Russell Martin is Chairman of ARMCo, a group of property and financial services businesses.
Russell is a well-known personality in the industry and is passionate about strong leadership and working with fellow entrepreneurs who all share the same goal of delivering excellent client service and sharing in mutual success.
- Tell us a little bit about your business…
ARMCo is a fairly new entity, having been established on 15 March 2021, with our roots dating back to 2006. ARMCo is a group of nine businesses that all provide complementary services and have been brought together to offer clients a holistic service. The group’s services cover a realm of property and finance solutions, all under one roof. ARMCo is a truly unique offering. We believe there is no other business like ours in the UK.
Our offering across the group includes specialist lending, property broking, cash flow financing, business loans, corporate support, land procurement and development, and insurance services. We advise property developers and investors, SMEs, large corporates, elite sports people and HNWIs. We can do so much for clients across each of our businesses, including financial solutions, tax savings, R&D relief, corporate support, land procurement, development advice and even sales and marketing of new homes.
- How did you get into the industry?
I started life within the graduate scheme of Lloyds Bank, making an instantaneous impact. I exceeded all targets, being promoted on a number of occasions but became frustrated at the lack of flexibility and governance. I then set up Finance 4 Business back in 2006 and this is now one of the ARMCo group’s companies. I felt that broking was the new banking and continue to believe that today.
Over the years I developed interests in other businesses which complemented our services – and the rest is history!
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
The biggest opportunity for us at the moment is around our new group and the potential benefits it can bring to our clients and introducers.
As an industry, many have seen challenges during the pandemic, but I am delighted to report that we have continued to grow, culminating with the launch of our group. We have even managed to successfully launch our own lender, Chordis Capital.
As a group, we will continue to evolve, adapt and grow as the industry demands – although we do like to do our own thing, rather than follow the pack.
- How would you describe your leadership style?
I am an entrepreneur by nature; I love doing business at a fast pace and working with like-minded people. I am passionate about supporting others and nurturing talent. ARMCo’s brand values are: pace, integrity, proficiency and partnership, and they embody exactly my style, and that of the group.
My main working ethos is based around developing strong relationships with people. I love what I do and having a strong team around me. I am highly driven with strong morals, punchy ambitions and strive to work with people I trust and enjoy working with.
- How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
By being respectful of people and developing them as individuals. I always trust my colleagues and empower them to do their roles, supporting and motivating them as they need it. I am massively proud of the team we have developed within the ARMCo group.
Our group has brought together nine companies and a set of around 60 people – and I have been delighted to see the collaboration and way everyone has embraced the group and their new colleagues. It’s a really strong team now and one that I enjoy working with every day.
- What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Without a doubt it’s the people – my leadership team, the people we employ and the clients and introducers that we work with. Having a great team around me and building strong relationships is something I personally really enjoy and is something that I know is the foundation for our success and will be to our future.
- How has the past 12 months been for you?
This past year has been great for us as a business – busy, challenging, but hugely successful, and personally I am massively proud of what we have achieved.
The launch of ARMCo has been my personal highlight and it’s been so rewarding to see how well the launch of the group has been received by the sector and how well we’re working collaboratively.
As a group we have had a fantastic year business wise, with transactions totalling over £1 billion.
- Is there anything you’ve learnt during the pandemic that you’ll take forward in your business?
The main thing would be the importance of being steadfast in your ambitions, and ensuring you carry on striving, whilst keeping an eye on the marketplace you’re in. I would never be afraid to push myself and my commercial objectives but won’t take huge risks.
We may need to adapt as we evolve but I am glad we pressed on and launched our group during the pandemic and we are reaping the rewards, as are our clients and introducers.
- What will the next 12 months look like for your business?
I hope, and have every confidence, that the ARMCo group will continue to go from strength to strength.
We already have more exciting news to issue soon around the expansion of our group, and who knows what else might happen. I work at a fast pace – so watch this space!
- What are the highlights of your career so far?
My proudest moment would have to be the launch of ARMCo. Seeing this strong group of businesses joining forces to create such a stellar offering is something I am thrilled to have led upon and be the Chairman of. I also wouldn’t be where I am today without having set up the multi-award winning Finance 4 Business back in 2006, and I remain involved with F4B at board level today and they are part of the ARMCo group.
- What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
As I have said before I like to work at pace – and sometimes I may make a quick decision that I perhaps should have taken more time over. Having said that, I don’t regret anything in business, and will always make the best out of a given situation. Onwards and upwards is always great advice, plus a positive attitude goes a long way.
- What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
To surround yourself with good people. This is superb advice and is something I live by every day, and it’s served me well.
