Empowering change: a conversation with Katie and Sarah Davis-Milnes of Skylark Asset Finance

In a world where the finance industry has long been male-dominated, Katie and Sarah Davis-Milnes are breaking the mould. As the co-founders and directors of Skylark Asset Finance, an independent commercial finance brokerage launched in January 2025, they embody the changing face of finance leadership. In an exclusive interview, the couple shared their inspiring journey, their experiences as female leaders, and their vision for the future of Skylark.

Journey to Skylark

The path to establishing Skylark Asset Finance for Katie and Sarah wasn’t a straightforward one. Sarah’s foray into finance began unexpectedly through telesales, gradually evolving into account management and business development over the years. Similarly, Katie’s journey in the sector also started in a telesales role, with both of them working their way up to become Business Development Managers. “We both love the diverse, fast paced nature of the job, helping businesses make their dreams a reality. Each day brings its own challenges and rewards.”

Their common ground in the asset finance market flourished during their years as colleagues, blossoming into a partnership that transcended the workplace.

After navigating two challenging rounds of IVF treatment that happily resulted in the birth of their son last March, their priorities shifted dramatically. Recognising the need for a more flexible work-life balance, they decided to take a leap of faith and establish their own business. “We thought, why not? Why can’t we have it all?” Katie recalled, reflecting on the challenges of balancing family life with their aspirations.

Both women are motivated by their desire to redefine what it means to have a career while nurturing a family. As a same-sex couple, they aim to make an impact in the finance world, particularly in the North East of England, where Katie and Sarah actively engage in networking events and collaborate with local business services.

Unique perspectives as female leaders

Katie and Sarah believe their identities as women and mothers offer them a unique advantage in building relationships with clients. Their “soft approach” often serves to foster trust and collaboration. When they eventually expand their team, they plan to create a supportive environment that understands the challenges faced by working parents.

Sarah shared her experience of gender biases, recalling instances when her role as a business development manager was underestimated. Yet, both women emphasise resilience – overcoming biases and stereotypes to forge their own paths.

Challenges within a male-dominated industry

Navigating the traditionally male-dominated finance sector hasn’t been without challenges for Sarah and Katie. While they acknowledge that more women are entering the industry, the presence of female leadership in senior positions remains scant.

COVID-19 contributed to some change in workplace dynamics, promoting flexible work environments that also empower women. In their professional journey, both women have encountered biases, such as assumptions about their roles based on their gender. However, they have navigated these challenges with resilience and are determined to reshape the industry landscape.

A vision for inclusivity and support

At Skylark Asset Finance, fostering an inclusive culture is one of their core values. As they plan to expand in the future, they envision creating a nurturing environment where every employee feels valued and understood. Their goal is to ensure that no one has to choose between family and career.

Sarah and Katie are proud to represent not only female business owners but also the LGBTQ+ community, recognising the under-representation across professional services industries. Having experienced firsthand the challenge of repeatedly coming out and the initial hesitation to correct assumptions about having a husband rather than a wife, they hope to inspire others to feel confident in themselves, speak out, and help drive greater visibility and inclusivity in the industry.

Looking ahead: aspirations for Skylark

The duo is ambitious. Within the next five years, they aim not only to grow Skylark Asset Finance’s team but also to create a thriving office space. Initiatives such as hiring an administrative assistant with flexible hours and bringing on telesales support show their commitment to balanced work-life integration.

They stress that their business was built with transparency and trust as guiding principles in light of the October 2024 Court of Appeal ruling on motor finance commission, allowing them to enter the market with a fresh perspective. “We can start with open eyes to the ruling, giving our customers total transparency from day one,” Sarah stated, optimistic about the opportunities ahead.

Advice for aspiring women in finance

For women considering a career in asset finance, Katie provides encouraging words: “You can have it all. You can navigate both a family and a career. You don’t have to choose.”

Conclusion

Katie and Sarah Davis-Milnes demonstrate the power of vision, resilience, and collaboration in the asset finance industry. Their journey with Skylark Asset Finance is not just about business; it represents a broader movement toward inclusivity, diversity, and the opportunity to redefine success in a traditionally male-dominated field. Through their leadership, they inspire others to challenge norms and to believe that they too can carve out their path in finance.

As Skylark Asset Finance continues to take flight, the legacy of Katie and Sarah’s journey will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of women in finance.