Funding with Personality: Craig Talks with Emma Ross on Building Trust, Telling the Right Story, and Standing Out in Finance

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray is joined by the dynamic Emma Ross, founder of Ross Commercial Finance. Known for her no-nonsense approach, distinctive personality, and deep lender relationships, Emma is quickly becoming one of the most trusted names in UK commercial finance.

From her early days winning credit card competitions at the bank, to launching her own brokerage and turning it into a profitable, growing business in under a year, Emma’s journey is all about drive, clarity, and backing yourself.

She shares her experiences navigating male-dominated spaces, building a business on trust and service, and why helping her clients tell the right story is key to unlocking funding.

 

Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Why commercial finance is all about storytelling – and getting the detail right
✅ How Emma went from bank employee to award-winning broker
✅ What it really takes to go from a six-figure salary to launching your own business
✅ The power of personal brand – and doing things your own way
✅ What lenders are actually looking for (and how to give it to them)
✅ How Ross Commercial Finance supports the local community beyond business

 

Key Takeaways:

✅ Success isn’t just about the numbers – it’s about how you present the numbers
✅ Leaving security behind to build something of your own takes courage – and clarity
✅ Building strong relationships with lenders is as valuable as knowing the products
✅ Profitability isn’t accidental – it comes from strategy, structure, and support

 

Memorable Quotes:

📢 “If you give me a one-liner saying, ‘I flipped a property before,’ how am I supposed to sell that to a lender? But if you tell me what you paid, what you spent, the before and after photos – now we’re building the picture.”
📢 “I knew how much passion and drive I was giving to them. If I could give that to something that wasn’t mine – what could I give to something that was?”
📢 “For my mental health, I would have gone back to a £34K job – that’s how important clarity and peace of mind became.”
📢 “I know it’s not healthy – but I’ve built something I believe in, and I’m all in on it.”

 

Timestamps:

00:43 Meet Emma Ross: A Unique Journey in Finance

03:00 Early Career and Determination

07:12 Transition to Banking and Commercial Finance

09:33 Becoming a Broker: Challenges and Successes

12:59 Starting Ross Commercial Finance

17:46 Community Involvement and Personal Insights

19:39 Work-Life Balance and Team Building

21:19 Future Plans

 

Resources Mentioned:

📌 Ross Commercial Finance – Learn more about Emma’s brokerage and services
📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Discover how Craig helps business owners take control of their finances
📌 EKFC / She Can Football Club – Learn more about the community organisations Emma and her team support