After 13 years its time to say farewell to one of our original founders, the one and only Darren Edwards. Darren is hanging up his big boots and retiring after an incredible career in finance spanning 30 years. Chris & Darren (little & large) set up the business together in 2013, just the two of them and with only one client, backing themselves to make a success of things. Fast forward to 2025 and the business has come a long way.

Darren said “After 13 great years at SME Finance Partners, I’ve decided the time is right to hand the baton on and call time. I founded the business with my best friend Chris Thomas and we went on a fantastic journey together. It was tough at the start but we quickly gained momentum and never looked back. I never doubted it would be successful and we had a great time along the way. I’m extremely proud of what we achieved and the help that we’ve given to hundreds of businesses over the years, its been so rewarding. I’ve made some great friends and the SME Team that we built is fantastic and they will take the company from strength to strength”.

Chris Thomas said “we went into this as best friends, became business partners and our friendship remains as strong as ever. We always said that we wouldn’t have done this with anyone else, its been an incredible partnership, so many highs, with success along the way, Darren played a key role throughout. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, business is a journey and Darren is stepping off at the right time for him, spending more time with his family and enjoying the benefits of a great career. It will be different without the big man and his presence and personality will be missed. Having strengthened the SME team in recent years, I now look forward to leading that talented and committed team who will continue to drive the business forwards for the benefit of our valued clients”.