Meet The Team: A Q&A With Simon Roberts

Quick Fire Questions

If you could drive any car tomorrow, what would it be?

“A Range Rover. I’ve got a family and it does everything brilliantly. It’s practical, comfortable and still feels special every time you get behind the wheel. I’d also have an Audi RS6 in the dream garage, they’re fantastic cars.”

And for weekends?

“Something a little more exciting. Maybe a Ferrari SF90.

Manual or automatic?

“Automatic. Once you’ve had one, it’s difficult to go back.”

Petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric?

“My heart says petrol because nothing beats the sound of a great engine. My head says electric, and that’s what I drive today.”

Have you always been interested in cars?

“I’ve grown up around them. My father ran service departments in dealerships, so I’ve always been around the motor trade. I appreciate cars for how they look, how they sound and the experience they provide. I’ve always enjoyed being around them and following the industry.”

What was your first car?

“A Ford Escort that I inherited from my older brother. I remember it well because I unfortunately wrote it off not long after getting it. It was red, although it had a white bonnet following a previous repair, which certainly made it memorable.”

What are you most proud of during your time at Oracle Car Finance?

“Watching people develop their careers.”

Tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Oracle Car Finance.

“I’ve always worked in a regulated environment. I spent many years with Aviva, running contact centres before moving into conveyancing and managing a white-label sales operation that worked with estate agents. When that business relocated, I moved to Yorkshire. The original plan was to stay for six months yet 16 years later, I’m still here!

At the time, I was travelling extensively and had a young family, so the opportunity to work closer to home was appealing. Oracle Car Finance was already a well-known and respected brand in the industry, and from my first interactions with the business, I could see there was something special about it. The energy, ambition and culture stood out immediately.

I joined as Head of Sales North and have since progressed to Head of Sales. During that time, I’ve had the privilege of helping grow the business significantly. When I joined we had a much smaller sales team; today, we have more than 50 Account Managers across multiple locations.”

What’s something people might not know about you?

“My daughter represents Team GB in Water skiing, which isn’t a sport many people expect to hear about!

This year she’ll be competing at the European Championships in Greece, and we’re incredibly proud of what she’s achieved.

The dedication involved is remarkable. Winter training often means breaking ice before getting into freezing water, while balancing school, travel and competitions. Seeing the hard work and discipline she puts in every day is inspiring.”

How would you describe the company culture at Oracle Car Finance?

“Company culture is something I talk about a lot when interviewing new Account Managers because it’s one of the things that makes Oracle Car Finance such a great place to work.

We have an extremely supportive culture here. Many of our people have progressed through the business themselves, so they understand exactly what it’s like to be new and the challenges that come with learning the role.

Success here is built on collaboration rather than competition. People are always willing to share knowledge, offer support and help colleagues succeed.”

Tell us about the Mentor Scheme.

“We introduced our Mentor Scheme a few years ago to give new Account Managers direct access to experienced colleagues who can provide guidance and support as they develop in the role.

Every customer situation is different, so experience and support are invaluable when building confidence and expertise. The scheme gives newer team members someone they can turn to for advice.

What’s important is that mentors don’t simply provide answers. We encourage them to help people develop their own problem-solving skills and confidence, creating a culture of continuous learning and development.”

What do you think most customers misunderstand about car finance?

“The biggest misconception is that they only have one option. Many customers are presented with a finance agreement by a dealership and assume it’s either their only choice or the best option available when in reality, that’s rarely the case. People will often compare multiple insurance quotes or use a mortgage broker when buying a house, yet so many don’t apply the same approach to car finance.

Speaking to a broker gives customers access to a wider range of lenders and products, helping them find a solution that better suits their circumstances, budget and long-term goals. The key message is simple: always explore your options.”

What’s one mistake people make when financing a car?

“Too many people focus solely on the interest rate. While APR is important, it’s only one part of the overall picture. Factors such as the deposit, monthly payment structure and final balloon payment can often have a greater impact on affordability.

People don’t lose sleep over APRs, they think about their monthly outgoings. That’s why it’s important to look at the complete finance package rather than focusing on a single headline figure. A good broker will help customers understand all of those factors and ensure they’re choosing a product that genuinely meets their needs, both now and in the future.”

What sets Oracle Car Finance apart from other brokers?

“Our Account Managers take the time to understand each customer’s circumstances and guide them through the process with expert advice and support. We focus on building relationships, not simply processing applications. That personal approach, combined with access to a wide panel of lenders, is what makes Oracle Car Finance different and why so many customers return to us and recommend us to others.”

Have you anything to say to people looking for car finance?

“I’d encourage customers to understand the value of independent advice. Our service is completely free, and we do all the hard work on behalf of our customers. We compare lenders, present multiple options and help people understand exactly what’s available to them.”

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