• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Tuesday July 29 2025

SWIG Finance appoints new managing director

Business lender SWIG Finance has announced the appointment of Matthew Wilde as its new managing director.

Matt succeeds current MD, John Peters, who has led SWIG Finance since 2013 and has been with the SWIG Group since 1998.

Matt has experience in SME finance, investment and business growth.

He has established a strong track record in scaling businesses, securing investment, and driving commercial success, whilst at Lloyds Banking Group and the Development Bank of Wales, and most recently as senior data partnerships manager at Go.Compare.

Matt is also non-executive director and chair of First Choice Housing Association.

“I am motivated by SWIG’s mission and excited to join the team in the next chapter of SWIG’s evolution – scaling reach, strengthening delivery, and supporting more SMEs,” said Matt.

“Having grown up in the South West, I am delighted to be returning to the region.

“What drew me to this role was the SWIG Finance team’s passion and commitment to impact lending. I’m excited to work alongside the board, the wider team, and SWIG’s stakeholders to help drive forward its mission and amplify its impact.”

John Peters will continue to support SWIG Finance in the position of executive director until March 2026.

Under John’s leadership, the company has established a regional footprint, tripled its headcount and grown its turnover from £327,000 to £3 million.

The leadership handover comes at an exciting time following the company’s success in securing several high-profile contracts in recent years, including Small Loans for the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund, and a £10 million capital boost through the Community Investment Enterprise Fund (CIEF).

In 2024/25, SWIG Finance announced record lending of just under £15 million to 573 businesses with over £75.7m in social value generated.

As the company continues to grow, Nic Parker has been promoted to lending & market director, and will join Matt and finance director, Dave Bullen, in a new senior leadership team responsible for driving the growth strategy of the business.

The SWIG Group Board has also seen a refresh over the last few months, with four high-profile additional joining the board.

SWIG Group’s chairperson Christine Allison added: “As a Board, it was crucial to find a successor to John Peters who shares SWIG’s values, and who has the passion and drive to lead our efforts to support more SMEs throughout the greater South West with their financial needs.

“We are confident we have found that ideal combination in Matt.”

Pictured: Matt (centre) with SWIG’s newly-formed senior leadership team – Nic Parker and David Bullen