Steve Dunwell manages Reach Commercial Finance in the East Midlands region, with a breadth of experience in finance that spans 36 years. Having worked in banking, invoice finance and finance broking since December 2005, Steve has developed a reputation for helping directors and business owners solve problems and source finance. From a window cleaner with a turnover of £20k per annum to a multi international Group turning over £50m, Steve understands his clients and that one size certainly does not fit all.
We asked Steve a few questions to get to know him a bit better.
Tell us about your approach with clients
I believe in good honest advice that is not ‘fee’ led and will always respect my clients. Operating a business is never easy, owners don’t get an automatic salary at the end of every month so making decisions on the right and appropriate information is vital. Every situation is unique and I treat it as such, but I’m never afraid to admit if I either don’t know the answer straight away or need help in understanding a problem, a man who thinks he knows everything is a fool!
What does life look like outside of the office?
I’m a family man with 3 children aged between 14-19, which keeps me on my toes! I’m also a masochistic football fan who has been with Sheffield Wednesday for 50 years. The first game I attended was in 1970, SWFC 1 Chelsea 1 first leg of the league cup, first round match, and I’ve been through thick and thin (mostly thin) ever since.
Another love is pop music and I once auditioned as a trombone player, for Dexys Midnight Runners, just as the dungaree wearing ‘come on Eileen’ phase started (joined the Banking world soon after which indicates how the audition went!).
Who is the most interesting client you’ve dealt with?
My favourite client was a director of a construction firm who told me he kicks himself every day when he gets out of bed, because back in 1986 British Rail owed him £15k (not a small figure in those days) and they suggested he take some land they were going to sell instead of taking the cash. He decided cash was King and became the man who turned down the Meadowhall Shopping Centre site for £15k ( he could still smile about it though).
Get in touch with Steve on steve@reachcf.co.uk or 07738 182 718.