WeDo expands leadership team with two senior hires

WeDo Business Services has announced the appointment of two senior executives as part of its expansion strategy. Sam Wilson has joined the company as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), while Eileene Hardy has been appointed as Business Development Manager. Both roles are national in scope and are integral to WeDo’s plans to extend its reach across new sectors.

Sam Wilson will spearhead the group’s sales functions, focusing on securing new business and nurturing relationships with key partners. Eileene Hardy will support the sales team as WeDo aims to diversify its service offerings into emerging sectors. Both hires bring over 45 years of combined experience in the banking industry and commercial finance sector, including extensive expertise in invoice finance and asset-based lending.

Wilson and Hardy join WeDo from 4Syte, where Sam held the position of Regional Managing Director and Eileene served as Business Development Manager.

WeDo, which was founded in 2019 by joint chief executives Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson, has experienced rapid growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Starting with just four staff members, the business now employs over 70 people across its network of offices, with the head office located in Oldham. The company’s services include invoice and trade finance, asset finance, loans, and start-up funding, as well as a range of business support services like accountancy, HR, back-office, and IT support.

The group’s growth trajectory is underscored by its recent securing of £50 million in funding from alternative investment manager Waterfall Asset Management. This capital infusion is expected to significantly bolster WeDo’s ability to support SMEs across the UK, with the group’s overall lending now exceeding £50 million. The company aims to double this figure to £100 million within the next three years.

Mark Lindsay, joint CEO of WeDo, expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointments: “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.”

The addition of Wilson and Hardy is part of a broader recruitment drive, with further hires expected in the coming months as WeDo continues to scale its operations.

WeDo’s recent achievements also include the launch of its asset finance and loans divisions, and the appointment of James Broadhead, 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, further solidifying its reputation as a leading player in the UK business services sector.