FRP bolsters debt advisory capability with partner appointment

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Bates, co-founder of Praetura Commercial Finance, as a partner in our Manchester office, as we seek to deepen our national debt advisory expertise.

With over 30 years of dealmaking and asset-based lending experience, Stuart has held senior roles at blue-chip businesses including Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays and GE Capital. He co-founded Praetura Commercial Finance in 2016 and subsequently led the business to deliver over £500m in funding to UK small and medium-sized businesses.

In his new role, Stuart will work with colleagues across our national office network to support clients with funding for growth, acquisitions and refinances, drawing on his strong track record in delivering complex funding arrangements and a deep technical knowledge of asset-based lending structures.

Stuart Bates, Debt Advisory Partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “Having spent my career managing lending conversations, I’ve seen the value that expert advice adds when it comes to bridging differing perspectives – sometimes turning an initial ‘no’ into a ‘yes’.

“It remains an environment where lenders continue to be highly selective in their decisions, and it’s therefore particularly important that firms have this type of expert advice to hand. FRP has a strong reputation for practical solutions to what can often be complex challenges, and its national reach makes this a particularly exciting opportunity.”

Simon Sherliker, Debt Advisory Partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “We are delighted to be further strengthening ABL debt advisory capabilities at FRP, enhancing our ability to support private equity and corporate clients with the full product suite of funding solutions across the UK. Stuart’s appointment underlines our continuing commitment to deliver the highest quality advisory support to mid-market borrowers.