10 minutes with… Nathan Wightman, Credit Manager

Continuing our series of chats where you get to know our team a little better, we sat down with Nathan Wightman who manages credit activity for all new and existing dealers at NextGear Capital. He tells us how his team helps a wide variety of customers grow their businesses as well as who his ideal guests for an unforgettable evening would be.   

Tell us about your role at NextGear Capital…  

There’s a lot to it, but in essence, I lead a team of expert credit analysts, supporting them to deliver credit proposals for new and existing dealers.  

Among other things, my team underwrites funding and reviews supporting information for applications and limit-increase requests.  We always aim to make a swift decision, giving customers the funding they need for the stock they need.  

Tell us about the kind of customers NextGear Capital helps... 

The application process is the first step in a dealer’s journey with us. Our job is to make it as friction-free as possible.  

There’s no ‘typical’ NextGear Capital customer as dealerships vary in terms of size. Our funding plan starts at around £50,000 but we also have multi-million-pound plans for bigger dealers. 

One of the great things for us at NextGear Capital is to see businesses grow – that’s what we’re all about. We have instances of customers who had 10 vehicles on their forecourt but now have more than 200. 

Partnering with dealers as they become more successful is what we are focused on at NextGear Capital. We do what’s right for the dealer, making sure the plan we provide is ideally matched to their ambitions.  

Can you think of an example of when you last helped a dealer?  

That happens every day, it’s what we do. One example that leaps out is…recently an existing customer told us that they had an opportunity to purchase four vehicles at auction but didn’t have the headroom available.  

After a quick review of their account and latest information provided, we approved a temporary increase so that the vehicles could be funded. We also discussed extending the facility on a more permanent basis so they could take opportunities like this in future, and they did.  
 

Tell us a little bit about your work background, how long you’ve worked at NextGear Capital and what you most love about your job?  

I will have been working here three years in November. I was a Commercial Lending Manager in a previous role. Going back some years, I aspired to join the police force, but ended up working in the ideal job for me, here at NextGear Capital. 

I love my job because the people I work with are friendly, determined and kind. Everyone brings their absolute best to work every single day to deliver an outstanding service to all our customers. 

To finish, we have some quick-fire questions… 

If you could describe the NextGear Capital culture in one word...  

Teamwork. 

Ideal dinner party guests…  

I’m a Man U fan (sorry everyone), so Sir Alex Ferguson would definitely be one. I’m fascinated by the work Prof Brian Cox does, so him too. And lastly, Winston Churchill. That’s a good mix, isn’t it? 

Favourite quotes…   

“You always get out what you put in” and “You can do anything you put your mind to”. 

One new skill you could have in an instant…  

I’d love to be fluent in Spanish.  

Favourite chocolate bar…  

Dairy Milk...from the fridge obviously. 

Surprising fact…  

I taught myself how to play the piano (with help from YouTube).  

Spare time…   

I’m a big Formula 1 fan, so when I'm not keeping up-to-speed with that, I like to spend time with family and friends eating good food. I’m also a fair-weather golfer and play football for a local football team. 

Favourite movie...   

Interstellar. 

That’s all Nathan. Thank you so much for sitting down with us today!