FOLK2FOLK, the UK's leading Peer to Peer lending company, has announced Carlos Howard as its new Head of Business Development.
Carlos brings over 20 years of leadership experience in financial services, legal, and manufacturing sectors, with a focus on sales, customer care, operations, and strategic roles.
Carlos's career includes his recent role as Head of Client Care at Nalders Solicitors, where he improved client experience and drove business development. Prior to this, he served as Operations Director at a leading South West modular build manufacturer, driving significant growth that earned the company a spot in the top 10 of The Sunday Times FT100 Fastest Growing Private Companies. He also held several senior roles at GE Money, gaining experience of sales within a regulated mortgage framework, Regulated Financial Planning and Supervising in Regulated Financial Services. While there, Carlos was responsible for overseeing customer service and collections, servicing over 150,000 customers, with a focus on operational leadership and performance management.
"We are thrilled to welcome Carlos to FOLK2FOLK," said Roy Warren, Managing Director. "With his experience and customer-centric approach he aligns 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. His appointment reflects our commitment to expanding and deepening our relationships with brokers.”
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. Investors meanwhile enjoy the security of property-backed investment opportunities delivering attractive returns – currently from 8.75% per annum.
In July FOLK2FOLK reported it had passed the £700m lending milestone, cementing its position as the UK's leading Peer to Peer lending company.
In his new role, Carlos will lead all sales activities, with a particular focus on brokers and broker-originated deals. He will ensure a smooth, personalised lending process for business owners across regional UK, working closely with brokers to further FOLK2FOLK’s commitment to delivering fast, flexible loans.
“I’m excited to join FOLK2FOLK, an organisation with a strong purpose and a remarkable history,” said Carlos. “FOLK2FOLK’s impressive track record is a testament to its robust model and commitment to supporting regional businesses. I look forward to fostering strong relationships with our Broker Partners and ensuring small businesses thrive through our tailored financial solutions. Together, we will continue to make a meaningful impact on local economies, helping more businesses grow and succeed.”