JCB Finance long server Paul Jennings has been recognised for his contribution to UK Asset Finance at a ceremony with finance industry leaders in London. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Paul by Asset Finance Connect, paying tribute to his contribution to professional education in the industry and to his work in the development of service-based contracts.
Paul retires this summer from JCB Finance Ltd, the captive lender for digger giant JCB, after over 20 years of leadership and successive growth at the firm he joined in 1979. Over this time he has navigated JCB Finance through recession, financial crisis and global pandemics and is much respected by his team, key figures in the industries they serve and the asset finance community.
When asked about the highlight of his career Paul says,
“To pick one or two career highlights is difficult, the JCB Finance team have had so many but I’d probably sum up my personal experience by paying tribute to the enjoyment I’ve had working with so many inspirational people over the years – including some who are sadly, no longer with us. I would rate this source of job satisfaction higher than any individual achievement or collection of financial deals.”
During his 10 years as Managing Director, Paul has been involved in the development of many young people within the business, which he relates to his own opportunity to develop when he was given a chance to take part in the JCB Business Leadership Programme in 2003.
Paul has also served as a Board Director at The Finance & Leasing Association and has contributed towards the development of professional qualifications at the London Institute of Banking and Finance. In recognition of his services, the London Institute of Banking & Finance has recently elected him as a Fellow of their institution.
Earlier this year Paul was appointed as a Visiting Professor to Aston University’s Social Sciences and Business School which he intends to put to good use by sharing his experience to aid the UK’s pursuit of Net Zero. Paul’s ambition for this appointment is to devise and promote innovative finance contracts, particularly in relation to de-carbonising mobile and static machinery, which Paul says, “ the adoption of Green Hydrogen as a fuel will be top of the agenda.”.
Attending the award ceremony was JCB Finance’s new Managing Director, Jon Hall,
“It is fantastic to see Paul receive this recognition; he has been a great ambassador of the Asset Finance Industry over many years and his work has resulted in better outcomes for customers and suppliers alike and he has been instrumental in the development of many careers.”
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