Meet the team
Our team is made up of some of the leading lights in the asset finance industry. From the original founders to our most recent joiners, we are united in our goal to make becoming a successful and compliant asset finance broker as easy as possible.
With a love of the great outdoors, Lee graduated from university with a degree in Zoology in 1999. After making his first foray into the world of work in an unrelated subject, he joined First National Asset Finance supporting a sales team that included Justin, Nick and Mike in 2003. After becoming the first trainee Sales Executive he took the decision to move to Lombard to broaden his knowledge holding various roles from Sales Executive right through to being part of the training team and finally ending his tenure as Head of Agricultural Finance.
After a chance reunion with the AFS team, he decided to join the business, a decision he says is the best move he ever made. He particularly enjoys the variety of his work as well as the opportunities he has to really change things for both brokers and funders alike.
In his spare time, he indulges his love of the outdoors. Whether that be fishing, walking or playing sport.
Lee Simms
Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd, Managing Director
LinkedInWith a love of the great outdoors, Lee graduated from university with a degree in Zoology in 1999. After making his first foray into the world of work in an unrelated subject, he joined First National Asset Finance supporting a sales team that included Justin, Nick and Mike in 2003. After becoming the first trainee Sales Executive he took the decision to move to Lombard to broaden his knowledge holding various roles from Sales Executive right through to being part of the training team and finally ending his tenure as Head of Agricultural Finance.
After a chance reunion with the AFS team, he decided to join the business, a decision he says is the best move he ever made. He particularly enjoys the variety of his work as well as the opportunities he has to really change things for both brokers and funders alike.
In his spare time, he indulges his love of the outdoors. Whether that be fishing, walking or playing sport.
Debra has been with Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd for over 12 years. During this time, she has held numerous positions that are commercial in nature. Her role within Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd brings her into daily contact with brokers and funders as well as the whole of our internal team, sharing her experience and knowledge to ensure the best outcomes for all.
She also manages our inhouse sales team, which acts as an extension of our brokers own business helping them manage deals where they need additional support or expertise or even just a well deserved holiday or break.
Debra Grimshaw
Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd, Sales Director
LinkedInDebra has been with Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd for over 12 years. During this time, she has held numerous positions that are commercial in nature. Her role within Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd brings her into daily contact with brokers and funders as well as the whole of our internal team, sharing her experience and knowledge to ensure the best outcomes for all.
She also manages our inhouse sales team, which acts as an extension of our brokers own business helping them manage deals where they need additional support or expertise or even just a well deserved holiday or break.
With over twenty years in the industry, finance is definitely in Justin’s blood and something which he continues to have passion and enthusiasm for.
From the lightbulb moment founding Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd with Nick Simpson in 2005 to the innovative business we have become today, he has always been incredibly proud of everything we have achieved and holds a huge amount of respect and admiration for our staff and franchisees, all of whom have played a major part in our success and development.
As Group Commercial Director, Justin is involved with all aspects of the business and believes in empowering people to find “solutions not problems”. As well as overseeing the back-office functions at our Blackburn Headquarters, he can often be found visiting our brokers and working with them on their business plans.
Out of work he loves everything creative with a fondness for retro music (played on a turntable no less) and watching movies (new and old) with a glass of wine.
Justin Ford
AFS Group, Commercial Director
LinkedInWith over twenty years in the industry, finance is definitely in Justin’s blood and something which he continues to have passion and enthusiasm for.
From the lightbulb moment founding Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd with Nick Simpson in 2005 to the innovative business we have become today, he has always been incredibly proud of everything we have achieved and holds a huge amount of respect and admiration for our staff and franchisees, all of whom have played a major part in our success and development.
As Group Commercial Director, Justin is involved with all aspects of the business and believes in empowering people to find “solutions not problems”. As well as overseeing the back-office functions at our Blackburn Headquarters, he can often be found visiting our brokers and working with them on their business plans.
Out of work he loves everything creative with a fondness for retro music (played on a turntable no less) and watching movies (new and old) with a glass of wine.
Mike has been in the finance industry since 1993, having worked for a number of high street banks. He joined AFS in 2006, having met Nick and Justin at ING Lease, they eventually convinced him to give up working for the bank and explore the opportunities and rewards broking offered. His role has developed over the years, and he now find himself in the position of Group Legal & Compliance Director, which means he is responsible for all things relating to regulation and ensuring we meet the ever-expanding demands of the various regulators we fall under.
Away from work he enjoys restoring classic cars and always have several projects on the go.
Mike Geddes
AFS Group, Legal & Compliance Director
LinkedInMike has been in the finance industry since 1993, having worked for a number of high street banks. He joined AFS in 2006, having met Nick and Justin at ING Lease, they eventually convinced him to give up working for the bank and explore the opportunities and rewards broking offered. His role has developed over the years, and he now find himself in the position of Group Legal & Compliance Director, which means he is responsible for all things relating to regulation and ensuring we meet the ever-expanding demands of the various regulators we fall under.
Away from work he enjoys restoring classic cars and always have several projects on the go.
Nick is a founding Director and shareholder of AFS Group, establishing the first group company Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd jointly with Co-Director Justin Ford in 2005.
Having worked in the financial services industry since leaving school and then exclusively in the asset finance sector since 1994 for both high street banks and specialist Lessors, Nick has been in the broker market since 2005. As Group Managing Director, a major part of his time is now spent developing excellent working relationships with every funder who help form, without doubt, the largest and most comprehensive funder portfolio in the indirect finance marketplace.
When not busy with the expanding day job, Nick likes nothing better than enjoying a day at the races and the additional buzz of racehorse breeding and ownership. He is also a keen cyclist, often exploring the local Yorkshire countryside.
Nick Simpson
AFS Group, Managing Director
LinkedInNick is a founding Director and shareholder of AFS Group, establishing the first group company Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd jointly with Co-Director Justin Ford in 2005.
Having worked in the financial services industry since leaving school and then exclusively in the asset finance sector since 1994 for both high street banks and specialist Lessors, Nick has been in the broker market since 2005. As Group Managing Director, a major part of his time is now spent developing excellent working relationships with every funder who help form, without doubt, the largest and most comprehensive funder portfolio in the indirect finance marketplace.
When not busy with the expanding day job, Nick likes nothing better than enjoying a day at the races and the additional buzz of racehorse breeding and ownership. He is also a keen cyclist, often exploring the local Yorkshire countryside.
With a love of the great outdoors, Lee graduated from university with a degree in Zoology in 1999. After making his first foray into the world of work in an unrelated subject, he joined First National Asset Finance supporting a sales team that included Justin, Nick and Mike in 2003. After becoming the first trainee Sales Executive he took the decision to move to Lombard to broaden his knowledge holding various roles from Sales Executive right through to being part of the training team and finally ending his tenure as Head of Agricultural Finance.
After a chance reunion with the AFS team, he decided to join the business, a decision he says is the best move he ever made. He particularly enjoys the variety of his work as well as the opportunities he has to really change things for both brokers and funders alike.
In his spare time, he indulges his love of the outdoors. Whether that be fishing, walking or playing sport.
Lee Simms
Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd, Managing Director
LinkedInWith a love of the great outdoors, Lee graduated from university with a degree in Zoology in 1999. After making his first foray into the world of work in an unrelated subject, he joined First National Asset Finance supporting a sales team that included Justin, Nick and Mike in 2003. After becoming the first trainee Sales Executive he took the decision to move to Lombard to broaden his knowledge holding various roles from Sales Executive right through to being part of the training team and finally ending his tenure as Head of Agricultural Finance.
After a chance reunion with the AFS team, he decided to join the business, a decision he says is the best move he ever made. He particularly enjoys the variety of his work as well as the opportunities he has to really change things for both brokers and funders alike.
In his spare time, he indulges his love of the outdoors. Whether that be fishing, walking or playing sport.
Debra has been with Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd for over 12 years. During this time, she has held numerous positions that are commercial in nature. Her role within Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd brings her into daily contact with brokers and funders as well as the whole of our internal team, sharing her experience and knowledge to ensure the best outcomes for all.
She also manages our inhouse sales team, which acts as an extension of our brokers own business helping them manage deals where they need additional support or expertise or even just a well deserved holiday or break.
Debra Grimshaw
Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd, Sales Director
LinkedInDebra has been with Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd for over 12 years. During this time, she has held numerous positions that are commercial in nature. Her role within Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd brings her into daily contact with brokers and funders as well as the whole of our internal team, sharing her experience and knowledge to ensure the best outcomes for all.
She also manages our inhouse sales team, which acts as an extension of our brokers own business helping them manage deals where they need additional support or expertise or even just a well deserved holiday or break.
With over twenty years in the industry, finance is definitely in Justin’s blood and something which he continues to have passion and enthusiasm for.
From the lightbulb moment founding Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd with Nick Simpson in 2005 to the innovative business we have become today, he has always been incredibly proud of everything we have achieved and holds a huge amount of respect and admiration for our staff and franchisees, all of whom have played a major part in our success and development.
As Group Commercial Director, Justin is involved with all aspects of the business and believes in empowering people to find “solutions not problems”. As well as overseeing the back-office functions at our Blackburn Headquarters, he can often be found visiting our brokers and working with them on their business plans.
Out of work he loves everything creative with a fondness for retro music (played on a turntable no less) and watching movies (new and old) with a glass of wine.
Justin Ford
AFS Group, Commercial Director
LinkedInWith over twenty years in the industry, finance is definitely in Justin’s blood and something which he continues to have passion and enthusiasm for.
From the lightbulb moment founding Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd with Nick Simpson in 2005 to the innovative business we have become today, he has always been incredibly proud of everything we have achieved and holds a huge amount of respect and admiration for our staff and franchisees, all of whom have played a major part in our success and development.
As Group Commercial Director, Justin is involved with all aspects of the business and believes in empowering people to find “solutions not problems”. As well as overseeing the back-office functions at our Blackburn Headquarters, he can often be found visiting our brokers and working with them on their business plans.
Out of work he loves everything creative with a fondness for retro music (played on a turntable no less) and watching movies (new and old) with a glass of wine.
Mike has been in the finance industry since 1993, having worked for a number of high street banks. He joined AFS in 2006, having met Nick and Justin at ING Lease, they eventually convinced him to give up working for the bank and explore the opportunities and rewards broking offered. His role has developed over the years, and he now find himself in the position of Group Legal & Compliance Director, which means he is responsible for all things relating to regulation and ensuring we meet the ever-expanding demands of the various regulators we fall under.
Away from work he enjoys restoring classic cars and always have several projects on the go.
Mike Geddes
AFS Group, Legal & Compliance Director
LinkedInMike has been in the finance industry since 1993, having worked for a number of high street banks. He joined AFS in 2006, having met Nick and Justin at ING Lease, they eventually convinced him to give up working for the bank and explore the opportunities and rewards broking offered. His role has developed over the years, and he now find himself in the position of Group Legal & Compliance Director, which means he is responsible for all things relating to regulation and ensuring we meet the ever-expanding demands of the various regulators we fall under.
Away from work he enjoys restoring classic cars and always have several projects on the go.
Nick is a founding Director and shareholder of AFS Group, establishing the first group company Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd jointly with Co-Director Justin Ford in 2005.
Having worked in the financial services industry since leaving school and then exclusively in the asset finance sector since 1994 for both high street banks and specialist Lessors, Nick has been in the broker market since 2005. As Group Managing Director, a major part of his time is now spent developing excellent working relationships with every funder who help form, without doubt, the largest and most comprehensive funder portfolio in the indirect finance marketplace.
When not busy with the expanding day job, Nick likes nothing better than enjoying a day at the races and the additional buzz of racehorse breeding and ownership. He is also a keen cyclist, often exploring the local Yorkshire countryside.
Nick Simpson
AFS Group, Managing Director
LinkedInNick is a founding Director and shareholder of AFS Group, establishing the first group company Asset Finance Solutions (UK) Ltd jointly with Co-Director Justin Ford in 2005.
Having worked in the financial services industry since leaving school and then exclusively in the asset finance sector since 1994 for both high street banks and specialist Lessors, Nick has been in the broker market since 2005. As Group Managing Director, a major part of his time is now spent developing excellent working relationships with every funder who help form, without doubt, the largest and most comprehensive funder portfolio in the indirect finance marketplace.
When not busy with the expanding day job, Nick likes nothing better than enjoying a day at the races and the additional buzz of racehorse breeding and ownership. He is also a keen cyclist, often exploring the local Yorkshire countryside.
