Who Is First Response Finance Ltd?
First Response Finance Ltd is a trusted UK provider of non-prime vehicle finance, specialising in Hire Purchase (HP) agreements for used cars, motorbikes, vans, and personal loans. Founded on 8 May 1998, the company has grown into a customer-focused finance partner, offering support to individuals with varying credit histories, even those rebuilding their credit.
Headquartered in Chilwell, Nottingham, First Response Finance also operates from offices in Leigh and Glasgow, serving customers across the UK with a reputation for fast decisions, flexible repayment terms, and excellent customer service.
The company offers a soft credit search feature that won’t affect the applicant’s credit score, an easy quote process, and dedicated departments for deal making, account servicing, and privacy-related queries.
First Response Finance has helped over 200,000 customers, is rated 4.9/5 on Feefo and Review Centre, and is often recognised as one of the top UK motor finance lenders.
Their slogan, “Vehicle finance, made simple!”, reflects a commitment to hassle-free, transparent financing solutions built on real-world understanding and ethical lending practices.
Who Leads First Response Finance Ltd?
First Response Finance Ltd is guided by a dynamic, multi-national leadership team with deep expertise in finance, risk, and customer service.
Their directors bring decades of industry experience and international insight, working together to ensure strategic growth and customer-first operations.
| Name | Role | Date of Birth | Appointed On | Nationality | Occupation |
| Jason Kevin Britton | Director | September 1971 | 1 April 2017 | British | Finance Director |
| Donald James Brough | Director | November 1962 | 15 January 2003 | British | Business Manager |
| Jonathan Pollard | Director | November 1972 | 22 May 2007 | British | Business Director |
| Caerie Sanders | Director | August 1979 | 24 May 2018 | South African/British | Business Manager |
| Shintaro Shimizu | Director | November 1971 | 1 April 2023 | Japanese | Business Manager |
| Tsunehiko Murai | Director | January 1967 | 4 April 2025 | Japanese | Business Manager |
| Toshiaki Takeuchi | Director | November 1969 | 2 May 2025 | Japanese | Business Manager |
| Lisa Dudley | Company Secretary | — | 1 April 2022 | — | — |
This leadership team blends UK financial expertise with international business acumen, fostering innovation, compliance, and long-term customer value.
What Are the Company Details of First Response Finance Ltd?
First Response Finance Ltd is a Private Limited Company registered in England and Wales under Company Number 03560611. Originally incorporated as Hardy Ways Limited in 1998, the business was renamed First Response Finance Ltd later that year.
First Response Finance Ltd Overview
| Field | Details |
| Company Name | First Response Finance Ltd |
| Company Number | 03560611 |
| Company Type | Private Limited Company |
| Registered Office | 5 Regan Way, Chetwynd Business Park, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 6RZ |
| Date of Incorporation | 8 May 1998 |
| SIC Code | 64921 – Credit granting by non-deposit taking finance houses |
| Company Status | Active |
| Last Accounts Made Up To | 31 March 2024 |
| Next Accounts Due By | 31 December 2025 |
| Confirmation Statement Last Filed | 2 May 2025 |
| Next Confirmation Statement Due | 16 May 2026 |
| Previous Company Name | Hardy Ways Limited (until 23 November 1998) |
Fully authorised and compliant, the company operates with transparency and financial integrity.
What Services and Features Does First Response Finance Ltd Offer?
First Response Finance Ltd delivers a tailored range of vehicle and personal finance products, helping UK consumers finance their transportation needs with clarity, fairness, and minimal hassle.
Product Portfolio
| Service Type | Details |
| Car Finance | For used cars of all sizes—ideal for first-time buyers, families, or upgrades |
| Van Finance | Covers most makes and models available across UK dealers |
| Motorbike Finance | Offered since 2004—one of the UK’s longest-running providers |
| Personal Loans | Direct-to-bank loans with simple approval and no vehicle tie-in |
Key Features
- Soft Search: No impact on your credit file during the quote process
- Fast Online Decisions: Apply and get approved quickly with minimal paperwork
- No Pressure to Proceed: Receive a quote without obligation
- Flexible Terms: Options tailored to income and budgeting needs
- Sub-Prime Focus: Designed for customers rebuilding or without a strong credit history
- Dealer Network: Collaborates with thousands of trusted UK dealerships
First Response Finance’s Hire Purchase (HP) model allows customers to finance their vehicle over a fixed term, owning it outright after the final payment.
What Drives First Response Finance Ltd?
First Response Finance exists to offer fair, accessible, and responsible finance solutions that empower individuals, regardless of their credit background, to access the vehicles they need for work, family, and life.
Core Principles:
- Customer-Centricity: Every decision, from underwriting to product design, starts with the customer in mind.
- Responsible Lending: Finance is only approved when it’s affordable and manageable for the customer.
- Transparency: No hidden fees, misleading terms, or aggressive sales tactics.
- Team Empowerment: Staff are trained and trusted to deliver outstanding service.
- Ethics First: The company avoids risky lending practices and encourages financial literacy.
Their commitment to real-world understanding makes First Response Finance a standout choice in a competitive market.
What Are Customers Saying About First Response Finance Ltd?
With a Feefo rating of 4.9 out of 5 from over 2,600 verified reviews, First Response Finance Ltd stands out as a trusted choice for many. Customers often highlight the company’s speed, flexibility, and supportive approach, particularly when dealing with poor credit or financial challenges.
Highlights from real customer reviews:
- “Very helpful – would recommend to everyone, five stars.” – Garry Horne
- “Amazing—got finance even with a poor credit score. Life-changing service.” – Daksha
- “Quick and easy, no hassle. Really understanding team.” – Peter Saunders
Overall, the feedback shows that First Response Finance is more than just a lender, it’s a partner that offers understanding, reassurance, and real support.
With over 200,000 customers served and a 98% recommendation rate, it’s clear why so many continue to trust them.
How Can Customers Contact First Response Finance Ltd?
First Response Finance offers dedicated contact routes for general enquiries, specific departments, and complaints—ensuring fast, efficient support for all customer needs.
Office Address: 5 Regan Way, Chetwynd Business Park,
Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 6RZ
Key Contact Information:
| Department | Phone | |
| General Enquiries | 0115 946 6368 | — |
| Complaints | 0115 946 6368 | complaints@frfl.co.uk |
| Privacy (Operational Risk) | 0115 946 6368 | Contact the Data Protection Officer |
| Deal Making | 0141 848 8933 | dealmaking@frfl.co.uk |
| Account Management | 01942 686 686 | customer.services@frfl.co.uk |
For availability and working hours, customers are advised to refer to the official website.
Why Should You Choose First Response Finance Ltd?
First Response Finance Ltd has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most customer-focused vehicle finance providers. Their approach is inclusive and transparent, giving opportunities to people with both strong and poor credit scores to access affordable vehicle finance.
A key advantage is their soft search eligibility check, which allows applicants to explore options without affecting their credit score. With a trusted customer base of over 200,000 across the UK, they are especially valued for supporting those who may have been declined by mainstream lenders.
The company offers flexible repayment terms, a simple online application process, and quick payouts to dealerships, making car ownership faster and stress-free. Combined with their ethical lending practices and award-winning service, it’s clear why 98% of customers recommend them.
