Hailing from Dunfermline, Duncan is one of the Founding Directors of ABF and started his career in the finance industry with Bank of Scotland before moving into the asset finance broker market with First Independent Finance in 2008.
We recently caught up with Duncan to chat about his journey so far, his personal passions, the lessons he’s learnt along the way, and where he sees ABF heading next.
So, how long have you been in finance, and what sectors do you specialise in?
I started my career in the finance industry with Bank of Scotland in 2001 before moving into the asset finance broker market with First Independent Finance in 2008. I specialise in the Agriculture, Construction, Groundscare, Haulage and Printing sectors.
What do you enjoy outside of work that helps you recharge?
I love all things football, from going to matches with my son or just watching on TV. I also love watching my son play with his team Duloch Juniors.
Any dislikes?
Mushrooms. I can’t stand the taste or the texture!
What is your most embarrassing moment?
I once fell ill on a flight from Barcelona to Edinburgh. I won’t go into details, but it wasn’t pleasant, and I then had to then get on the bus transfer to the terminal. Let’s just say no-one wanted me to get on that bus!
Moving on to your career, what was your very first job, and what did it teach you?
My first ‘real’ job was working in McDonald’s in the kitchen. It was fast-paced and demanding, with the pressure to keep up with the constant stream of orders, but it was enjoyable too. I learned pretty quickly the importance of teamwork, and it really sharpened my communication skills, while working closely with others.
What’s one decision or turning point that changed your path in an unexpected way?
When the financial crisis hit in 2008, I was facing redundancy at Bank of Scotland. At first, it felt like a huge setback – I’d been working on internal projects there and thought that was where my future lay. But that unexpected development pushed me into the asset finance broker market with First Independent Finance. What started as an uncertain moment turned out to be one of the best career moves, I could have made, and it completely reshaped my career for the better.
If you weren’t in this role, what’s another career you could imagine yourself in?
I think I’d have enjoyed learning a trade — something like joinery, mechanics, or electrical work. I’ve always been curious about how things are put together and how they work.
Who has been the biggest influence or mentor in your career?
I wouldn’t say there’s just one person. I’ve always tried to listen and take advice from colleagues along the way, and that’s helped me focus on becoming the best version of myself.
What’s been your favourite deal and why?
I’ve really enjoyed helping customers who were just starting out – supporting them to buy that first business asset and then seeing their business grow over the years. Watching their journey alongside building a long-term relationship with them is what brings me the most job satisfaction.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out?
Work hard, learn from your mistakes, back yourself, and don’t stress over the things you can’t control.
How do you personally handle setbacks or challenges?
I like to tackle challenges head-on, because if I let them linger, they can start to weigh on me. I try to take a step back, give myself time to think things through, and then plan a way forward – rather than reacting on emotion.
What do you hope people say it feels like to work with you?
I’d hope colleagues and clients would describe me as supportive, knowledgeable, and fair – someone who works with integrity, treats people equally, and can be trusted.
(Well, you’ll be pleased to know they do!)
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“I have always found Duncan and the team at Allied Business Finance to be very supportive of our business. He makes the process as straightforward as possible with great attention to detail, and I would have no hesitation in recommending him.” David, Lothian Transportation Company |
What excites you most about the company’s future?
I’m really excited to be part of building something new, and it gives me a lot of satisfaction to see it taking shape. I’d love to think that years down the line, new customers will choose us because of the reputation and name we’re working hard to create now.
To discover how Duncan can help your business, call him on 07842 570987 or email [email protected]. To learn more about Duncan’s career and his achievements you can find him on LinkedIn. To keep up to date with all that’s happening at Allied Business Finance, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
