The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers has appointed Marc Champ and John Kent as broker directors to its Board following a vote by fellow broker board members.
The appointments are designed to reinforce broker representation at board level, bringing experience from both the appointed representative (AR) network space and specialist property finance broking.
John Kent (main picture, inset right), managing director of White Rose Finance Group, has built a UK-wide AR network of commercial finance brokers and led accredited professional training initiatives. Meanwhile Marc Champ (main picture, left), founder and managing director of Wharf Financial Services, has more than 20 years’ experience delivering funding across bridging, development finance, buy-to-let and complex commercial lending.
The pair replace Adrian Coles and Steve Olejnik, whose interim tenures concluded at the end of 2025. Both will attend their first Board meeting this week.
INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY
Kent says: “I recognise this as an incredible opportunity to work with a highly talented group of professionals. I’m looking forward to working collaboratively to help shape the future of the NACFB and build on its positive influence within the commercial finance sector.”
And Champ adds: “Having benefited hugely from the NACFB throughout my career, I’m excited to give something back. I’ll bring passion, real-world perspective and a commitment to ensuring the Association continues to lead from the front.”
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Jim Higginbotham, CEO of the NACFB, says: “John and Marc were selected because they bring insight, credibility and real-world experience from two different ends of the property finance spectrum. Together, they offer a valuable combination of strategic network insight and frontline brokerage expertise.
“Their perspectives will strengthen board-level decision-making and help ensure the NACFB continues to reflect how the market is actually operating on the ground.”
DIVERSITY OF PERSPECTIVE
Simon Featherstone, Chair of the NACFB, adds: “A strong board is one that brings together a plurality of views and lived experience.
“Our Members operate across a wide range of products, firm structures and client types, and it’s vital that diversity of perspective is reflected at board level.
“John and Marc will help ensure the NACFB continues to represent brokers, lenders and the full breadth of intermediary business models across the commercial finance landscape.”
The appointments follow the recent addition of Nova Everidge of Metro Bank and Jon Wilcox of Lloyds Bank as Patron Directors, strengthening lender representation alongside the broker voice.
NACFB Member brokers originated an estimated £27bn of commercial lending in 2024. The Association will publish updated findings from its latest broker and lender surveys later this month.
