Key information:

Location: West Midlands, UK.
Time commitment: c2 days per month.
£remunerated: Stipend + reasonable expenses.
Closing date: 21st September 2025.

ART Business Loans is a pioneering CDFI (Community Development Finance Institution), owned by its members – both borrowers and investors. The independent non-profit was established in 1997 with the founding mission ‘to help alleviate poverty through enterprise’. They provide loans to viable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the West Midlands and neighbouring areas who are unable to raise finance from mainstream banks, helping create and preserve jobs.

The organisation’s investors are philanthropic companies and individuals interested primarily in social, rather than financial return. From 2014 to 2024, ART lent £25.6 million, supporting 650 businesses and creating/safeguarding 4,640 jobs.

ART is currently seeking a new Chair to succeed the incumbent, whose term concludes in 2026. This is an exciting and challenging time for the organisation, as they aim to increase their scale and impact. The role will allow the successful candidate to play a key part in supporting the growth and transformation of SMEs across the West Midlands.

On behalf of ART, we are looking for a Chair with strong commercial instincts and a solid understanding of lending principles. The health of ART's loan book is essential for their long-term success. As with any lending organisation, balancing sales and credit risk is key, and the Chair will be responsible for fostering consensus and navigating that balance.

We’re seeking candidates with the following attributes:

● Strong financial knowledge and a proven history of contributing to business strategy.

● An excellent regional network to help raise ART's profile.

● Expertise in marketing or digital fields, including SEO and web analytics.

● Experience in scaling up and driving business growth.

● A proven track record as a Chair or Non-Executive Director.

The ideal candidate is a team player who’s comfortable with business strategy. You’ll hold the executive team accountable while offering a balance of support and scrutiny. As with the other Directors, you will take decisions objectively in the interests of ART.

This position offers a small stipend, and reasonable expenses will be covered.

For further details and to apply, please contact Vanessa Moon or Simon Quinn via recruit@moonexecsearch.com quoting the applicable reference number: MC2617