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Under the Spotlight: Gemma Oliver, Business Funding Executive
At UMi, we’re powered by people who genuinely care about helping businesses move forward with confidence. In this Spotlight, we’re catching up with Gemma Oliver, a Business Funding Executive in the UMi Get Funding team.
What is your role at UMi?
I work as a Business Funding Executive, supporting businesses at the very start of their funding journey and helping them understand what options are available to them.
Tell us about your career to date
I’ve spent more than six years at UMi, working across several areas of the organisation. Before joining UMi, I was a company director, and that experience has really shaped how I approach leadership, decision making and supporting businesses.
During my time here, I’ve worked across different stages of the funding journey, including grants, debt finance and wider funding support. I’ve assessed grant applications, managed payment operations, and now focus on helping businesses access the funding that’s most suitable for their needs.
Having worked across so many areas has given me a well‑rounded understanding of how funding works in practice. I use that experience to help businesses find the right support and move forward with confidence.
What does your current role involve?
In my current role, I manage initial funding enquiries and focus strongly on funding readiness. I take time to understand where a business is on its journey and guide founders towards the right specialist support.
I also carry out compliance checks on enquiries, making sure eligibility and governance requirements are met from the outset. Even when a business isn’t quite ready for a formal funding appointment, I always aim to leave them with a clear, practical roadmap and tailored resources to support their growth.
My goal is for every entrepreneur I work with to come away with clarity, confidence and meaningful next steps. Alongside this, I regularly attend networking events, connecting with founders, advisers and strategic partners and helping to build strong relationships across the wider funding ecosystem.
What makes UMi Get Funding different?
A lot of platforms focus purely on the transaction. UMi Get Funding does things differently. We don’t just help businesses find the right finance; we help them understand it and use it well.
By combining access to funding with tailored growth resources, we give businesses both the navigation and the fuel they need to reach their full potential. Our focus is on long‑term progress, not short‑term fixes.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I go to the gym three to four times a week, believe it or not. I also love shopping, definitely not food shopping, and relaxing with a good Netflix binge.
And finally, tell us one interesting fact about yourself
I have a big fear of climbing and ladders, yet somehow convinced myself to go zip lining on my last holiday. I’ve learned that I’m fine with heights as long as I’m flying through the air at 30 miles an hour, rather than standing still on a ladder.