About Close Brothers
Close Brothers makes loans, takes deposits, trades securities and provides advice and investment management services.
Close Brothers was established in 1878 and today employs over 2,500 people, principally in the UK.
Close Brothers Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 250.
Fast Facts
William Brooks Close founded Close Brothers in 1878, at the age of 25 The business consists of three divisions: Banking, Securities and Asset Management We lend money to over 1.7 million retail customers and around 300,000 business customers Close Brothers employ 1,700 people in the Banking division, 500 of whom work in front line sales generating roles In a recent employee opinion survey 90% of our employees said they were satisfied with working at Close Brothers and would recommend our business as a place to work
How does the Banking division work?
Close Brothers' Banking division provides specialist lending to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals across a diverse range of asset classes, and also offers deposit taking services. Our lending services are focused on a variety of asset classes, including insurance premiums, property, cars and trucks, specialist plant and machinery, light aircraft and invoice receivables. Our lending services offer consistency, speed of decision and above all market expertise. This distinct business model means that everyone who works at Close Brothers becomes a specialist in a market leading lending area. Within the banking division we have 3 main lending units. These are Retail, Commercial and Property. Our Treasury function provides funding from a number of sources, including through customer deposits and from other banks, so we can raise the funds that the other parts of the Banking division can lend out.
Retail Motor Finance provides individual borrowers with finance for the purchase of cars and motorcycles. This is intermediated through around 9,000 motor dealers in the UK. Premium Finance provides borrowers with the ability to pay insurance premiums, through monthly installments. This is intermediated through over 2,000 insurance brokers.
Commercial
Asset Finance provides finance to companies to buy assets for their business that they may not otherwise be able to purchase. This includes trucks, coaches, machinery, and office equipment. Invoice Finance provides cash flow and working capital for SMEs, secured on invoices of the businesses.
Property
Property Finance provides finance predominately to residential property developers.
Our Vision
Career Opportunities & Training:
What can the School Leaver Programme offer you?
A structured yet tailor-made two year programme working across the Banking Division
Personalised training and development, including one-on-one mentoring and exposure to people in all parts of the business
Support with studying for the Professional Certificate in Banking through the IFS
Assistance and support with relocation (where relevant)
Potential career progression in SalesWhat are we looking for?
Motivated, enthusiastic, hard-working individuals
Applicants that can join in September 2014 and are committed to a two year programme
Flexibility to work in our UK locations including: London, Tolworth/Wimbledon, Doncaster, Hove and Manchester
Academically we are looking for applicants with at least GCSE grade B in Maths and English Language, andat least a predicted/achieved A-level grades B, B, C (not inclusive of general studies)Recruitment process
Online Application. You will be required to complete a short application form to give us more information on yourself and motivation for joining the School Leaver Programme.
Online Tests. Subject to passing the online screening stage you will be invited to complete some online tests as part of the next stage in the recruitment process.
Telephone Interview. This is to find out more about you and your interest in joining the school leaver programme at Close Brothers.
Assessment Centre. This is the final stage in the recruitment process. You will participate in further interviews and exercises which are designed to further test your skills.
Our Team/Staff:
Mark Wright
Area Sales Manager
Age:24
Location: Glasgow
Business: Close Brothers Asset Finance
I was 17 when I started with Close Brothers Asset Finance (CBAF). I had no idea what I wanted to do and wasn't interested in school or exams. I accepted the position with CBAF originally to earn money and give myself time to work out what career I wanted to pursue. I started out as an office junior, and from there I progressed to processing new business and then onto working in the collections department. I was promoted again to 'Trainee Area Sales Manager' and then again to my current role as 'Area Sales Manager', where I cover Glasgow South and East. My duties include building a customer base, and analysing credit searches and accounts before proposing a deal to an underwriter.
By joining the business as a trainee and working my way up, I had the opportunity to see all aspects of the business and build long lasting relationships with customers new and old.
Testimonials from our current Aspire class: "If you have an interest in working in financial services the ASPIRE programme is effectively the same principal as a graduate scheme. However, you begin 3/4 years earlier and aren't lumbered with debts from the larger tuition fees now being charged. It was a no brainer. It gets your "foot in the door" and gives you such a broad experience in such a short time, that you are then left standing on a solid platform for future success. On top of that, you are doing this at a company where everybody is valued equally and you are given the same tasks and responsibilities as other experienced professionals. Close Brothers has made me feel welcome and is very supportive of my future goals. In financial services if you have the drive and determination then university is nolonger your only option."
Igor Pankratov, Aspire - Class of 2013
"The business has a great, friendly culture which is reflected by how welcome everyteam has made me feel. It is great to bea part of the ASPIRE programme aspersonally, I have learnt new skills, metnew people, engaged with different departments and have understood greatly about the company and its culture."
ZakiaYasin, Aspire - Class of 2013
"The ASPIRE programme really stood out to me as it gave me a chance to experience all areas of the bank and see the internal workings in various departments. The main reason I applied was that I can take a professional qualification in Banking and Finance, fully supported by the company. After just finishing school I wanted to experiencedifferent things as I wasn't sure what area of finance Iliked the most and this programme suits me perfectly. The Close Brothers ASPIRE programme has given me the working life and university life combined with a chance to travel around the country and I wouldrecommend it to anyone."
George Stone, Aspire - Class of 2013 Location: London, Tolworth / Wimbledon, Doncaster, Manchester and Hove (Candidates must be flexible on relocation and travel across the UK as their role requires).
Benefits:
We have a competitive benefits package including:
Starting salary £16,000
Performance related bonus
Cycle to Work Scheme
Season Ticket Loan
Pension Scheme
Life Assurance