicholl
Risk DirectorWith a wealth of experience in commercial and corporate lending, Marie has spent the last five years supporting Mel and Andrew across their various business interests, in particular, Fresh Thinking Capital. Here, in her role as Risk and Operations Director, she has become an instrumental part of the business, supporting the company’s growth plans, helping with the development of the team and much more.
Prior to this role, Marie spent over 30 years working within the RBS Group, supporting and dealing with SMEs with turnovers of up to £100m. across both specialist and generalist sectors. In her final years within RBS, Marie became Lending Director for Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. This involved her coaching and supporting the region’s Relationship Director team, to enable them to structure and manage stakeholders with the delivery of more complex funding needs across asset purchase, growth finance, MBOs or cashflow funding.
Marie embraces a can-do attitude in lending, business and life in general. Not one to settle for the standard, Marie inspires her team to go above and beyond for their clients.
Contact Marie via email at marie.nicholl@freshthinkinggroup.com, via mobile on 07917 727 063, or via landline on 03300 552 255.
Get In Touch Today
Unlock the potential of your business with our lending solutions – enquire today!
- 0330 055 2255
- info@freshthinkingcapital.com
-
Park House,
Park Square West,
Leeds, LS1 2PW
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