Meet Me – Growth Lending’s Business Development Executive Carl Baker
Our sport-loving business development executive on his favourite Kings Cross breakfast spot, spending time with his family and networking across London and the East
What do you do at Growth Lending?
As a Business Development Executive, I spend a lot of time talking about the Growth Lending brand, how we work and the services we provide. A lot of my role focuses on educating our advisor network about what alternative finance options there are for growing businesses and introducing the brand to people who may not have heard of us.
Where are you based?
I work out of our London office, but I cover the whole of London and the South East. I love working with businesses from my home county of Cambridgeshire – it has been great working closer to my roots after living in Sheffield and Leeds.
What is your favourite thing about the London office?
The fact that our office is based in Kings Cross! The location means we have access to so many great bars, restaurants and coffee shops right on our doorstep, without all the hustle and bustle of being in the City. If I have a meeting in London, I will always head to Caravan – it does an amazing breakfast!
What does a typical weekend look like for you?
The weekends are all about family for me. My wife and I always walk into town on a Saturday morning to get a coffee and then spend the rest of the day with our son, either at the zoo or the park. If I’m lucky I will sneak in a round of golf or get time to watch a football game too.
Why did you join Growth Lending?
Prior to Growth Lending I was working at Lloyds bank, managing a portfolio of mature businesses, so when the opportunity came up to work with growing, dynamic SMEs it felt very exciting. I love that I now have the ability to work in a business with a vibrant culture where every day is different to the last.
What are your best sporting memories?
- West Ham’s final game at Upton park
- Playing cricket with my university in Barbados
- My annual golf trip with school friends
What is the best thing about your role?
Getting out there and speaking to a lot of businesses. I love connecting with other people and understanding the wider network of funders. Even if Growth Lending is not the right fit, I will always try to refer a contact to another funder. It is all about helping entrepreneurial, growing businesses on their journey.
Who do you work with?
I work closely with the head of region for London and the East, Adam Brinn – it has been great to learn from his years of experience. Likewise it is interesting to work with my colleagues Julian Hornby and Tom Stewart who are both also based in London. I also enjoy working with our marketing team on initiatives to help broaden our collective networks.
Given £100m to spend or invest, what is the first thing you would do?
I would put money aside for me and my family to live a great life with lots of holidays. But I would also love to buy, run and grow a local football club. One is a sensible decision and one really is not!
