Secure Trust launches Manchester lending arm

MIDLANDS-based Secure Trust Bank has chosen Manchester as the base for its new commercial finance arm, Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance.

The aim of the new business, which is being headed by John Bevan, is to offer asset-based loans to SMEs.

Mr Bevan has 19 years experience within the invoice finance industry, with previous positions at Royal Bank of Scotland and head of trade and working capital UK and Ireland at Barclays.

Although the operation’s head office at the South Central block in Peter Street, Manchester, it will have sales teams in Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, the south coast and London.

Mr Bevan said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance. Backed by one of the UK’s leading challenger banks, the business provides SMEs with a unique offering, providing all the benefits of fast, independent, local decision-making along with the backing of a major financial institution.

“The business has launched with an incredibly strong team, and I am confident that we will see enormous success in demonstrating our differentiated offering, providing businesses with the funding they need to secure their growth ambitions.”

Secure Trust is an AIM-listed subsidiary of Arbuthnot Banking Group.