Skipton Business Finance_Appointment of new Chair

PRESS RELEASE

5 December 2025

Skipton Business Finance announces the appointment of Catherine Lewis as its new Chair

Today 5 December 2025 Skipton Business Finance (SBF) part of the Skipton Group announces the appointment of

Catherine (Cathy) Lewis as its new Chair.

Cathy joins Skipton Business Finance with a career spanning more than 37 years across diverse sectors, including

financial services, insurance, retail and the civil service. Known for her strategic vision and ability to drive

transformation, she brings deep expertise in leadership, operational excellence, and customer-focused delivery.

A highly accomplished former FTSE 100 Group HR Director, Cathy has led major HR transformations, shaped

leadership and development strategies, and overseen structural and policy frameworks across multiple

organisations. Combining broad people and operational leadership expertise with a strong customer focus, she also

brings valuable governance experience as a Non-Executive Director and Committee Chair for private and subsidiary

company remuneration committees.

Commenting on the appointment, Cathy Lewis said: “I am delighted to be joining Skipton Business Finance at this

exciting time and look forward to working with Chief Executive Greg Bell and the whole team.”

Gwyn Burr, Skipton Group Chair, said:

“I am pleased to welcome Cathy Lewis as the new Chair of Skipton Business Finance. Cathy’s impressive career,

spanning executive roles across financial services, retail and the civil service, combined with her deep expertise in

people and operational leadership, makes her an outstanding addition to the business.

“Her knowledge and leadership will be instrumental in strengthening Skipton Business Finance as we continue to help

UK SMEs achieve their ambitions, whilst also being a valuable asset to the wider Skipton Group.”

Cathy Lewis will join Skipton Business Finance on the 1 January 2026.

About Skipton Business Finance:

Skipton Business Finance has been supporting UK SMEs for over 20 years by providing tailored working capital

solutions that enable ambitious growth. Their services empower businesses to take the next step in their journey—

whether it’s a start-up seeking a cashflow boost or an established company planning an acquisition. SBF offers a

range of facilities, from credit-managed options for owner-managers to confidential turnkey solutions, ensuring

flexibility to meet diverse business needs.

As part of the Skipton Group, SBF shares a commitment to building strong relationships with customers and

communities. The company prides itself on exceptional client care and keeps customer needs at the heart of every

decision, reflecting its mission to help businesses thrive.

Photo: Cathy Lewis

ENDS

Journalists - For further information on this release, or if you would like any insight and data on house prices,

mortgages and savings from across the Skipton Group or commentary and case studies please contact:

Rebecca Willey

Senior Corporate Communications Manager

To contact the Press Office please call 0345 601 7247

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Notes to editors:

Skipton Group is led by Skipton Building Society and is built on two core foundations: homes and money. The Skipton

Group consists of a diversified portfolio, Skipton Building Society (Home Finance and Money businesses), Connells

Group (Estate Agency and Property Services), Skipton Business Finance, Skipton International (our bank in the Channel

Islands), and Jade Software (database and AI company).

With the building society and Connells Group at the heart of the core business, Skipton Building Society has over 1

million members and 82 branches. Connells Group has over 1,200 estate agency branches and is the UK's largest estate

agency and property services provider. Skipton Group employs around 18,000 colleagues.