Loans Specialist

James joined Bluestone as our Loans Specialist in 2023 having spent almost his entire career working in commercial finance.

With so much experience and particular expertise in the arrangement of commercial loans, James has a wealth of knowledge to draw on when supporting clients with cash flow, working capital, business development and tax bills.

'I try to really get to know my clients to ensure they understand all the different facilities that we can provide and how this can help their business thrive in this testing economic climate. I can work with clients in whatever way works best for them, whether that's meeting face-to-face, on a video call, talking on the phone, or by email, I make sure I am always available to them. I particularly enjoy being able to provide efficient and effective financial solutions for clients and their customers that result in a win-win for all involved.'

‍The early years

James grew up in the a small village called Hawarden on the Wales-England border, not far from Chester.

'I spent my childhood playing plenty of sport but especially cricket and football. At school I enjoyed learning about modern history, but one of the most important lessons I took from school - and that I have kept with me throughout my life - is that you need to treat others and you would want to be treated.'

The world of work

James' first experience of work was quite different to the world of commercial finance: 'My first job was actually as a gardener. When I was 15 years old the father of a girl at my school would pay me to look after his garden. It was tough work for a bit of pocket money so I think he got a real bargain out of me.'

After studying business and finance at college, James started working for a finance company at the age of 18 and, aside from a brief period working in recruitment and product sales, he has worked in commercial finance ever since.

Prior to joining Bluestone, James was a senior loan advisor for over 6 years for a global finance services company.

'I was drawn to the Bluestone team because of their consultative and personable approach to finance. I knew Bluestone would give me the opportunity to build long-term relationships and get out the office to meet with clients. Everyone at Bluestone is friendly, extremely approachable and professional; the company has a real family feel to it.'

‍Which person do you most admire and why?

'I think I'd have to say Bill Gates – I really admire his achievements and what he has built from nothing. He dropped out of university and pushed on with his vision despite all the people around him who told him he was mad.'

What is your biggest pet peeve?

'Bad customer service. I think it's because I take customer service so seriously in my work and will go out of my way to do the best job I can, so when I don't get the same from others, it really gets to me. I have high standards I suppose!'

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

'I'd make sure that everyone has access to the basic necessities like water, food, housing, no matter where they are in the world.'

What are you surprisingly good at?

'It's a bit difficult to explain, but I seem to be quite good at silly party games like balancing things on my head or putting an After Eight chocolate on my forehead and getting it into my mouth without using my hands!'

What do you get up to outside of work?

Aside from spending time with his family James enjoys nothing more than a few rounds of golf in the sunshine. James' perfect weekend would involve a round of golf, a good meal in a restaurant with his wife and a relaxing night away in a hotel.

'There are lots of golf courses all over the world that I'd love to play, but whether the course is in the UK or abroad, with friends or alone with my thoughts, it's a great way to decompress.'