Business Finance Divisions
At Business Finance Divisions UK, we have 75+ years combined experience in banking and finance, ensuring we provide the highest levels of support to our clients. As the traditional bank manager becomes a thing of the past, BFS sits on your side of the table to find the most suitable funding options for your business and its specific needs.
Services
Clear guidance to the right funding
We are a specialist commercial finance brokerage supporting UK businesses with secured and unsecured funding divisions. With long-term experience as bank managers, we act as the bank manager on your side of the table, providing expert guidance and access to a wide network of trusted lenders.
We do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to, managing the full funding process from initial enquiry through to completion. Rather than placing clients with the first lender available, we match you with the right lender for your business. Our fast, concierge-led approach is powered by real underwriting expertise, delivering funding divisions aligned to both immediate needs and long-term objectives.
Team
The people behind the work
Martin Collins
Director
During my career, I’ve worked in both the PLC world and the SME sector as an owner-manager.
I understand the importance of well-structured, organised businesses to support profitability.
I enjoy working with business owners whose passion and drive can make a successful business even more successful or return a distressed business to profitability.
My strengths in change management and structured reporting make the business path transparent, obstacle-free, and effective.
I have a history of successful turnaround projects, most recently restructuring a medium-sized logistics business to achieve stability, profitability, and a clear strategic plan.
Outside work, I enjoy cooking, drinking wine, and listening to Andrea Bocelli, Ludovico Einaudi, and Erasure.
Emma Robison
Director
As a Graduate in Economics, I worked in London’s financial industry for several years, developing a strong understanding of commercial finance.
This experience, alongside qualifications in HR and Business Turnaround, has equipped me to support clients effectively.
My focus is to provide commercial finance divisions nationally, regardless of company size or status.
Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with well-known funders and many that are less familiar, creating a significant network of lenders who understand our strengths.
I assist with straightforward funding requirements or provide guidance for unique and complex challenges.
Outside work, I enjoy travelling, diving, and eating, having explored Europe, India, Africa, and the States.
Geri Conniffe
Head of Finance & Insurance
After graduating with a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Wales in 2002, I began my career in banking before moving into commercial finance.
This gave me a strong understanding of lending and the commercial challenges faced by business owners.
As the youngest broker in a large national firm, I learned how creativity and persistence could unlock funding others thought impossible.
Frustrated by rigid systems, I founded my own whole-of-market brokerage in 2005 to deliver smarter, faster, and more flexible funding divisions.
Over 20 years, I have built a track record structuring complex deals and securing funding where others cannot.
Jo Hancock
Chief of Staff
During my career, I have worked across multiple industries in both the SME sector and Corporate PLCs, focusing on organisational efficiency, strategic planning, and project and change management.
As a Hospitality Management graduate, I began in the hotel industry and discovered a passion for strategy, problem-solving, and delivering excellent customer service.
Over the next ten years, I developed these skills as Operations Manager and Director across hospitality, commercial vehicles, and pharmaceutical services.
I then moved into Project and Change Management, leading projects including office builds, business relocations, global finance system implementations, and CRM rollouts.
My heart lies with SMEs, where I now oversee operations, strategy, and team performance to deliver outstanding client service.
Tracey Woodhull
Commercial Finance Broker
I have around 25 years’ experience in Corporate and Commercial Banking, working with businesses from PLCs to sole traders.
My specialty is trading businesses, focusing on working capital divisions, asset purchases, and business restructures.
I also have experience with MBO and acquisition funding, particularly where complex structures are involved.
Since joining BFS, I’ve learned there is a funder for most occasions and businesses at different stages of their lifecycle.
Outside work, between March and November, I travel the UK supporting my husband Mark and son Jake in BriSCA Stock Car Racing. Jake and I are also season ticket holders at Leicester City.
Olivia Callaghan
Commercial Finance Broker
I’m a qualified finance professional, holding certifications in Commercial Finance & Broking (CertCFB) and Leadership & Management.
I specialise in structuring tailored funding divisions that help businesses grow, adapt, and thrive.
My expertise spans asset finance, business loans, and invoice finance, supporting clients through every stage of the process.
Whether solving cash flow challenges or enabling expansion into new markets, I make funding accessible, strategic, and stress-free.
Known for being approachable, diligent, and divisions-focused, I dive into the details to understand the story behind the numbers and craft bespoke strategies that deliver meaningful results.
Outside work, I enjoy running, playing the piano, and unwinding with good cheese and wine.
John Burns
Mortgage Broker
I’m a dedicated Mortgage Adviser and Equity Release Specialist with over 19 years’ experience helping clients make confident, informed decisions about their financial future.
I support first-time buyers, homeowners looking to move or remortgage, and those exploring equity release later in life. I’ve worked with a wide range of clients, from young families stepping onto the property ladder to retirees planning ahead.
My approach is simple: I listen carefully, explain things clearly, and remove unnecessary jargon or pressure. I take pride in offering honest, tailored advice that suits each client’s circumstances.
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active, playing guitar and piano, and spending time on the golf course or football pitch.
Jackie Howard
Group Compliance Manager
I am an experienced Compliance Officer and qualified Chartered Accountant with over 40 years in professional services.
I began my career at KPMG and have since gained expertise across accountancy, legal, financial advisory, and banking sectors.
My focus is always on reducing risk and ensuring regulatory compliance. As a leader, I guide teams through complex challenges, fostering integrity, accountability, and collaboration.
I am passionate about process improvement and mentoring others, helping to build strong, high-performing teams.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, following both Arsenal football teams, and keeping fit, balancing my professional focus with personal interests.
Contact Us
Get in touch today to see how we can help
Please contact us by sending us an email us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0345 50 50 888.
Alternatively, fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Resources