Can you introduce yourself in a few words: who are you, where are you from, what do you do?

JI am Coralie Persiani, sales director of la NefI am responsible for our cooperative's entire sales network in the professional and private markets.

A la Nef, we defend healthy and transparent finance and our choice is to finance only projects with ecological, social or cultural added value.

After working for 15 years in traditional banking and business consulting, I was fortunate to join La Nef in 2015, a structure where I identify with the values ​​and where we truly do banking differently. I was responsible for various departments for 9 years at La Nef and took over sales management in January 2024. 

In a context that has experienced some turbulence, what advice can you give to organic and responsible companies?

As with any entrepreneur, the challenge for organic businesses is not to remain alone with their potential problems, but to open up and discuss them. Many companies have experienced or are still experiencing turbulence since 2021. The experience of some can greatly help or inspire others. New partnerships can thus be created or strengthened and contribute to the development of even more innovative projects.  

In this respect, support networks: clusters, professional unions and trade fairs such as Natexpo can provide interesting insights to help you get out of a difficult situation. It is also strongly recommended to seek advice (lawyers, accountants, strategic audit firms) in order to gain the necessary perspective. Relying on experts will help you make better decisions.

Finally, anticipating cash flow problems and discussing difficulties with your banker as soon as they arise often allows you to find solutions, even partial ones, and above all to strengthen the bonds of trust between the company and its financiers.

What is your vision for La Nef? What are your future projects?

We have seen a slight upturn in growth in the organic food market in recent months. La Nef, during the crisis period past,  has supported the organic sector by continuing to finance projects and, above all, by supporting and implementing concrete solutions for structures in difficulty. At Nef, we have two key account managers dedicated to this sector and over time we have acquired real expertise in this market.

We will continue in the future to continue our commitment and support to these organic players, finance creation and development but also continue to support structures still in difficulty.