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Greater Manchester‑based business finance broker PMD Business Finance has partnered with Yorkshire‑based Custom Business Finance in a strategic move. This partnership is designed to support the long‑term growth plans of both businesses. Meanwhile, it allows Custom to continue operating under its own established brand.
PMD, headquartered in Oldham with a team of 65 people, has acquired a majority shareholding in Custom Business Finance, a specialist asset and commercial finance broker based in Rotherham. The partnership marks a significant step for PMD as it looks to expand its national footprint, while also signalling its intentions to pursue additional partnerships in the future.
Custom will continue to trade under its own established brand, with its existing management team – Martin Taylor, Chris Mangle and Dave Catling – remaining in place to lead the business. They will be supported by PMD’s wider infrastructure, systems and back‑office functions as both firms work together to drive sustainable growth.
Founded in December 2016, Custom has advised on more than £250m of lending across over 1,500 transactions. The business has built a strong reputation across a range of sectors including haulage and transport, manufacturing and engineering, healthcare, construction and renewables.
Tom Brown, managing director of PMD Business Finance, said:
“This is an exciting strategic step for PMD and one that supports our ambition to become the UK’s leading asset and commercial finance intermediary.“This partnership strengthens our long‑term position and creates a solid platform for growth for both businesses. Importantly, the model we’ve developed with Custom provides a clear blueprint for further partnerships as we continue to scale.
“Custom has built a well‑respected business with a strong presence across Yorkshire, the Midlands, Humberside and Lincolnshire. The team’s experience and sector knowledge complement our existing operations extremely well.”
Martin Taylor, director at Custom Business Finance, added:
“We’re delighted to be partnering with PMD. I’ve worked with Tom earlier in my career and we’ve known the wider PMD board for some time, so this feels like a natural fit for Custom.“There’s a strong alignment between both businesses in terms of values and approach, particularly when it comes to building long‑term lender relationships and doing the right thing for clients.”
Established in 2010, PMD Business Finance has advanced more than £1.5bn in funding, supporting over 14,000 businesses nationwide. The firm also recently launched a dedicated debt advisory offering, strengthening its proposition for SMEs and their professional advisers.
PMD was advised on the legal aspects of the transaction by CG Professional, led by Benjamin Dredge and Victoria Brown. Custom Business Finance was represented by Amy Cusworth of Oxley and Coward Solicitors. Custom also received advisory support from Steven Crookes of Knowles Warrick Accountants, alongside Steve Watson and Andrew Wood of Harris and Co Accountants.