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Under the Spotlight: Dave Jones, Business Funding Adviser at UMi Get Funding
At UMi, we love shining a light on the people who make it easier for businesses to do more and go further. This month, we’re getting to know Dave Jones, one of our Business Funding Advisers at UMi Get Funding.
What is your role at UMi?
I’m a Business Funding Adviser with UMi Get Funding, where we take the hard work out of securing finance for businesses. I help companies find the right type of debt finance and make sure they get the support they need to grow without the usual complexity that often comes with it.
Tell us about your career to date
My working life started in a completely different place. I spent school holidays as a labourer for my rugby coach’s civil engineering firm. While studying, I worked as a waiter and nightclub bouncer, which turned out to be a great lesson in people skills and communication.
After graduating, I joined NatWest as a Business Manager before moving to Barclays as a specialist. I later ran my own business, which gave me a real understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face. That experience eventually led me to UMi, where I first worked as a Business Growth Consultant and Project Manager before stepping into my current role in funding.
What does your current role involve?
My role is all about understanding what businesses want to achieve and helping them access the right finance to get there. The funding landscape can feel full of jargon, red tape and uncertainty. I see my job as making the process simpler, clearer and more accessible. It’s about giving businesses confidence to move forward knowing they have strong financial foundations in place.
What makes UMi Get Funding different?
UMi is different in all the right ways. We’re a B Corp and an employee‑owned business, which means our purpose goes beyond profit. We’re here to do good business, well.
With more than 120 team members, we offer both the scale and the personal touch needed to work effectively with lenders and with businesses of every size.
Right now, I’m supporting organisations that range from pre‑revenue start‑ups to established companies turning over more than £100 million. That variety keeps things interesting and highlights why a personal, values‑driven approach matters so much.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Rugby plays a huge part in my life. I’m Chair of Yarm Rugby Club, coach of the under‑10s and Head Coach of the women’s team, so most weekends you’ll find me on the pitch rather than on the sofa.
I’m also a keen long‑distance walker and I’m aiming to hit more than four million steps in 2026. When I do take time to slow down, it’s usually in the kitchen. Cooking is another passion of mine and a great way to unwind.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself
I’ve had a few moments of unexpected fame. I once ended up signing autographs for rugby fans who were convinced I’d played professionally. After a few failed attempts to explain otherwise, I decided it was easier to go along with it.