Driving Success: A Q&A with Peter Brook

Q: Can you tell us about your background and how you got into the finance industry?

Cars have always been a passion of mine. that’s really where it all started.

I entered the motor trade at 17, quickly developing a strong understanding of both vehicles and the people buying them. Rather than taking the academic route, I focused on gaining hands-on experience early, which gave me a solid foundation in the industry.

I moved into sales at Ford in Leeds, before progressing through Volkswagen Audi and then spending a decade at Harrogate BMW, where I went on to run a dealership. That period was instrumental in shaping my approach, particularly around structured sales processes, customer qualification and delivering a premium experience.

Building on that experience, I founded Lawton Brook, initially trading dealer-to-dealer before expanding into retail of specialist vehicles. Oracle Car Finance was born in 2006 because we couldn’t find a funder that fully understood the prestige car market, so we created one ourselves.

Q: What truly sets Oracle Car Finance apart?

We’re not transactional, we share our expert knowledge and build long-term relationships.

Everything starts with understanding the customer properly. Finance isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we take the time to explain the nuances and ensure every solution is tailored to the individual.

It’s that combination of strong relationships, deep understanding of vehicle values, and access to a wide panel of lenders that allows us to structure the most efficient finance agreements, from initial enquiry through to the end of the term. Just as importantly, we focus on education. We want our customers to fully understand what they’re committing to, so they can make confident decisions not just now, but in the future.

We also invest heavily in our people. The right training, mindset and foundations are essential to consistently delivering the level of service our customers expect.

Q: What are the biggest challenges facing car brokers today, and how is Oracle Car Finance addressing them?

One of the biggest challenges in the industry is recruiting and developing the right people.

This isn’t a transactional business, you need individuals who can communicate effectively, understand customers properly, and genuinely want to help. At Oracle Car Finance, we’ve built our model around that. We invest heavily in learning and development, including external training, to ensure our team operates at a consistently high standard.

Our people either come into the business with strong academic foundations or with solid experience in the motor industry. That combination allows us to maintain a level of professionalism and expertise that sets us apart. We’re the antithesis of a call centre environment. Every interaction is personal, considered and focused on delivering the right outcome for the customer.

That approach is reflected in the feedback we receive, over 3,000 five-star Trustpilot reviews and multiple Car Finance Industry Awards.

Q: What do you look for when building new customer relationships?

Understanding is key. No two customers are the same, so we take the time to fully understand their circumstances before recommending anything. It’s not just about what works today, but what will continue to work for them over time. That’s why you will not find an online calculator on our website. Car finance isn’t a commodity, it requires context, structure and experience to get right.

Q: Where do you see the car finance market heading in the next few years?

AI will play a significant role. We’ll see more data, greater automation, and increasingly connected systems across the industry. However, as technology advances, I believe human interaction will become even more valuable.

There’s a place for AI, but it should enhance the customer experience, not replace it. Too often, businesses invest heavily in automated responses without offering customers access to knowledgeable people, which can ultimately create frustration rather than efficiency.

What customers really want is clarity, trust and expert guidance. That’s where we’ll continue to focus, combining the benefits of technology with a genuinely personal service that goes beyond expectations.

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to finance their next car?

Don’t focus solely on the lowest monthly payment or APR (Annual Percentage Rate), look at the full picture.

A lower monthly figure can often mean a longer term, higher total cost, or a large outstanding balance at the end of the agreement. What matters is how the finance is structured and whether it suits your circumstances both now and in the future.

At Oracle Car Finance, we focus on ensuring you’re in a strong position at the end of the agreement, not just at the start. That means considering future value, flexibility and how the finance aligns with your plans.

There’s far more to car finance than just the headline numbers. Structure, exit position, and long-term suitability are key. Saving a small amount each month can ultimately cost significantly more if the product isn’t right.

With over 20+ years of experience and a team of nearly 50 account managers, we help customers navigate those decisions properly. We also work closely with Lawton Brook, so we can support with sourcing the right vehicle too.

Q: What was your first car?

An Alfa Romeo 1600 GT Junior.

I bought it for £100 back in 1982. It was far from perfect at the time, I had to weld the arches, sort out the twin Weber carburettors, and give it a full respray, but it turned into a great car.

Running it certainly wasn’t cheap and cost me a small fortune, but it was worth it. Today, they’re valued at over £40,000!

Q: What is your dream car?

A Ferrari 246 GTS Dino.

It’s an iconic car, named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari and widely regarded as one of the most beautifully balanced Ferraris ever produced. The GTS version, with its removable targa roof, slightly wider arches, and distinctive proportions, gives it a real presence on the road.

For me, it’s always stood out, not just for its design, but for what it represents. It gained huge popularity through The Persuaders, with Roger Moore and Tony Curtis driving one and anyone who remembers that era will understand just how desirable it became.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

At Oracle Car Finance, our focus has always been the same, building long-term relationships, delivering expert guidance, and putting the customer first. Finance isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it never should be. Whether you’re exploring your next vehicle or simply want clarity on your options, our team is here to help.

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