Edinburgh finance firm founded by two twentysomethings hails £10m first year milestone

Bryant & Bell - founded by Cameron Bryant and Jack Bell, both aged 29 - helps businesses access funding across areas including asset finance, refinance, commercial loans and invoice finance. It has marked its first year in business after supporting more than 100 clients and completing some £10m in funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK.

The co-founders bring more than a decade of commercial finance brokerage experience. Former racing driver Bryant also founded YourEdinburgh during the pandemic to support local businesses across Edinburgh and the surrounding region.

He said: “Jack and I spent years working for larger brokers, but we always felt there was an opportunity to serve SMEs differently by building an agile business absolutely focused on putting the client first.

“Coming from a small family landscaping business myself, and having worked with so many local companies through YourEdinburgh, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs through good times and bad.”

Bell said: “Our ambition is to be the best, not the biggest. We want to continue growing the business without compromising on the quality of advice or service we provide. The first year has given us a really strong platform, and our focus now is on building long-term client relationships underpinned by trust.”

The firm has also strengthened its senior team with the appointment of former Hampden Bank banking director George Grierson as senior adviser. Grierson previously spent almost 30 years with Lloyds Bank, latterly leading its private client business in Scotland, and will support Bryant & Bell as it moves into its second year of trading.

The firm is also targeting further growth within its professional intermediary network, including accountants, IFAs and other business advisers.

Bryant added: “A key part of our growth strategy is continuing to build relationships with accountants, IFAs and other professional advisers. As a brokerage, our services are there to complement them, giving advisers access to additional commercial funding expertise when their clients need it.”