Octa Finance launches in Southampton

A new independent finance provider, Octa Finance, has launched in Southampton to help businesses across England access tailored funding solutions. Co-founded by Sean Taylor and Steve Hynde, Octa Finance aims to provide flexible, customer-focused financial support, including asset finance, business loans, invoice finance, and supplier finance.

Left-to-Right: Adrian Monger, Ben Davies, Steve Hynde, Hannah Downing, Sean Taylor, Stu Mason

Octa Finance is built on decades of industry expertise. Both Sean and Steve bring extensive experience in business finance, having worked together at an asset finance subsidiary of Rothschild & Co before pursuing separate career paths—Sean in finance and Steve in the security sector. Now, they’ve reunited to launch Octa, bringing independent, relationship-driven finance solutions to businesses across the South Coast and beyond.

Sean Taylor, co-founder of Octa Finance, commented: “Launching Octa Finance is a huge milestone for us.

“Having grown up in Southampton and worked in finance for many years, I know first-hand how important access to the right funding is for businesses in this region. Octa is here to bridge that gap, helping companies get the financial support they need to grow and thrive. With our expertise and personal approach, we’re ready to make a real impact.”

While Octa Finance operates as an independent firm, it has the strategic backing of Hexa Finance, a well-established business finance provider. Sean previously led Hard Asset Finance at Hexa, where he worked alongside Hexa co-founder Stu Mason, his lifelong friend and former colleague. Their close connection and shared industry expertise make this partnership a natural fit, with Hexa supporting Octa’s launch while maintaining its core focus on Welsh SMEs.

Stu Mason, co-founder of Hexa Finance, said: “I’ve known Sean my whole life and worked with both him and Steve for years, so I have no doubt that Octa will be a huge success.

“Their industry knowledge, experience, and customer-first approach make them the perfect team to bring Octa to market. This launch is great news for businesses in Southampton and across England, giving them a new finance partner they can trust.”

Octa Finance has also welcomed Hannah Downing, an experienced asset finance specialist, to help support business growth and customer needs.