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20 Years of MacManus Asset Finance – Growth & Resilience

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20 Years of MacManus Asset Finance – Growth & Resilience

“It was 20 years ago today…”
– The Beatles, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

May 1st, 2005, was the day MacManus Asset Finance came to life. That’s right, it’s been 20 years since Chris MacManus started what was, at the time, a small brokerage with big dreams. And here we are today—still going strong, still putting relationships at the heart of everything we do.

When Chris first started out, it was just him, a phone, and a PC. No flashy office, no big team, just a drive to do things differently in the finance world. Fast forward to 2025, and we’ve grown into a trusted partner for businesses all over the UK. But no matter how much we’ve changed or grown, we’ve stayed true to that original vision: doing things right by our clients.

So, as we hit this 20-year milestone, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey—where we started, the challenges we’ve faced, and the people who’ve made this all possible.

How It All Started: A Big Dream and a Small Beginning

 

When Chris started MacManus Asset Finance back in 2005, it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. After seven years working with Lombard, he felt it was time to go out on his own. And so, with just a phone, a PC, and a whole lot of determination, he launched the business. No grand office, just a single-minded goal: to put relationships first and focus on doing things the right way—not just making transactions.

Chris says,
“I had just a phone and a PC. It wasn’t about making a quick deal—it was about building real relationships. I wanted to be the kind of broker who always put the client first, who really listened to their needs, and helped them find the right solutions.”

And that’s exactly what we’ve done ever since—putting people at the heart of everything. That early commitment to building relationships, not just closing deals, has been our guiding light for 20 years.

Rising to the Challenges: Weathering Storms and Staying Strong

 

It is a known fact that the inevitable element of unexpected situations and misfortunes will always be there as a business owner. This is something that all business owners must experience, whether we like it or not. MacManus Asset Finance is not an exception to this. We have also faced numerous challenges throughout the 20 years of operations and some of the worst were unforgettable

In 2008, the global recession hit and every businesses all over the world were struggling financially and many businesses unfortunately weren’t able to survive this big hit. MacManus Asset Finance endured and even worked harder than ever to still continue giving our best services to our valued customers. 

After all, we help businesses grow and not just survive. So this became a blessing in disguise for us to build trust and confidence with our customers. Because of this, our strength as a company grew and our businesses were slowly getting back on their feet as well.

Then came Covid-19 in 2020. The pandemic literally put a stop to the entire world. Even worse with the previous hit we took in 2008. This time, people weren’t even allowed to go out and our global operations rely on the movement of people and because movement was scarce and, in some parts of the world, even illegal. Interaction was down to the minimum, the worst the world has ever seen. 

Because of this, it was almost impossible for most businesses to thrive but months into the pandemic and lockdown, people started to adjust. Once again we stood out through the test of time and still helped clients grow their businesses and stayed by their side with every step of the way.

Through it all, our focus never wavered—relationships matter. And no matter what happens, we’re committed to being a steady, supportive partner for businesses in both good times and bad.

From One-Man Start-Up to a Trusted Team

We may have started with just Chris, but over the years, we’ve grown into a team of seven awesome people—each one of us dedicated to helping businesses thrive. From directors to sales coordinators to our marketing team, every person who’s joined the company has added something special.

But even as we’ve grown, one thing has stayed the same: our commitment to treating every client like they’re our only one. Whether you’re a startup taking your first steps or an established company looking to grow, we’ve always made sure to offer solutions that work for you, not just the bottom line.

The growth has been incredible, but what really makes us proud is the relationships we’ve built along the way. Every client, every partner, every team member has helped us get to where we are today.

Recognized for Excellence: Awards and Client Love

You might think that it’s only us who think we are doing something right, but we have received awards that prove we are more than just transactions but we are a company with a hear. 

In 2024, we were honored to be named Asset Finance Broker of the Year at the Business Moneyfacts Awards. That recognition was huge for us, and it really highlighted the work we’ve been doing to help businesses get the funding they need.

Then, in 2025, we received a Commended Award—which again, is a big deal. These awards aren’t just based on our own efforts; they’re the result of client feedback and recommendations. So, we want to thank every single client who took the time to nominate us. That trust and support is what keeps us going.

But for us, client satisfaction is the ultimate award. When our clients come back to us year after year, when they recommend us to others, that’s when we know we’ve made a real impact.

 

Our Culture: People, Trust, and Long-Term Relationships

What makes us different? Well, it’s simple. At MacManus Asset Finance, we believe that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. We’ve built our entire business around the idea of treating people right.

Here’s what we stand by:

    1. Treating Customers Fairly – Every client deserves honesty, transparency, and respect. Period.
    2. Adding Value – We’re not just here to get a deal done—we’re here to find the right solution that makes a difference for your business.
    3. Building Long-Term Relationships – We’re in it for the long haul. The goal isn’t just to work with you today, but to be there for you tomorrow, next year, and beyond. 

These values are what have helped us build strong, lasting partnerships with clients across the country. And they’re what we’ll continue to uphold as we move into the next 20 years.

Thank You: A Message of Gratitude

As we celebrate this huge milestone, we want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who’s been a part of this journey.

To our clients—thank you for trusting us. You’ve been with us every step of the way, and your belief in us is what has made all of this possible.

To our partners and funders—thank you for your collaboration. We couldn’t do what we do without your support.

And to our amazing team—past and present—thank you for everything you’ve done. You are the heart of this company, and we wouldn’t be here without you.

Chris recently shared on LinkedIn:

“To our clients, funders, team members (past and present), and everyone who’s been part of this journey—thank you. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.”

Here’s to the Next 20 Years

 

We’ve learned a lot over the past 20 years, and we’re just getting started. The future is full of opportunities, and we’re excited to continue helping businesses grow and thrive in the years to come.

Thank you for being part of the MacManus Asset Finance story. Here’s to another 20 years—and beyond!

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