Meet Our Founders

Russell Lewis is one of the founding directors of Finance for Forces. He spent over 20 years in the British Army full time, serving as an officer in the Parachute Regiment. Russel has served in numerous theatres including Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. It was Afghanistan that proved to be his crucible leadership experience. As a Company Commander with responsibility for over 200 men, he was awarded the Military Cross for his leadership and gallantry under fire. His detailed account of his Company’s tour is published under the title ‘Company Commander’.

Upon leaving the full-time military, Russell became a leadership and strategy consultant to both the corporate and charitable sectors. He trained large, multinational corporations in strategic development, planning, leadership and high-performance team building. He has also worked for Help for Heroes developing their staff. He was the principal leadership consultant for Durham University and worked part time at the Centre for Army Leadership, within the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, as a Military Teaching Fellow. He has an MSc in Leadership and Management from Portsmouth Business School.

Russell was a board director for the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) and recently finished as Chief of Staff at Ashford and St Peters NHS hospitals trust. He is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army Reserves and the next Commanding Officer of the London Guards. 

Paul brings over 34 years of experience in accountancy practice and various industry roles, demonstrating a deep understanding of the SME market. Known for his commitment to independence, objectivity, and integrity, Paul specialises in developing bespoke commercial finance solutions tailored to diverse corporate sectors.

Paul served as Chair of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) for 10 years, playing a pivotal role in advocating for industry standards and representing the largest independent, non-profit trade body in commercial finance. Furthermore, he held a position on the Government's Business Finance Council, further underscoring his influence and expertise in the field.

Paul recognised Finance for Forces as a significant opportunity to extend his expertise in a vital sector and is eager to bring his in-depth knowledge of the SME market to military personnel and veterans in securing commercial finance to achieve their business ambitions.