So, Tom, tell us a bit about yourself:
I’m from Mid-Cheshire, where I have grown up on the family farm. My Oxbury journey began in September 2020 where I had the honour of becoming the bank's inaugural placement student! I completed my placement as part of my 4-year degree in BSc Agri-Business from Harper Adams University. Having completed my degree, I have returned to Oxbury and now work within the Credit & Risk department as a Credit Analyst.
I like to think I’m a ‘sporty’ person, I have played various sports since my high school days including football, cricket, tennis, volleyball and basketball to name a few! My weekends are spent working on the farm at home, watching some sort of football and socialising with friends over a beer... or two.
What is your role in Oxbury and when did you join?
Having joined Oxbury prior to the company receiving its banking license, my 13-month placement was spent within the Operations Department, onboarding the banks very first customers. I gained invaluable experience during my placement year and had the opportunity to be involved in a variety of tasks. I was fortunate enough to be offered a Graduate position at the end of my Placement before returning to Harper to complete my degree.
In August 2022, having completed my final year of studies I rejoined Oxbury within the Credit & Risk team as a Trainee Credit Analyst, where I have now progressed to a Credit Analyst.
Tell us about your background and how that has led to you working at Oxbury and the role that you are in?
I have grown up on a mixed farm – Dairy, Sheep and Arable. My extended family all work in the farming sector, so I have very much grown up surrounded by Agriculture. The financial side of the industry is something that I have always had an interest in and working for Oxbury provides me with the opportunity to combine farming with the financial aspect. My role focuses on assessing the risks involved in lending to a potential customer and deciding whether we should lend to them. I have been able to work on, and review, a variety of farming businesses which has enhanced my knowledge of the sector.
How would your colleagues describe you in 3 words?
- Practical
- Astute
- Dependable
From Gavin Holmes and Henry Hewetson within the Credit & Risk team
What do you like most in your current role?
Being able to review a vast array of farming businesses – every business is unique and has their own set of goals and objectives.
Knowing that by approving finance facilities I am first hand supporting the Agricultural sector is something that I find rewarding.
Do you have a funny moment you can share that has happened to you at work/on farm?
I have shared many funny moments with colleagues across various departments, but most moments are probably best kept unsaid!
What is your proudest moment from working at Oxbury?
There have been a number of landmarks during my journey with Oxbury so far. The company has grown significantly since my first day, from working on the very first deals to go out the door to now, where the bank has thousands of customers!
Something I am extremely proud of is working for a company that is clearly making an impact in the market and offering a specialist experience to our customers. Agriculture is a sector that requires a level of ‘know how’ and the service we are providing, is and will continue to make a real difference.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself or an interesting, yet unhelpful fact that you know?
An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.