In conversation with Mike Parkinson, Reach Commercial Finance – we get to know more about Mike in and out of the office.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’ve had variety of jobs over the years ranging from apprentice cabinet maker to executive chauffeur. I started in sales 14 years ago in the oil sector, joined Reach 9 years ago and haven’t looked back since!
My role at Reach has evolved from telesales to assisting the business development team in ensuring we progress deals through the pipeline to completion. I’m also involved with marketing ideas. I love it when we come up with new idea and we never stand still. The Bury office is the engine room and even though we all have our own jobs to do, we all muck in together when needed. None more so than during lockdown.
What’s the first thing you do at the start of your working day?
I’m a bit of a structured robot really in some elements of my life and my day starts with the same routine every morning. Turn computer on, grab a bottle of water and a green tea… apart from Fridays when I have to do my Peter Kay (fire safety officer) bit and check the fire extinguishers, much to the amusement of my colleague Dan Booth who says “Morning Keith” every Friday. (I think it makes his day really!)
What’s the best thing about your job?
I’d have to say the best thing about working for Reach is the team. From day 1 we’ve always had a great group. In the 9 years I’ve been here we’ve laughed, there’s been tears on occasions but above all else we’re like a family. Especially Steve Dunwell, who is lights up our zooms every week!
Who is the most interesting client you’ve dealt with?
It was dealing with a new start company who had no idea about any aspects of commercial finance, and were very nervous. Through some early stage hand-holding, we managed to get them a deal together in under 2 weeks. They then came back to us every time they were even thinking about financing the business. Listening to a client’s needs and providing them with the right advice and funding option is key in this sector. It was great to see a company start from nothing and watch them flourish into a great business.
What do you do to escape the world of funding?
People who know me well know I spend my spare time in the gym. I am lucky enough to work on the same complex as my gym, so go every lunch time. I’ve got 2 children and we’ve also just got a new puppy, so he keeps us on our toes daily at the moment.
I’m a keen football fan and follow the mighty Man Utd. I played a lot when I was younger even playing for Rochdale Town for 2 years before retiring at the ripe old age of 33 with a dislocated cartilage in my knee. I do have to say though that my last touch before hitting the floor was to score a goal. What a way to go out! I even drove myself to the hospital. Proper old school, not like these softies these days wearing gloves in the summer!
Get in touch with Mike on 0800 993 0193 or book a call via Calendly.