Leonard Curtis has secured a £15 million refinancing and growth facility for Charles Trent Limited, providing increased working capital and long-term headroom to support continued expansion, investment in innovation and the scaling of its circular-economy operations.
Charles Trent has been at the forefront of automotive recycling for 100 years. It is the UK’s largest family-owned vehicle recycler and salvage business, with processing capability of up to 52,000 vehicles per annum and is a recognised leader in the automotive circular economy.
The business operates from two principal sites in Poole, Dorset, purpose-built to support high-volume, low-waste vehicle dismantling. ESG considerations are embedded throughout the operation, from building design to production processes and machinery.
Solar panels generate on-site renewable energy across its 100,000 sq ft facility, while its newest production building has been independently assessed as delivering materially improved carbon efficiency compared with standard industrial benchmarks, setting a new standard within the UK sector.
Charles Trent is also the first UK dismantler to provide verified CO₂ saving certificates across all sales channels, allowing customers to clearly quantify the environmental benefit of reused automotive components.
The business’ consistent focus on operational innovation has attracted strong interest from lenders and investors, particularly its lean, repeatable processing model, which is designed to be scalable across multiple locations. Investment in technology, sustainability and production capability remains central to the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Led by CEO Marc Trent, the business undertook a strategic review of its banking arrangements to ensure its funding structure aligned with its growth ambitions. While the previous lender had supported the business over many years, the priority was to secure a partner with the appetite and understanding to support the next phase of expansion.
The transaction completed a full refinance of the incumbent lender, with challenger business bank Allica Bank providing a three-year revolving credit facility of approximately £15 million. The deal was led by Dave Rushton, Regional Lead at Allica Growth Finance.
Marc Trent, CEO of Charles Trent Limited, commented:
“This funding marks an important moment for Charles Trent. As we move into our 100th year, we’re proving that a family-owned business can lead the way in scale, sustainability and innovation."
“The investment gives us the headroom to accelerate growth, back our people, and continue building world-class circular-economy infrastructure. What matters most to me is working with funding partners who understand not just where we’ve come from, but where we’re going. Allica and Leonard Curtis clearly get that, and this facility puts us in a strong position for the next phase of our journey.”
Dave Rushton, Regional Growth Finance Lead at Allica Bank, added:
“Charles Trent is a strong example of a long-established business that has successfully evolved through sustained investment, innovation and operational discipline. Marc and the management team have a clear strategy for growth, underpinned by scalable infrastructure and a credible ESG proposition."
"We’re pleased to support the business with flexible funding that enables continued investment, while maintaining the stability needed to deliver its long-term plans.”
Mike Dinnell of Leonard Curtis provided debt advisory support. Commenting on the transaction, he said:
“We’re pleased to have supported the refinancing and secured growth capital for the business. Significant investment has been made in production facilities, technology and innovation, delivering benefits not only to Charles Trent but across the wider automotive supply chain."
"The business has the capability to drive meaningful change in the UK and European automotive circular economy, and we look forward to working alongside Allica Bank as those plans are delivered.”
The management team comprises Marc Trent, Neil Trent, Alison Hopkins, Martin Scott and James Bawa, who will lead the business through its next phase of growth.
Tim Stone, Craig Hardman and Martin Logan of Steele Raymond advised Charles Trent Limited, while Edward Sundeland, Partner at Pinsent Masons, advised Allica Bank.
