WeDo Business Services has bolstered its trade finance division with the appointment of John Rourke as Senior Commercial Manager. In this newly created national role, Rourke brings over 16 years of experience in business finance, having previously helped establish the trade finance department at 4Syte, where he was a senior manager.
Rourke’s arrival comes as WeDo continues to expand its trade finance arm, which provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with crucial funding ranging from £25,000 to £2 million. The service is designed to ease cashflow pressures by financing the purchase of finished goods from suppliers, enabling businesses to fulfil customer orders upfront.
WeDo serves clients across various industries, including promotional merchandise, toys, fashion, consumer electronics, and health and beauty. The company’s trade finance division also supports sectors such as household goods, heating, energy, and sports merchandise.
Rourke will be based at WeDo’s headquarters in Oldham but will work across the UK, managing client relationships, assessing risk, and driving new business opportunities. He will also support Vince Tovey, Managing Director of WeDo Trade Finance, in overseeing the division.
Commenting on Rourke’s appointment, Tovey said: “Following a record few months, it’s vital that we continue to invest in our trade finance business to manage our expanding client base and identify further new business opportunities. John is a great fit for WeDo in this new role and a welcome addition to the team. His expertise and connections in the finance sector will not only benefit the trade finance side but also the wider group. His experience and ideas will help elevate our commercial offering.”
Tovey also highlighted Rourke’s ability to build strong relationships within the industry, which will be instrumental in taking the business to the next level.
Rourke expressed enthusiasm about his new role: “It’s a fantastic time to join WeDo on its exciting journey, where innovation meets passion. I look forward to contributing my skills and collaborating with an inspiring team that is dedicated to helping SMEs secure the funding they need to accelerate their growth. The team’s commitment to providing the best client service and experience aligns with my values, and I am eager to begin this new chapter in my career.”
This latest appointment follows the recruitment of Sam Wilson as Chief Commercial Officer and Eileene Hardy as Business Development Manager for the group earlier this month.
WeDo, which was founded in 2019 by joint chief executives Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson, has grown rapidly since its inception. The company started with just four employees and has expanded both organically and through acquisitions. Today, WeDo employs more than 70 staff across its Oldham headquarters and network of offices.
The company’s overall lending has exceeded £50 million, with an ambitious goal of reaching £100 million within the next three years. Its client base spans sectors including recruitment, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and wholesale distribution.
WeDo recently secured £50 million in funding from Waterfall Asset Management, a New York-based alternative investment manager, to further expand its support for SMEs across the UK. In the past year, the group has launched both asset finance and loans divisions and was named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for 2024.
