The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers has appointed Simon Featherstone as its new chair, following confirmation at the November board meeting.

He will serve a two-year term, overseeing the next stage of the Association’s development and its role within the commercial finance intermediary market.

Featherstone (pictured) brings more than three decades of experience in SME lending, commercial banking and the broker channel.

His career includes senior roles at Barclays and Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance, as well as a tenure as global chief executive of Bibby Financial Services. In recent years he has held non-executive and advisory posts with specialist lenders including Oxbury Bank and Funding Xchange.

As chair, he will work alongside the NACFB’s board and leadership team to build on the organisation’s existing platform, strengthen its advocacy role and support brokers and their SME clients through a period of continued change.

LEADERSHIP FOR THE NEXT PHASE

Featherstone said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of Chair at such a critical moment for the intermediary sector. The NACFB has a very strong Board and a solid platform on which to build.”

He said: “I look forward to working collaboratively to take the Association to the next level – ensuring it continues to support brokers, champion small businesses and remain fit for the future.”

Featherstone succeeds Adrian Coles, who has served as interim chair during what the Association described as a period of transition and renewal.

Coles said: “It has been an honour to help steward the Association over the past year. I hand this role to Simon with complete confidence.”

He added: “The power of the intermediary channel has never been greater – and its importance is only set to grow. I wish Simon every success as he leads the NACFB into this next chapter.”

STEERING THE ASSOCIATION FORWARD

Jim Higginbotham, NACFB chief executive, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Simon Featherstone as our new Chair. Simon’s wealth of experience and reputation in the finance industry speak for themselves.”

He said: “Attracting someone of Simon’s calibre is a great endorsement of the vital role we play in the commercial finance intermediary market and reinforces our position as the preeminent intermediary focussed trade body shaping the industry’s future.”

Higginbotham also thanked Coles for his leadership, as well as Steve Olejnik for his support as interim vice-chair during the transition.

Featherstone’s appointment follows a year of operational and strategic focus at the NACFB. In October 2024, Higginbotham was appointed chief executive as the Association began a programme to strengthen its foundations and long-term direction.