PMD Business Finance expands with Custom partnership

PMD Business Finance has taken a majority stake in Custom Business Finance in a strategic move designed to accelerate growth and strengthen its position in the UK’s asset and commercial finance market.

The Greater Manchester-based broker, headquartered in Oldham, has partnered with the Rotherham-based firm as part of a long-term plan to scale its operations through targeted acquisitions and partnerships. Custom will continue to operate under its established brand, with its existing leadership team – Martin Taylor, Chris Mangle and Dave Catling – remaining in place.

The deal brings together two complementary businesses, with PMD providing infrastructure, systems and back-office support to help drive Custom’s next phase of growth.

Tom Brown, managing director of PMD Business Finance, described the transaction as a significant milestone for the company. “This is a really exciting strategic step forward for PMD and it will help us progress towards our goal of being the UK’s leading asset and commercial finance intermediary,” he said.

“It’s an acquisition that strengthens our long-term position in the market, providing a platform for significant growth and value-creation for everyone involved. The model that we’ve developed together with the team at Custom serves as a blueprint for additional future partnerships as we continue to scale.”

Founded in 2016, Custom Business Finance has built a strong reputation across sectors including haulage and transport, manufacturing, healthcare, construction and renewables. The firm has advised on more than £250 million in lending across over 1,500 transactions, with a particular presence in Yorkshire, the Midlands, Humberside and Lincolnshire.

Brown added that Custom’s experience and regional strength make it a strong strategic fit. “The team brings a wealth of commercial finance experience and industry knowledge that perfectly complements our existing operations,” he said.

Martin Taylor, director at Custom Business Finance, said the partnership reflects a natural alignment between the two businesses. “We’re thrilled to be joining forces with PMD Business Finance,” he said.

“I worked with Tom earlier in our careers and the wider PMD board are known to us as well, so this has all felt very natural and the right strategic fit for Custom. There is real alignment between the two businesses as we both share the same values and business ethos, particularly in developing strong lender relationships and doing the right thing for customers for the long-term.”

PMD, established in 2010, has facilitated more than £1.5 billion in funding for over 14,000 businesses and recently expanded its offering with the launch of a dedicated debt advisory service.

The acquisition signals PMD’s intent to pursue further partnerships as it continues to scale, using the Custom deal as a template for future growth while maintaining the identity and strengths of the businesses it brings into the group.

Legal advice on the transaction was provided to PMD by CG Professional, while Custom was advised by Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP, alongside accountancy support from Knowles Warwick Chartered Accountants and Harris & Co Accountants.