For more than two decades, Rich Olsen has been driven by one simple principle, finding the best possible solution for the client in front of him.

Today, as Managing Director of Pegasus Funding Solutions, Rich is trusted by SME owners across the UK to secure funding that genuinely works for their business, not just now, but for the long term. That approach is rooted in experience, empathy and a deep understanding of how businesses really operate.

From Insurance to SME Ownership, the Same Philosophy Applies

Rich’s career began in insurance, specialising in complex marine risk including bulk carriers, oil tankers and war insurance. The technical detail was demanding, but the principle was clear: understand the risk, understand the client, build relationships with the underwriters and negotiate the best possible terms.

That mindset has stayed with Rich, and now guides him as he works with SMEs.

As Rich puts it, “What I do now is exactly the same thing, just in a different market. I’m still finding the best terms for my clients, but now it’s SME funding rather than insurance.”

Discovering a Passion for Helping Small Businesses Thrive

In 2003, within his first five years of working with SMEs, Rich was involved in two business turnarounds. That experience sparked what he describes as “the bug”, helping business owners navigate difficult moments and come out stronger.

Since then, he has supported businesses across virtually every sector and has also run several of his own ventures, including marketing, engineering, manufacturing and security businesses. That first-hand experience means he understands the pressures, trade-offs and emotional weight that come with owning a business.

“I always put myself in the owner’s shoes,” Rich says. “If it was my business, what would I want? What would make me comfortable? What would protect my future control and what are my choices? Who do I trust to help me understand my options?”

Numeracy, Clarity and Focused Decisions

Rich has always been highly numerate, with an instinctive ability to understand financial information quickly and clearly. For many clients, he operates as a quasi-finance director, helping them make sense of complex financial data, tidy up operational structures and put systems in place that improve efficiency.

Clients often comment on Rich’s relaxed, assured approach, particularly in high pressure situations where others struggle to see a way forward.

A Whole Market View, Never One Size Fits All

Pegasus Funding has access to over 600 funding sources across the market, and Rich has spent years building, nurturing and expanding that network. His role involves constant dialogue with lenders, banks and specialist providers, ensuring he’s the first to know about emerging trends.  He also maintains a close involvement with clients who are often impacted early by economic and financial pressures.

Rich, alongside his team and Pegasus Funding Solutions, is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is actively involved with the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB), ensuring his knowledge remains current, robust and well informed.

Where Rich Focuses his Expertise

Rich and the Pegasus team work across a broad range of funding needs, with particular depth in:

• Mergers and acquisitions
• Growth finance
• Turnaround and recovery support.

The common thread for all his clients is partnership. Rich works best when he can build trust, explore options openly and guide clients through the pros and cons of different routes. The vast extent of Rich’s lender network means that there are no predefined solutions: with access to a vast range of options, it’s all about finding the right solution for each unique business challenge.

The Impact that Matters Most

Rich is particularly proud of the businesses he has helped turn around. These projects are demanding, even exhausting at times and deeply rewarding.

“When you can see the difference you’ve made, not just to the business, but to the owner and their team, that’s incredibly motivating,” he says.

That sense of responsibility carries through to every client, whether the relationship is long term or more transactional. Every client receives the same level of focus and determination.

Beyond the Numbers

Outside work, Rich is deeply involved in his local business community. He has chaired and served on multiple Chambers of Commerce, acted as a non-executive director and is a regular judge for regional business awards. He has also mentored business owners and leaders over many years.

Family life matters too. Rich is a husband, a father of three and a lifelong rugby player and coach. With over 17 years of coaching experience, he is passionate about developing young players (some as young as four!) and fostering teamwork, resilience and confidence. He finds balance by prioritising the things that matter: never missing his son’s matches, and taking long walks with Emil, his Romanian rescue dog.

A Determined Advocate for SME Owners

At heart, Rich remains deeply curious about other people’s businesses. He is genuinely interested in how they work, what makes them successful and how they can be improved.

That curiosity, combined with experience and determination, defines both Rich and Pegasus Funding Solutions, creating a trusted partnership between clients and advisors. To connect with Rich and have a confidential conversation about the best funding options for your business, please get in touch.