Since joining OakNorth in 2019, Stewart Haworth has played a key role in expanding the bank’s corporate and private equity offering outside of London. As a Director of Debt Finance in Manchester, he’s been instrumental in strengthening our regional presence and working with some of the UK’s most well-known businesses and entrepreneurs.

We caught up with Stewart to hear about his journey, what makes OakNorth different, and what he enjoys most about his role.

How does OakNorth differentiate itself from competitors when it comes to employee proposition?

Stewart: OakNorth takes a really refreshing approach compared to other lenders in the market. The structure is much more horizontal, meaning that employees at all levels are encouraged to share ideas and drive the business forward.

Associates and Associate Directors are given significantly more responsibility here – leading transactions from business development through to structuring, credit approvals, and legal documentation. They also have the opportunity to build their own networks and careers, which isn’t something you necessarily see at other banks.

What are some of the best things about working at OakNorth?

Stewart: The speed of learning. For example, we might see over 100 opportunities in a year – from a £1m bilateral loan for a growing business moving premises to a £100m private equity-backed multinational buyout as part of a multi-bank club transaction.

That kind of exposure gives the team an incredibly broad understanding of different lending structures, sectors, and credit appetites, which helps them develop quickly.

What qualities or skills do you think are essential for success here?

Stewart: A focus on relationships and delivery. We’re competing with banks that have been around for decades and have large teams, so we need to win the hearts and minds of our customers.

Understanding a customer’s ambitions is one thing, but the ability to structure a solution that supports their goals and then deliver on that promise is what sets us apart.

What’s your favourite thing about working at OakNorth?

Stewart: The deal activity. The variety of businesses we support and the entrepreneurs we work with make the job fun. We’ve backed companies like Omniplex Learning, Mowgli Street Food, DSW Capital, and Blis – all successful businesses across different sectors, with their founders’ culture still at core today.

What have been some of your biggest highlights since joining OakNorth?

Stewart: Leading the growth of our corporate and private equity offering outside of London and strengthening OakNorth’s regional brand. We’ve worked with some of the most well-known businesses and entrepreneurs up and down the UK, which has been incredibly rewarding.

How would you describe the culture at OakNorth?

Stewart: Ambitious. The goal is simple – to grow the business. There’s no politics or ambiguity, just talented people working hard to make that happen. And because we’re all shareholders, we’re personally invested in that growth. 

What keeps you motivated in your role?

Stewart: That’s easy – the sheer amount of opportunity. Looking at our work-in-progress list, there are so many ambitious businesses to support and help scale. It’s an exciting time to be at OakNorth.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

Stewart: I can never remember the exact phrase, but it goes something like: “Experience is a function of intensity.” Essentially, the more opportunities you expose yourself to, the faster you’ll learn and grow. That’s always stuck with me.

Finally, what do you get up to outside of work?

Stewart: Sports – I love getting out on the trails for a run or a bike ride, especially now that spring is here!