One of Cumbria’s leading independent lenders has appointed a prominent business figure to its senior team.
James Todhunter joins Enterprise Answers as investment director, where he will be responsible for driving strategy and growth across key geographies.
With three decades of experience in finance and business development, James – who is also commercial director of his family business – brings a deep level of cross-sector understanding to the organisation.
He said: “I’ve spent many years in finance – including more than eight as a relationship manager and director with Lloyds Bank – and throughout that time my priority was always to secure the best outcomes for my clients.
“That was achieved by genuinely getting to know the people and organisations I was supporting.
“Over time, as high street banking moved increasingly towards digital channels, that personal connection became harder to maintain.
“One of the main reasons Enterprise Answers appealed to me was its values. The organisation places real emphasis on understanding and supporting its customers, and that approach aligns closely with my own.”
In addition to Lloyds Bank, James has worked for the Cumberland Building Society and Napthens.
He left the law firm in 2018 to head up the family business, Yaris Equestrian – a leading manufacturer and retailer of premium horse wear, rider wear and stable apparel, based in Kendal.
This has given James a unique perspective, as he is able to view business finance applications through the lens of both an owner and an industry expert.
Enterprise Answers is celebrating its 20th anniversary year and recently published an impact report covering two decades of lending.
It revealed that since its launch in March 2005, the organisation has completed 544 client deals, channelled £20.3 million into ambitious businesses, safeguarded or created 2,033 jobs, and contributed an estimated £81.2 million to the regional economy.
Clients are concentrated in Cumbria, but Enterprise Answers also operates across Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Chief executive Grahame Latus has been at the forefront of the organisation since it was launched.
He said: “I’m delighted to welcome James to the team at Enterprise Answers. He brings a great deal of experience to the table and will play a key part in our strategic growth in the coming years.
“Enterprise Answers will continue to support businesses well beyond my working career, so it is also important that I start to think about succession and what the future might look like when I move towards retirement. James will be a huge part of those plans.”
