25 Years of Baker Leasing

They say time flies when you are having fun, and in this situation, it would appear to be true. Chatting with Charles Baker, Baker Leasing Managing Director for 25 years, it is clear he has lost none of his passion and enthusiasm for the industry.

• What was your original vision for Baker Leasing when you founded it 25 years ago?

To build my own IT leasing business that I could control and steer, focussed on providing the highest level of customer service and exceeding the expectations of the resellers and customers with our own funding lines.  I had seen my own Dad build a successful business from scratch which had inspired me from a young age.

• If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself 25 years ago?

Stay focussed on your own strengths and resilience. Enjoy the ride. I still see the company as not only my business but my hobby as well. I really enjoy working and doing what I do.  I like helping resellers and UK business achieve their own goals and objectives, it gives me a lot of satisfaction.

• What is the best piece of advice you received early in your career that still holds true today?

It has to be that if you’re not ten minutes early then you are late. It was taught to me in connection with attending meetings and I still stick to this rule today. My sons are also sick of hearing me tell them this as well; teenage boys’ attitudes to time keeping doesn’t always match this motto.

• What was the most significant moment for you, the “A-ha” moment?

I think 2008 was the year. After seven years of building and filling a business development manager role I truly felt we were an established, well respected brand within the industry. We had secured all of the funding lines we needed. Our industry reputation was secured the repeat business from resellers and customers said it all. Our customer service levels were the real strength and the feedback was that we consistently exceeded expectations in all areas.

• What is the proudest moment you have?

As I have mentioned to many people in the past one of my biggest inspirations was my Dad. After he retired, he asked if he could work for me part-time and he became a valuable member of the team as a natural sales person. That had to be the biggest seal of approval for me. It was great to see him in action and we worked well together.

• What habits or routines do you think contributed to your success?

We have a fantastic team that work together very efficiently. The focus is organisation and communication with daily conversations and weekly meetings. It’s all about attention to detail and accurate record keeping. In 2016 we invested in the market leading CRM solution which was customised to our specific needs and revolutionised our daily processes. The system streamlined the business and accelerated our growth.

• How would you describe your leadership style and has it changed over the years?

Firm but fair has always been my approach and that hasn’t really changed. My ethos is to work hard and stay focused on our strengths to achieve great results. I expect that from my team and the better they perform the more they are rewarded. I guess the continuity in my style means everyone knows what to expect from me and what I expect from them. On a daily basis I lead by example. I remain fully involved in the daily operations of the business. I still regularly speak to our customers, resellers and banks so I am fully involved. I enjoy finding out about their needs and helping them succeed.

• How have you balanced your own wellbeing with the intense demands of running the business?

Well life has certainly changed over the 25 years, including getting married and having our three sons. Having my family supporting me behind the scenes definitely makes a difference and spending time with them is always a priority, even though they can drive you mad sometimes they keep you grounded. I train regularly, do yoga and play golf to keep fit. My other interests include DJing and going to live music and comedy gigs. My biggest passion is supporting the mighty reds, regularly travelling to Anfield to watch Liverpool.

• How are you preparing the next generation of leaders to carry the torch forward?

Currently I have no intention to leave the business, however I have 3 teenage sons all with various interests in technology so I regularly draw from their expertise and opinions to see how they may apply to the business. For any aspiring young people thinking about starting their own business my advice would be to go for it. Even in the current economic climate the UK is still a great place to start a business and there are a lot of opportunities. If they understand their market and work hard, I believe they will make a success and am always happy to advise aspiring young entrepreneurs.

• What is the next major goal for the company?

Well in 2025 we had one of our most successful years which knocked the current industry trends, so I am very proud of where we are at now and our team. I am very optimistic about 2026 and beyond and expect to build on the growth of last year. We are an SME as are all of our customers so we understand the pressures they are under and their goals, targets and aspirations. I do consider it to have been a privilege and an honour to be a trusted member of this industry for so long and don’t take for granted the faith and trust our customers and reseller partners place in me and the my team everyday.

It is clear that Charles Baker not only values and appreciates all that has been achieved over the last 25 years but also has a goal to exceed this success further as we move through 2026 and beyond. In doing so one thing is certain – he has no intention of ever compromising on the core value of high customer service and exceeding expectations that everyone has come to know and depend on from Baker Leasing.

Feel free to put Baker Leasing to the test and contact them for any of your asset finance requirements: -      sales@bakerleasing.co.uk     01494 974 888