Our Story
Tailored-made finance that works hard for your business
Over the years countless businesses came to us after being provided with finance that didn’t align with their business model or long-term plans. Instead of enabling growth and development, the financial arrangements often cost more in the long run, hindered expansion or even resulted in missed opportunities.
We founded Copper Swan to support our clients with tailor-made options that work hard for them, now and in the future. Right from the start we decided to take a different approach. By taking time to understand each business and asking the right questions, we’re able to structure finance solutions that enable growth and development, empower future plans and bring stability.
Proud to do things differently
Think of us as part of your team
We understand that when it comes down to it, most business owners don’t relish the thought of navigating commercial finance. The process of sourcing and securing the best options can be incredibly complex, time-consuming, and stressful to navigate.
This is why we’re on a mission to take all that stress off your plate and make your journey from enquiry to transaction a smooth one. We take pride in building genuine long-term relationships with both our clients and our trusted panel of lenders. We are humbled by the fact that many of our clients consider us an extension of their own team.
Our Values
Honesty, integrity, and excellence
We hold honesty, integrity and excellence as the cornerstone of our culture, here at Copper Swan. These values guide every aspect of our operations.
We conduct our business with the utmost transparency, ensuring that our clients receive honest, well-informed support always.
Our dedicated team always strive to exceed expectations and deliver superior results for our clients. You can rest assured you are in good hands and that we always have your best interests at heart.
Meet our team
Ben Lavin
Director
Director, Ben Lavin, founded Copper Swan in 2018 following a decade in Commerical Finance and Banking.
Ben specialises in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial finance. Well-respected in his sector, Ben is known for delivering excellent client service and results. He is genuinely passionate about helping businesses succeed and unlocking opportunities for growth.
Outside of work, Ben is a devoted family man and a keen sports enthusiast, with a love of football and motorsports.
Mark Jones
Director
Director, Mark Jones, brings over three decades of experience in Commercial Finance. Having worked as a Business Manager within two of the UK’s major banks, Mark offers a wealth of knowledge and insight, particularly in the Healthcare, Finance and Law sectors. He understands the complexities of growing a successful business and recognises the pivotal role that tailored financial solutions can play in driving strategic growth, fostering development and ensuring stability.
As a keen motorsport enthusiast, Mark is actively involved in running a competitive race car within the CSCC Tin Tops series. He also enjoys travelling, particularly to F1 circuits around the world!
Helena Bowes
Client Manager
Helena is the Client Manager at Copper Swan, responsible for liaising with clients and lenders to deliver a seamless lending experience. With over 30 years of experience in Customer Service for Finance and Banking, she is meticulously organised, client-focussed and thrives in a busy environment.
Outside of work, Helena enjoys music, socialising with friends, and DIY projects. As a keen gardener, she takes every opportunity to be outdoors and also volunteers at Long Eaton Community Garden.
Claire Gregory
Client Manager
Claire is a Client Manager at Copper Swan, experienced at listening to clients’ needs and working with lenders and clients to find tailored business funding solutions.
Claire has over 35 years’ of experience in Commercial Finance. Her extensive knowledge, strong interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure towards a deadline with exemplary attention to detail enables Claire to provide end-to-end relationship-driven support to clients.
Away from work, Claire enjoys walking, exploring new places and fitness. Relaxation for Claire is reading, cooking and spending time outdoors.
Ali Wright
Non-Executive Director
A grounded and experienced entrepreneur, Ali built a leading national staircase manufacturing and property business from the ground up, guiding it through two decades of sustained growth and industry recognition. He’s proud to join Copper Swan as Non-Executive Director, supporting the team in their mission to become the most respected boutique brokerage in the East Midlands.
Ali is passionate about helping SMEs grow with purpose while staying true to their original vision. He understands the value of building teams where complementary strengths lead to shared success and lasting impact. With more than three decades of hands-on business experience, he brings a strategic mindset, a thoughtful approach to connecting the dots, and a track record of driving long-term improvement and sustainable growth.
Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with family and friends, jumping around in fields to live music, and consistently playing inconsistent golf
Get in touch
Ready to explore bespoke finance solutions for your next project? Please connect with our team today.
GAME CHANGING
“Before working with them we had a solid business plan, good profits and proof that we could grow but we were limited by the lack of funding from high-street lenders.
Copper Swan came highly recommended to us. They took time to understand our business structure and long-term plans. Then they presented a range of new funding options to us that we didn’t even know existed.
Working with the team at Copper Swan has been game-changing for us as a company. We obtained 3 loans in total which has resulted in an expansion from a team of 3 to a team of nearly 30, in only 4 years – pushing our business forward by at least 10 years!”
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