United Kingdom 
South Africa 
At Capitalise, we’re committed to more than just improving business credit scores and providing access to funding. We believe in the power of people, those who make up our team and the partners we work with every day. One of the best ways to understand who we are is to meet the individuals who help bring our mission to life.
Today, we’re catching up with Toby, our Senior Partnership Manager, who’s been part of the Capitalise journey for over four great years. From building strong relationships with accountants, to helping business owners secure the funding they need, Toby is a vital part of the team. Here’s what he had to say about his role, his day-to-day, and what keeps him motivated.
Meet Toby Ishmael, Senior Partnership Manager
What is your role at Capitalise?
I first joined Capitalise through the Graduate Scheme. I spent six months on the Funding Desk supporting the Funding Specialists and working directly with clients on funding enquiries. That experience gave me a solid foundation to understand the journey businesses looking for finance go through, and the key challenges they face.
Four years forward, and today, I’m a Senior Partnerships Manager in our Partnerships Team. I manage a portfolio of around 60 accountancy firms across the UK - from Top 20 firms to smaller local practices.
My role is all about enabling these firms to better support their small business clients through Capitalise’s tools and insights, helping improve their clients’ financial health and access to funding.
What does your typical day look like?
This is a difficult one to answer as no two days are the same - and that’s exactly what I love about the role! One day, I might be running training sessions or workshops with a firm’s team in Manchester; the next, I could be attending industry events in London, meeting business owners in Leeds to discuss funding opportunities, or delivering insights around business credit scores. I also dedicate time to mentoring and supporting team members internally.
Since January, I’ve spent a lot of time on the road visiting firms across the country. It’s been great to connect face-to-face and see firsthand the impact we’re having. It adds a real human element to what we do.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
First, the opportunity to have a tangible impact helping small business owners. I’ve been fortunate enough to have helped some incredible businesses over what’s not been an easy 4-5 years for small businesses. Helping them achieve their goals through this period is probably the most rewarding part of the job.
Second, the people. We have a fantastic team at Capitalise with a collaborative, supportive culture. Many of my colleagues today are the same people I started with, and it’s a pleasure to get to work and grow alongside people I now consider friends.
Equally, I love working with our accounting partners - visiting their offices, understanding how they work, and helping them enhance the support they offer their clients. And it’s a nice treat to squeeze in lunch together!
Where are you planning your next holiday?
I’ve been planning a trip to Florida for a while, but I temporarily shelved that for a quick trip to Madrid. I just visited there in April to watch Arsenal take on Real Madrid - which was a brilliant experience!
Do you have a favourite music artist, song or album?
I’m a huge music fan. You’ll rarely see me without at least one AirPod in. My music tastes tend to change pretty often, but right now I’m listening to a lot of Stevie Wonder. I’ve got tickets to see him live in July, so I’m getting in the mood early!
Do you have any book, movie, or theatre recommendations?
My favourite film is Ferris Bueller’s day off. The quote, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” really resonates with me. I’d definitely recommend it for the laughs, the soundtrack, and the reminder to appreciate the little things.
Want to know more about how we work with accountants and their small business clients - or just fancy a chat about films, music, or football? Connect with Toby on LinkedIn and be part of the Capitalise story.
