Life at Close Brothers
Hear from some of our employees about their experiences of working at Close Brothers
1. What do you do at Close Brothers?
I am the Head of Propositions at Close Brothers Savings which means I look after our Marketing, Digital and Customer Experience functions.
2. How long have you been at Close Brothers?
Four years in November.
3. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Close Brothers?
Without a doubt it’s the people. There are no ‘bad eggs’ here, everyone goes out of their way to support each other and work collaboratively.
4. What word would you use to describe the culture at Close Brothers, and why?
Customer-centric. The customer is always at the heart of what we do.
5. What would you like to share about your personal experience of working for Close Brothers?
I was incredibly fortunate to have been a member of the 2022 cohort of the Bank’s ‘Developing our People’ ("DOP") Programme. DOP is a personal and professional development programme aimed at advancing the management competencies and soft skills required for the future. It was a great opportunity and I learnt so many valuable skills. I particularly enjoyed meeting new people and building my network across the Bank.
6. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself i.e. something outside of work or a proud achievement?
When I was younger, I was a brown belt in Shotokan Karate. Looking back, I’m devastated that I quit before I achieved my black belt, so now (some 20 years later) I have restarted training and have vowed to stick with it until I get my black belt this time!
1. What do you do at Close Brothers?
I am the Business Intelligence and Data Manager for the Close Brothers Motor Finance business. Together, with my team, we help the business make informed decisions using data. Data drives most critical activities, including managing business performance, evaluating risk, engaging with customers, fine-tuning operational processes, meeting regulatory requirements and innovating with products and services.
2. How long have you been at Close Brothers?
I have worked at Close Brothers for five and a half years.
3. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Close Brothers?
Our culture.
4. What word would you use to describe the culture at Close Brothers, and why?
Caring – caring for its people, caring for its customers, caring for its partners.
5. What are you most looking forward to/excited about working for Close Brothers in 2022?
Continuing to enhance our range of data products and looking across the two Retail businesses for synergies and opportunities to optimise the way we drive value using data.
6. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself i.e. something outside of work or a proud achievement?
I obtained my first GCSE (in the Urdu language) at the age of 11. I was the youngest in the country at the time and may still be!
1. What do you do at Winterflood?
I am the Head of Compliance - Wholesale Markets
2. How long have you been at Winterflood?
I’ve worked at Winterflood for 4.5 years and prior to that I worked in the Internal Audit team at Close Brothers Group for 2 years.
3. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Winterflood?
The People. Everyone is working towards the same goal. There is a lot of transparency and there is very little bureaucracy and politics. People just want to get stuff done in the best way for both our customers and the Company. The size of Winterflood (300 employees) means it is still small enough so you are able to get to know most people relatively quickly.
4. How would you describe the culture at Winterflood, and why?
Transparent, collaborative and meritocratic. Simply, people want to do a good job whether that be the graduate analysts through to Phil at CEO level. People work together to get the job done and there is very little in terms of hierarchy. For example, in the early days of the pandemic, Alex Kerry, one of the Company Directors, was helping with scanning in contract notes.
5. What are you most looking forward to/excited about working for Winterflood in 2022?
Getting into a regular working pattern in the office where we can collaborate and see people face-to-face again.
6. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself i.e. something outside of work or a proud achievement?
My two children, Grace and Daisy keep me fairly busy and well grounded. I can run a sub 1:30 half marathon, own a Hungarian Vizsla called Peggy and am Chair of the Board of Trustees for a charity called ADD-vance, which helps families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pre and post diagnosis).
1. What do you do at Close Brothers?
Learning & Development Advisor.
2. How long have you been at Close Brothers?
A year and a half.
3. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Close Brothers?
It’s a fantastic and welcoming place to work, the people here are superb.
4. What word would you use to describe the culture at Close Brothers, and why?
Collaborative – everyone works together to achieve the best possible outcomes for both clients and stakeholders.
5. What would you like to share about your personal experience of working for Close Brothers?
I enjoyed making the most of our volunteering support schemes. This year I used my volunteering day for a charity called Camp Simcha which is a charity that helps ill children and supports their families. I’ve also just had a baby boy so am looking forward to making use of the generous shared parental leave policy.
6. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself i.e. something outside of work or a proud achievement?
Outside of work, in the evenings and weekends, I volunteer as a medic for a private ambulance service called Hatzola.
1. What do you do at Close Brothers?
I am a Retail Business Manager, working across Premium Finance and Motor Finance (Retail) in our London locations as part of the Business Management function.
2. How long have you been at Close Brothers?
Over 5 years.
3. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Close Brothers?
For me, the best things about working at Close Brothers are the people as I’ve been able to meet and work with so many different people in my time who I’ve learnt so much from, plus the opportunities to develop my career and understanding of different products through internal moves.
4. What word would you use to describe the culture at Close Brothers, and why?
I would describe the Close Brothers culture as ‘collaborative’, as people are always willing to help come up with ideas or help you resolve challenges, there’s really no such thing as a silly question or idea here.
5. What are you most looking forward to/excited about working for Close Brothers in 2022?
In 2022, I’m most excited about the developments being made to our proposition to further support our customers and partners’ needs.
6. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself?
In my free time I support my community and help maintain the village as a great place to live, work and visit, as a local Parish Councillor.
1. What do you do at Close Brothers?
I am the Sales Manager for Close Brothers Motor Finance Northwest region and look after a team of 5 Account Mangers who are field based.
2. How long have you been at Close Brothers?
I have worked for Close for 6 and half years.
3. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Close Brothers?
The opportunity to further your career through our career pathways. I joined Close Brothers as an Account Manager and was promoted to Sales Manager back in August 2020. This was a job I felt I could never do being a working mum but with the support of a strong leadership team I was able to achieve this.
4. What word would you use to describe the culture at Close Brothers, and why?
I was privileged to be invited to help form our ‘Women in Motor’ forum back in 2018. This was to support and attract more diversity into our business along with becoming part of the Automotive 30% club. The success we have had from this has been incredible. We are about to set our strategy for 2022 continue to drive diversity across our business.
5. What are you most looking forward to/excited about working for Close Brothers in 2022?
We have recently partnered with Auto Trader to launch our forecourt insight tool which will bring added value to our dealer partners in helping them to sell more cars and will help strengthen our proposition of a consultative approach.
6. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself?
My proudest achievement is my son Joshua who was diagnosed with Autism at 5 years old. He is now 19 and is the kindest, most caring young man you could wish to meet. He attends college and is currently doing work experience at Manchester University along with working in the evening at our local Co-op. It is difficult for any parents raising children whilst trying to further their career but, thanks to the support of my husband and my parents, I have been able to do both.
1. What do you do at Close Brothers?
Almost two years following the ASPIRE school leaver programme, I joined the Close Brothers Invoice Finance division in business development to help assist in large corporate transactions in the ABL sector.
2. How long have you been at Close Brothers?
My journey with Close Brothers began in 2019 when I joined as an ASPIRE student on a two-year rotational programme. Whilst on the programme, I rotated around two different business areas acquiring valuable transferable skills throughout the various divisions. Joining Close Brothers as a school leaver, I was full of enthusiasm and determination, eager to kick-start my career. The support and guidance provided by the team at Close Brothers was invaluable to me as a young individual, navigating my professional journey.
3. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Close Brothers?
For me, it’s not just the exposure to different departments, or even the fantastic culture that makes working for Close Brothers such an incredible opportunity, but also the chance to work in a highly recognised FTSE 250 business with limitless career prospects. Every day I am faced with new and exciting challenges that contribute to my continuous learning and skill expansion, whilst being surrounded by such supportive colleagues. What truly sets Close Brothers apart is the presence of colleagues who not only embody the exceptional Close Brothers culture but also provide unwavering support creating an encouraging environment for professional growth.
4. What word would you use to describe the culture at Close Brothers, and why?
The word that springs to mind is collegial. Simply due to the people, culture and personal development training provided, I am now far more confident than at the outset of my career. Entering the corporate world after completing formal education can be an overwhelming experience, especially considering the shift in pace and the significant responsibilities handed over from day one. Nevertheless, I can confidently say that the people and the relationships fostered here are one of the main things that stand out for me. I would also go as far to say that the nurturing family-like atmosphere has played a pivotal role in my career progression to date. I have always felt comfortable to take the lead on projects yet curious enough to learn and grow, a combination I highly appreciate in a workplace.
5. What would you like to share about your personal experience of working for Close Brothers?
The ASPIRE programme was the perfect alternative to university for me. The programme provided me with the ability to earn a salary and gain a qualification whilst building experience across different divisions in a merchant banking group, which I found to be an incredible opportunity. Most people just assume that you will be doing the small tasks, but they are very much mistaken. The ASPIRE programme has a stellar reputation throughout the business which goes a long way; you are seen as being a valuable asset, capable of handling any task. One highlight of the programme is the exposure to senior figures within the bank, who are keen on nurturing development and offering remarkable opportunities. To anyone looking to apply for the ASPIRE programme, my first piece of advice would be ‘go for it’! If you are willing to work hard you will gain priceless knowledge and experience that will benefit your future career.
I'm also an active member of the Gender Balance Committee at Close Brothers, involved in organising various events such as International Women's Day and Menopause Day initiatives. This has provided me with invaluable experience as a committee member and widespread exposure to senior figures within the organisation, which I deeply appreciate as I embark on my career journey. Additionally, I take pride in having initiated various Young Professional programmes at Close Brothers, fostering connections among emerging professionals, from lawyers to accountants, to brokers and advisors, and boosting their network and confidence.
Lastly, I've participated in numerous charitable initiatives, including a recent 34km hike along the Jurassic coast, an endeavour that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Despite not expecting to be in so much pain by the end of it, I take immense pride in completing the challenge and contributing to a worthy cause thanks to the brilliant initiatives at Close Brothers with almost something for everyone.
6. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself i.e. something outside of work or a proud achievement?
Outside of work I am a keen sportswoman and enjoy running and cycling through the countryside. I have recently started to learn how to play golf, and I hope to improve my game so that I can mix business and pleasure in the future!
1. What do you do at Close Brothers?
I am an Area Sales Manager in the Sales Team of the Asset Finance Transport Division. I am home based but I am mainly out on the road seeing and managing clients, financing any vehicle requirements that clients may have for their businesses.
2. How long have you been at Close Brothers?
I have worked at Close Brothers for 7 and ½ years and started on the Close Brothers Aspire Apprenticeship Programme.
3. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Close Brothers?
Autonomy and the people – no matter what role you are in, your say and your job role are always appreciated and valued.
4. What word would you use to describe the culture at Close Brothers, and why?
Togetherness – I feel that everyone understands each other’s part in the business regardless of department or job title and is happy to assist you when required to help you in your role.
5. What are you most looking forward to/excited about working for Close Brothers in 2022?
Developing my role further and being able to help businesses grow throughout 2022 off the back of the COVID 19 pandemic.
6. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself?
Interesting fact is that I am distantly related to 1966 World Cup Winner Bobby Moore.
1. What do you do at Close Brothers?
I am currently a trainee on the Accelerated Commercial Experience (ACE) programme. The Programme is a three-year rotational scheme which provides the opportunity to undertake year-long placements in the Bank’s Sales, Operational and Credit teams. Having completed rotations within Asset Sales and Retail Operational functions, I am due to commence my third year placement within the Central Credit function.
2. How long have you been at Close Brothers?
I have worked at Close Brothers for just over seven years, having originally joined as part of the Graduate Scheme in September 2014.
3. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Close Brothers?
One of the best things about working for Close is the variety of products and services offered by the Group, and the opportunities provided to those who wish to gain experience across the Group’s various businesses and internal functions. Throughout my time at Close, I have had the opportunity to work within Winterflood and our Asset Management business our Property function, alongside my more recent rotations via ACE. While some of these have been rotations through the Graduate / ACE Scheme, I have felt that Close have actively encouraged me to explore new opportunities and challenge myself throughout various stages in my career.
4. What word would you use to describe the culture at Close Brothers, and why?
One word I would use to describe the culture at Close Brothers is ‘Supportive’. I have always felt that my team, managers and wider stakeholders have always been actively supportive in both a professional and personal capacity. While sometimes overused, I really do feel that Close Brothers feels like a family where everyone really does have your best interests at heart.
5. What are you most looking forward to/excited about working for Close Brothers in 2022?
Much of the ACE Programme has taken place within the context of lockdown restrictions, and while the interaction with my teams has been incredible, I am looking forward to the embedding of a more hybrid working environment in order to allow for greater collaboration and team building within my final placement.
6. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself?
I recently got back into rowing, having not been in a boat for seven or so years since University. It’s been pretty challenging to keep up with the training demands but have been proud to keep pace with the more recent graduates and have raced in some of the major events so far in the year.
1. What do you do at Close Brothers?
I work in the HR team at Close Brothers Asset Management as an HR Business Partner. I’m based in our London Crown Place office.
2. How long have you been at Close Brothers?
6 months.
3. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working at Close Brothers?
It is very accepting and inclusive – valuing difference and fresh ideas.
4. What word would you use to describe the culture at Close Brothers, and why?
Friendly! It really is like a family.
5. What are you most looking forward to/excited about working for Close Brothers in the coming months?
Hopefully getting some of our internal processes streamlined and running smoothly in order to support the business better.
6. Can you share an interesting fact about yourself i.e. something outside of work or a proud achievement?
At the age of 37 (and with two kids under 4) I finally got my undergrad degree and achieved a 2:1!
