FOLK2FOLK, the UK’s leading peer-to-peer lending company, has announced the appointment of Carlos Howard as its new Head of Business Development. With over 20 years of leadership experience in financial services, legal, and manufacturing sectors, Howard brings a wealth of expertise to the role. His appointment is expected to drive the company’s growth and deepen its relationships with brokers, enabling more small businesses across the UK to access the funding they need to thrive.
Carlos Howard’s career spans various industries, showcasing his versatility and leadership skills. Before joining FOLK2FOLK, Howard served as Head of Client Care at Nalders Solicitors, where he significantly improved client experience and drove business development. His strategic approach and customer-centric mindset were instrumental in enhancing the firm’s operations and client satisfaction.
Prior to his role at Nalders Solicitors, Howard was the Operations Director at a leading South West modular build manufacturer. During his tenure, he drove significant growth, earning the company a spot in the top 10 of The Sunday Times FT100 Fastest Growing Private Companies. His experience in managing operations and driving performance in a regulated environment will be invaluable to FOLK2FOLK as it continues to expand its market presence.
Howard also held several senior roles at GE Money, where he gained extensive experience in sales within a regulated mortgage framework, regulated financial planning, and supervising in regulated financial services. His responsibilities included overseeing customer service and collections, servicing over 150,000 customers, and focusing on operational leadership and performance management.
Strategic Vision for FOLK2FOLK
In his new role, Carlos Howard will lead all sales activities at FOLK2FOLK, with a particular focus on broker-originated deals. He will work closely with brokers to ensure a smooth, personalized lending process for business owners across the UK. Howard’s appointment reflects FOLK2FOLK’s commitment to expanding and deepening its relationships with brokers, which is crucial for driving growth and enabling small businesses to access the funding they need to grow, develop, or diversify.
FOLK2FOLK’s Managing Director, Roy Warren, expressed his enthusiasm for Howard’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Carlos to FOLK2FOLK. With his experience and customer-centric approach, he aligns perfectly with our culture and existing senior management team. We are confident that Carlos’s experience will be pivotal in driving broker-originated deals and enabling small businesses across the UK to access the funding they need to grow, develop, or diversify.”
Howard himself is excited about joining FOLK2FOLK, an organization with a strong purpose and a remarkable history. He looks forward to fostering strong relationships with Broker Partners and ensuring that small businesses thrive through tailored financial solutions. His strategic vision and leadership will be key to FOLK2FOLK’s continued success and growth.
FOLK2FOLK’s Impact on Small Businesses
Since its launch in 2013, FOLK2FOLK has connected hundreds of local businesses with investors, providing loans from £100,000 to help SMEs start, grow, and diversify in every region of the UK. The company has built a robust model that supports regional businesses and contributes to local economies. In July, FOLK2FOLK reported it had passed the £700 million lending milestone, cementing its position as the UK’s leading peer-to-peer lending company.
FOLK2FOLK’s innovative approach to lending offers investors the security of property-backed investment opportunities, delivering attractive returns currently from 8.75% per annum. This model not only benefits investors but also provides crucial funding to small businesses that may struggle to secure loans from traditional banks. By facilitating access to finance, FOLK2FOLK plays a vital role in supporting the growth and development of small businesses across the UK.
Carlos Howard’s appointment as Head of Business Development is expected to further enhance FOLK2FOLK’s impact on small businesses. His experience and strategic vision will drive the company’s growth, enabling it to support even more businesses in achieving their goals. As FOLK2FOLK continues to expand its reach and deepen its relationships with brokers, it will remain a key player in the UK’s alternative finance market.
