Forest firm’s 50% staff boost during lockdown

A NEW FOREST finance firm has bucked the national trend by boosting staff numbers by 50% during the lockdown.

Dawsongroup Finance, based in Ringwood, has hired four new staff – three business development managers and a new head of sales – thanks to “the nature of the asset finance industry”.

“During difficult economic times, cash is king, and asset finance is built around this understanding. We facilitate businesses to invest in assets while preserving cash flow,” said commercial director Kevin Wills.

“The financial support we offer has been much appreciated by Dawsongroup customers and suppliers during lockdown enabling this investment in our growing sales team.”

New head of sales Anton Scott is responsible for managing the new sales team.

Mr Scott said: “This is a business with so much potential within a very successful and unique PLC. In my short time in the role so far, I have received nothing but positivity even in this very challenged time we face now.

“We are in a terrific position to assist all our customers’ with their finance needs and really make a positive difference. We now have full geographic coverage and further integration with our sister companies.”

Andrew Kenny, David Glasson and Gulshan Khan are the new business development managers for Dawsongroup Finance, which is part of Dawsongroup PLC, employing more than 1,000 people.

All four hires were made during lockdown whilst Dawsongroup Finance, like many other businesses, has operated remotely. The company also held its inaugural sales video conference recently.

Kevin Wills, who has managed Dawsongroup Finance for three years, said: “Having new starters join during lockdown has been challenging to say the least.

“We were unable to conduct the usual welcomes, introductions and inductions, but the team has shown great patience and enthusiasm for our business, which is rapidly growing.

“We were determined that the Covid-19 crisis would not prevent them from joining, despite the limitations caused by lockdown.”

He added: “All four roles are crucially important to our strategy for growing Dawsongroup Finance, and Anton, David, Gulshan and Andrew fit perfectly in terms of their skills, experience and individual commitment to providing our customers and Group colleagues with an industry leading service.”