Spotlight On: James Elliott

When did you join ABN AMRO Asset Based Finance?

I joined ABN AMRO Commercial Finance in February 2012 as a Relationship Manager in the mid-market team.  I joined the New Business team in 2014. Prior to joining ABN AMRO Commercial Finance I spent 6 years at RBSIF, latterly as a Relationship Manager.

Describe your role at ABN AMRO Asset Based Finance…

My role involves working alongside the professional community to provide asset based lending solutions to clients. I structure facilities to assist with a variety of scenarios, including MBOs, acquisitions and refinances - typically between £5m and £20m. We also work alongside our Dutch, German and French colleagues on cross border opportunities.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I really enjoy working on deals of a transactional nature where we support an MBO team. They have often worked within the target business for many years and have a genuine passion for growing the business on to the next level or in a different direction.  For me, delivering funding solutions that provides capital as well as breathing space for our customers is the most rewarding part of my role.

What’s the biggest value-add your role brings to clients?

Put simply, our solutions mean our customers can focus on delivering their growth and strategic goals. Ensuring our solutions are structured appropriately at the outset is an essential part of this. I enjoy working closely with our customers to ensure the funding structure works for them, not only in terms of the funding parameters, but also when it comes to ongoing covenants or reporting requirements.

What does a normal day of remote work look like for you?

I’m usually up and out of the door early to walk the family dog! This gives me some time to prepare myself for the challenge of juggling work around two primary aged kids.

A day can vary massively depending at what stage of a deal I may be involved in. Some days can almost entirely be taken up with one transaction, whereas other days allow time to engage with the professional network as well as developing opportunities.

How are you staying connected with your network during these challenging times?

This has been the biggest change to the role. At present, most of my interactions with contacts are via Teams, Zoom or the old fashioned mobile phone conversation!

Technology has made certain aspects of this much easier, but it does not replace the human element of catching up in person and developing/maintaining relationships and I’m looking forward to real face to face contact once things fully open up again.

Do you have any tips to find a good work-life balance while working remotely?

I try to be disciplined and make sure I spend time outside each day (the dog ensures this happens!)

What was your dream job as a child?

My dream job would have been a professional footballer. I also wanted to become a vet at one point but realised I wouldn’t enjoy the sad parts of that job.

What makes your heart beat faster?

I really don’t like heights, but I love cycling - it’s the only sport I am good at anymore!