Meet the Lender: Shaun Bennett, Teybridge Capital

In the latest of our Meet the Lender series, we caught up with Shaun Bennett, sales director at Teybridge Capital, to talk about the growing demand for structured finance, where banks are falling short and why he still sees a strong future for invoice finance. We also discovered why weekends can be rather painful for this committed Welsh rugby fan.

What trends are you currently seeing in the market?

We’re seeing a growing number of businesses that simply aren’t being served well by their banks. Many are looking for structured funding facilities across several product types and banks are often slow to react. It’s not uncommon for businesses to wait months for a decision. That’s a real frustration and it’s where we can step in and make a difference.

What advice would you give to businesses seeking financing for the first time?

My biggest piece of advice would be to engage with a professional broker who truly understands the commercial finance market and can offer impartial guidance. It’s also important to consider the balance between cost and service. A high street bank might appear to be the cheapest option on paper, but a relationship-led, more flexible lender will often prove far more effective in the long run.

Do you foresee the lending market changing in the next few years and, if so, how will this affect finance?

Technology is becoming more prominent, with account integration, Open Banking and digital onboarding making processes much slicker. But for me, it’s no replacement for a human-led approach and someone genuinely taking the time to understand your business. That’s exactly why I joined Teybridge: to combine the best of technology with a relationship-first mindset.

A lot of traditional funders have been operating in the same way for 30 or 40 years and are under the impression that the invoice finance market is stalling. I’d challenge that. I think much of the market is simply struggling to change and the providers that make access to invoice finance more straightforward and transparent will be the ones that thrive.

What motivates you personally in your work as a lender?

I love supporting businesses to achieve their ambitions. There’s something incredibly rewarding about listening to the challenges owners are facing and helping them find a solution. There’s nothing better than backing a company early in its journey and watching it grow and thrive.

How long have you been working with Evolve Business Finance and how has the partnership benefited your business?

I’ve known Stef and the team for a number of years now and I’ve always found them to be extremely professional. The team take the time to truly understand their clients’ opportunities, which makes our job much easier. By the time we’re involved, the client already has a solid understanding of the options available and how they work.

Can you share something about yourself that people might be surprised to learn?

I’m a big Welsh rugby fan and get to the majority of the home games – though I’ll be honest, it hasn’t been the most enjoyable experience over the last few years!

Where does Teybridge fit in the funding market?

We focus on providing structured finance facilities tailored to each client’s needs. Our product set includes Selective Invoice Finance, Purchase Order Finance, Inventory Finance and Supplier Finance. We specialise in cross-border funding and are comfortable working with clients and debtors across multiple jurisdictions.

We also look to offer selective invoice finance on a fully non-recourse basis, without requiring debentures or personal guarantees. Importantly, we don’t charge minimum service fees or non-utilisation fees. We operate with a simple, transparent charging structure based purely on what clients use.