Beyond The Capital from SuperTech

In this series of Beyond The Capital from SuperTech, we're exploring the power of partnerships. Birmingham-based Fastcheck was set up by Amar Rana who was frustrated by the complicated nature of obtaining car finance. In this episode, Hilary speaks to Amar about:

• How a pain point for customers helped spark the idea for Fastcheck
• How a cold approach through LinkedIn was pivotal for the company
• How partnerships have helped Fastcheck scale and connect with key partners
• Plans for the next year, including scaling in the auto sector and expansion in other sectors

To find out more about Fastcheck click here.

To find out more about SuperTech WM click here.

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In this series of Beyond The Capital, we’re exploring the power of partnerships.

Shame is a huge barrier to tackling problem debt. But the first thing anyone in debt is required to do is complete an income and expenditure form. To help those complete this form who can’t face speaking to a real person, a Midlands-based business has come up with a solution: an AI assistant to help with affordability assessments.

In this episode, Hilary speaks with Rachel Curtis, CEO and co-founder of Inicio AI. They discuss:

• How the business started when the founder realised the need for a non-judgmental space for consumers to seek help with their debts.
• Inicio AI’s partnerships with benefits checkers, open banking partners, debt advice companies, and cybersecurity providers.
• The benefits of accelerator programs.
• How Inicio AI aims to scale its operations and expand into new use cases beyond debt management.

Please note, that this episode briefly mentions suicide.

To find out more about Incio AI click here.

To find out more about SuperTech WM click here.

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In this series, we’re exploring the power of partnerships.

A fintech that’s focused on credit unions and community banks says its whole business model is formed on partnerships. Incuto's ethos is tech for good. It helps enable people to access financial services that don’t always have traditional routes available to them.

In this episode, Hilary speaks to Lauren Langton, Head of Advocacy at Incuto. They discuss:

• Incuto allows credit union members to join and apply for loans online.
• Partnerships with companies like TransUnion and ClearBank help Incuto expand its offering and reach more customers
• The significant need for their services, with millions in the UK being turned down for loans by traditional banks.

To learn more about SuperTech WM click here.

To learn more about Incuto click here.

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In a brand new series of Beyond the Capital from SuperTech, we're exploring the power of partnerships.

In the first episode, Hilary Smyth-Allen speaks to Indy Johal, COO and interim CEO of Advance Credit Union, to discuss how credit unions work and their role in building a more inclusive financial services sector. They also talk about the level of need for financial inclusion in Birmingham and the West Midlands, and the importance of partnerships in delivering on that need. Indy shares his vision for the future of Advance Credit Union and the credit union industry as a whole.

They discuss:

• Credit unions are member-led organisations that provide lower interest rates and cater to vulnerable members of society.
• There is a high demand for financial inclusion in the region.
• Partnerships with community leaders, MPs, and event organisers are crucial for raising awareness and reaching out to members of the community.
• Technology plays a key role in improving the services and reach of credit unions.
• The credit union industry as a whole needs more recognition and support to be seen as a viable alternative to traditional banks.

To find out more about Advance Credit Union click here.

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Welcome to our special mini-series of Beyond The Capital recorded at Birmingham Tech Week 2024.

In this episode, Hilary Smyth-Allen finds out about the evolving landscape of the UK's fintech sector following the recent election of a Labour government. She spoke to Adam Jackson, Chief Strategy Officer at Innovate Finance. They discuss:

• How the new government’s current approach to fintech is characterised by continuity rather than seismic shifts
• The role of fintech in regional development
• The opportunities and challenges ahead
• How fintech is a priority sector under the government’s industrial strategy
• How smart data and open finance are key areas for future development

Beyond The Capital is the podcast series that explores the professional services technology scene outside of London, brought to you by SuperTech. To find out more about SuperTech, click here.

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