About OakNorth Bank

When a hotel owner told us, “My bank has decided they’re not lending to hotels right now. Can you help?” – we didn’t just listen. We acted.

In his latest piece for The Independent, Ben Barbanel, Head of Debt Finance at OakNorth, explores what that moment revealed about the disconnect between banks and growing businesses, and why blending advanced tech with human judgment is essential for delivering truly personalised banking.

Since launching in 2015, we’ve navigated our fair share of volatility – from Brexit, global pandemic, inflation and interest rate spikes, and shifting political landscapes. Each of these events brought fresh challenges for businesses across the UK.

But through every cycle, one thing has remained constant: OakNorth’s commitment to supporting lower mid-market businesses (with £1m-£100m in turnover) with the funding they need to seize opportunity, even in uncertain times.

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.

For ambitious UK businesses, breaking into the US market can be game-changing. With a population of over 340 million and accounting for around a quarter of global GDP in 2024, the United States represents an incredibly attractive growth opportunity — one defined by scale, innovation, and potential reach.

Since joining OakNorth in 2019 as an Associate Director, Max Saidman has rapidly progressed in his career, becoming a Director of Debt Finance and, most recently, relocating to New York to help drive our real estate lending efforts in the U.S. We caught up with him to discuss his OakNorth journey, the opportunities he’s had, and how the culture here has supported his growth.

Having been part of the OakNorth team for over 3 years now, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how we’re redefining business banking in the UK. Our Mission isn’t just about providing innovative financial solutions—it’s about creating a dynamic, supportive ecosystem for ambitious businesses and the private equity or venture capital firms who back them.