Bath-headquartered alternative funder Time Finance has continued to strength its key asset finance division with the appointment of a new broker manager.
Lauren Sharples is the latest in a series of appointments aimed at taking forward the group’s growth strategy.
Time Finance, which also offers invoice, property and vehicle finance along with commercial loans, aims to increase its lending to UK small and medium-sized enterprises looking to invest in business-critical equipment.
Lauren, pictured, joins with more than 14 years’ experience in the asset finance and leasing industry. She started her career at ING Lease UK in sales support roles in both Vendor and Broker sectors, before moving on to business and broker development roles at Novuna (formerly Hitachi Capital) and White Oak.
In her new role, she will continue to strengthen Time Finance’s network of trusted brokers and collaborate with them to fuel business growth and drive investment through various types of equipment financing, such as hire purchase and finance lease.
Lauren’s arrival follows a number of recent appointments and promotions at Time Finance, including Laura Mollett to head of broker sales earlier this year as well as Matt Dean as broker manager for the South West.
So far this year Time Finance’s asset division has appointed Steve Nichols as director to oversee and lead the division and Paul Seddon as head of credit.
Steve, a well-known figure in the industry, had built a highly successful career over the past two decades having held senior positions at Barclays, Santander, Close Brothers and most recently, Simply Asset Finance before joining Time Finance.
Shortly after his arrival he oversaw the launch of Fast Track, a new product designed to make finance more quickly accessible for UK businesses looking to invest
Time Finance CEO Ed Rimmer 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.”
