Leonard Curtis secures £15m finance deal to fuel Charles Trent’s expansion

Leonard Curtis has arranged a £15 million refinancing and growth facility for Charles Trent Limited, a deal that will provide the century-old automotive recycler with substantial working capital and long-term financial headroom as it accelerates its expansion and investment strategy.

The facility, provided by challenger business lender Allica Bank, replaces the company’s previous banking arrangements and is designed to support Charles Trent’s ambitious plans to scale its circular-economy operations, ramp up technological innovation, and expand its high-volume vehicle recycling infrastructure. The three-year revolving credit arrangement was led by Dave Rushton, Regional Lead at Allica Growth Finance.

Founded 100 years ago, Charles Trent is the UK’s largest family-owned vehicle recycler, handling up to 52,000 vehicles per year. Operating from two purpose-built sites in Poole, the business has established itself as a leader in sustainable automotive dismantling. Environmental considerations are embedded throughout its operations, with extensive on-site renewable energy generation and production facilities that surpass typical industry carbon-efficiency benchmarks.

The company also became the first UK vehicle dismantler to issue verified CO₂-saving certificates across all sales channels, a move that allows customers to quantify the environmental benefits of choosing reclaimed automotive components.

Charles Trent’s focus on lean, scalable processes and sustainability has generated strong interest from lenders and investors, particularly as demand grows for circular-economy solutions in the automotive sector.

CEO Marc Trent said the new financing marks a pivotal moment for the business as it enters its centenary year. “This funding marks an important moment for Charles Trent. As we move into our 100th year, we’re proving that a family-owned business can lead the way in scale, sustainability and innovation,” he said.

“The investment gives us the headroom to accelerate growth, back our people, and continue building world-class circular-economy infrastructure. What matters most to me is working with funding partners who understand not just where we’ve come from, but where we’re going. Allica and Leonard Curtis clearly get that, and this facility puts us in a strong position for the next phase of our journey.”

Allica Bank’s Dave Rushton praised the company’s strategy and operational capabilities. “Charles Trent is a strong example of a long-established business that has successfully evolved through sustained investment, innovation and operational discipline,” he said.

“Marc and the management team have a clear strategy for growth, underpinned by scalable infrastructure and a credible ESG proposition. We’re pleased to support the business with flexible funding that enables continued investment, while maintaining the stability needed to deliver its long-term plans.”

Debt advisory support was provided by Mike Dinnell of Leonard Curtis, who highlighted the wider strategic significance of the deal.

“We’re pleased to have supported the refinancing and secured growth capital for the business,” he said.

“Significant investment has been made in production facilities, technology and innovation, delivering benefits not only to Charles Trent but across the wider automotive supply chain. The business has the capability to drive meaningful change in the UK and European automotive circular economy, and we look forward to working alongside Allica Bank as those plans are delivered.”

The company’s leadership team – Marc Trent, Neil Trent, Alison Hopkins, Martin Scott and James Bawa – will oversee delivery of the next phase of growth. Charles Trent Limited was advised by Tim Stone, Craig Hardman and Martin Logan of Steele Raymond, while Allica Bank was advised by Edward Sundeland, Partner at Pinsent Masons.