Introducing Ask Honest John – Straight-Talking Finance Advice
Things you never thought you’d see in your lifetime – number one: John Laycock, confessed Luddite, embracing modern technology.
Well, believe it! I’m here and I’d like to introduce you to my alter ego… Honest John.
In my infinite wisdom (or madness), I’ve decided it’s time to share the lessons I’ve learned over a 45-year career in finance. I’ve seen it all from my early days as a tea boy in mainstream banking to branch management, credit bureau work, and business banking. Then, after two decades in the asset-based lending world—covering invoice finance, trade and stock finance, property development finance, and litigation finance—I moved into finance broking.
Nearly 18 months ago, I joined my old friend David Griffiths at Sterling Commercial Finance, where I help businesses secure the best funding solutions. Now, I want to take it one step further.
What Is Ask Honest John?
The idea is simple. You’ve got questions about commercial finance? I’ve got honest, practical, no-nonsense answers.
Funding, loans, investments, cash flow—whatever it is, I’ll cut through the jargon and give you the straight facts. There is no fluff, no sales pitch, just solid advice from someone who’s been on both sides of the fence.
How to Get Involved
Got a finance question? Ask Honest John!
Email me at askhonestjohn@sterlingcommercialfinance.co.uk, and I’ll do my best to provide answers in a way that makes sense. Expect straight talk, a bit of humour, and insights you won’t find in a Google search.
So, let’s get started. Fire away with your questions—I’m ready!
Welcome to Ask Honest John.
