Meet Our New Team Members
Ashbridge Partners are expanding! This month we are delighted to introduce our 6 new team members from the past 12 months, each bringing invaluable expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals.
10 Years – New Growth, New Team
This has been a year of serious growth at Ashbridge. Our clients are taking advantage of business opportunities, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic – and the resilience of the entrepreneurial sector has been proven by many.
More and more clients are seeking our advice as the banking landscape becomes more challenging to navigate. Those refinancing for the first time in a while have encountered unfamiliar territory – more stringent and detailed credit requirements, and longer transaction time frames. Planning ahead and the preparation of a detailed credit proposal are essential if costly delays are to be avoided.
Meet the New Team Members!
Henry Ash
Associate Relationship
Director
I joined Ashbridge Partners as a London-based member of the Commercial Team. Previously I worked at C. Hoare & Co. looking after high net worth individuals and their private banking needs. The main focus of my role was maintaining and enhancing relationships with the clients I looked after. It is with that experience that I come to Ashbridge Partners, aiming to enhance and develop relationships with our clients, and the wider professional market we work with.
Outside of work, I have a love of sport, the outdoors and travel. This has taken me to some great golf courses, very scenic ski resorts – and some less than luxurious places around the world!
I’m looking forward to this new challenge, and am ready to talk with you about your needs, particularly if you are based in London.
Contact Henry:
henry@ashbridgepartners.co.uk
Richard Cook
Business Development Consultant
East Anglia
I worked for HSBC for 41 years, 21 of which were within the bank’s Agriculture & Landed Estates Division where I held positions within Credit, Leadership, and Client Management.
I knew Mark well, successfully completing several complex funding transactions together, and when he shared with me his vision and plans to grow the business, I didn’t need too much persuasion in taking up his offer to accompany him on his journey.
I’m enjoying both reconnecting with my professional contacts and meeting with would-be clients, based here in the Eastern Counties.
Contact Richard:
richard@ashbridgepartners.co.uk
Bob Loft
Non-Executive Consultant
Strategy Advisor
After 8 years at TSB Bank, I spent 31 years at C. Hoare & Co. My final role before retirement there was Head of Private Banking. I was a member of the Bank’s Management Team and Credit Committee, and previous roles included establishing and running a Business Development team, as well as the Landed Estates and Entrepreneurs teams.
Outside of work, I’m a keen fisherman, cyclist, golfer, and was recently Captain at Prince’s Golf Club. I also played table tennis to a reasonably high level – until my knees gave way!
I love reading about Churchill at my home in Kent.
Contact Bob:
bob@ashbridgepartners.co.uk
Daniela Istrati
Relationship Support Manager
My role at Ashbridge Partners is to support our clients within the Residential Team. Before joining I was a Senior Personal Banker at NatWest – I started my career in finance there and quickly became passionate about building long-term relationships with my clients.
I have an innovative mindset, and like to encourage new ideas and find solutions in complex situations. I have a broad knowledge of personal banking and financial products, including residential mortgages.
I enjoy studying, and am currently working towards my CISI Certificate in Wealth & Investment Management.
My hobbies include tennis, reading and languages (I speak 5). I love the outdoors, especially being next to the sea, and live with my partner – and our spoiled and much-loved cat.
Contact Daniela:
daniela@ashbridgepartners.co.uk
Carol Porter
Accounts Analyst
My career started in hospitality where I spent 10 years as a landlady, before moving into finance, beginning in credit control then later an accounting role and studying for my AAT. I held various positions within Warwick Fabrics UK LTD, most recently as Finance Manager. I absolutely loved the job, but chose to leave when the business relocated. I then started my own accounting business, so I understand what our entrepreneurial clients go through!
I joined originally on a fixed-term contract and am delighted that the role has now become permanent. I love working here at Ashbridge Partners. We are a close-knit team who work with respect for each other and our clients.
Outside of work, I enjoy walking my black lab, and craft, cooking and running keep me occupied. Running is an on-and-off love but last year I ran my first 10K with my two daughters – something I’m very proud of!
Contact Carol:
carol@ashbridgepartners.co.uk
Jessica Houghton
Executive Assistant
I have recently joined Ashbridge Partners as an Executive Assistant. I provide support to Mark, and Bob Loft as well as being part of the Marketing Team. It has been a career change for me, having previously been a teacher and therapist in primary schools for many years. Prior to teaching, I worked as an account manager for an advertising agency in London.
I am thoroughly enjoying working with such a dynamic and supportive team at Ashbridge Partners, as well as being part of a thriving and growing business.
Outside of work, I look after my two daughters and our many pets. I enjoy playing the flute in a Stratford orchestra and taking part in long distance open-water swimming challenges.
Contact Jessica:
jessica@ashbridgepartners.co.uk
Larger Team – Good News for Clients
Growth creates its own momentum. Our referral network has increased, and in order to meet increased transaction volumes we’ve expanded our team with high quality, experienced professionals. From our base in the Cotswolds we have always had UK-wide coverage, but now we also have individuals on the ground in East Anglia and London. They bring a wealth of experience from decades of success in both commercial and private banking.
A larger team is good news for both borrowers, and for our introducer community with whom we work collaboratively, structuring the most appropriate credit solutions for their clients. It is also a key building block of the long-term growth strategy for the business, which will see continued expansion geographically and in new markets.
Interested in meeting some of our new colleagues? We’d love to hear from you.
Contact:
Ashbridge Partners 01451 830223