Meet David Read
What's your name and role at Complete Commercial Finance?
David Read, consultant
How long have you worked in commercial finance?
Prior to joining Complete Commercial Finance, I spent 36 years at NatWest, specialising in commercial finance and working with a variety of business clients in Suffolk with a turnover of £50k to £30m.
What do you love most about the job?
Nothing beats working with a business owner and helping them to achieve their ambitions by understanding and accessing the right type of commercial finance for their circumstances.
What’s been your career highlight so far?
There’s no doubt that the last few years have been particularly challenging for businesses, and during the pandemic you could feel the delight and relief as you told a customer that their loan had been agreed. For many, it was the toughest time and they felt that everything they had worked so hard to build would be lost, so the gratitude they felt when they knew you had helped avert disaster was palpable. I’ll never forget how wonderful it felt to help my clients get through such a difficult time.
What’s your ambition?
Professionally I want to represent Complete Commercial Finance to the same high customer service standards that I have always held in my working life, and personally I am looking forward to evening up the work/life balance to spend more time with my family.
What’s a surprising fact about yourself?
Looking at my current figure, most people would not know that I was the second-fastest runner in Norfolk at the age of 12!
If you had one piece of advice for business owners, what would it be?
I always remember someone telling me that those who listen learn, while those who talk can only tell you what they already know – it’s a great piece of advice and a reminder to continue to acquire knowledge in life. My own belief and piece of advice for business owners is to look after people, whether it’s your staff, customers, suppliers, business contacts, peers or family. It’s all about relationships!
