Time Finance plc (LON:TIME), the AIM listed specialist finance provider, has announced the strengthening of its Asset Finance Division has continued throughout 2022. This strategic focus has resulted in a series of senior appointments aimed at driving its growth strategy forward.
In January this year, Steve Nichols joined as Director of Asset Finance, a new post, to oversee and lead the division. As a well-known industry figure, Steve has built a highly successful career over the last two decades having held senior positions at Barclays, Santander, Close Brothers and most recently, Simply Asset Finance. He will now play an instrumental role in guiding the future development of Time Finance’s Asset Finance proposition.
Since joining, Steve has already overseen the launch of a new product to market in May this year. ‘Fast Track’ is designed to make finance more quickly accessible for UK businesses looking to invest in their operations, giving brokers and SMEs swift access to soft assets valued at up to £10,000.
Steve’s appointment was closely followed by a number of key hires within the business development team, which saw Time Finance bolster its national presence and increase the support available to brokers. In July, Paul Seddon was recruited as Head of Credit, bringing with him over 40 years’ experience within the banking sector, to support the underwriting team, enabling the Company to further expand its client base and build its portfolio of more complex and challenging deals. Paul previously held roles at Aldermore, Handelsbanken and RBS.
Expanding its service offering to brokers across the UK, the Asset Finance division has also appointed Laura Mott as new Head of Broker Sales. Laura joined from Wesleyan where, as a Broker Relationship Manager, she was instrumental in the launch of its Broker proposition and a key driver in the success of the Bank’s broker division. With over 14 years’ industry experience, she will have responsibility for managing the newly established national sales team and enhancing delivery of the Company’s market-leading service to both brokers and their SME clients. Adding to the team, two new Broker Managers, Matt Dean and Lauren Sharples, have also been recruited who bring with them a combined 26 years of experience.
These appointments form a key pillar to support Time Finance’s anticipated growth trajectory, and demonstrate its commitment to delivering its Strategic Plan, including the expansion of its Asset Finance offering.
Commenting, Ed Rimmer, Time Finance CEO, said: “The Asset Finance division of Time Finance has an exceptional team in place, working very hard to ensure that we provide tailored solutions that support SME businesses in achieving their growth ambitions. Individually and collectively they bring a wealth of knowledge to the business, which enhances the service we provide to both SMEs and our broker partners.
“The Division is key to our ambitious medium-term growth plans and beyond. With the team now in place we expect to drive growth in origination of own-book deals which in turn will fuel increased revenue and profits, enhancing shareholder value and returns.”