People: Paragon Bank; Added Value Enterprises; BHSF

Paragon Bank’s SME Lending division has appointed Phil Hughes to the newly-created role of deputy managing director of SME Lending.

Hughes will assume the role alongside his existing position as managing director of Idem Capital, which is also part of Paragon Banking Group.

With over 25 years in financial services, Hughes brings with him a wealth of experience to the role of deputy managing director and will be working with John Phillipou, managing director of SME Lending, to deliver on the division’s strategic objectives.

He will also be integral to the delivery of a digital transformation programme in the SME Lending division, including upgrades to the sales and back-office systems.

He joined Paragon in 2013 and was previously CEO of Equidebt, sales & marketing director of close credit management and business development director of Britannic Assurance.

Phil Hughes, deputy managing director of Paragon SME Lending, said: “Paragon’s SME Lending division has ambitious growth plans and I’m looking forward to helping the business achieve its goals. John has developed a fantastic business over the past five years and I’m looking forward to working with John and the wider team to continue to deliver high-quality service and funding solutions for our customers and intermediaries.”

John Phillipou, managing director of Paragon SME Lending, said: “We are pleased that Phil is joining the SME Lending division as Deputy Managing Director. Phil has a wealth of experience in the sector and understands the business and our clients; he’s going to be an integral part of our success over the next few years as we continue our journey of growth.”

Midlands-based food and catering management specialist Added Value Enterprises (AVE) has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of a new business development manager.

Sales and growth specialist Adam Brett has joined AVE with the remit to expand the company’s sales division in the care, education, hospitality and leisure sectors, where it provides bespoke procurement, consultancy, purchasing, waste and environmental services for the catering industry.

Reporting to Edward Wright, AVE’s director of innovation and growth, Brett has almost two decades of experience across a variety of sectors, including sales roles with Sky Television and with global food services and facilities management firm Sodexo.

Edward Wright said: “Adam is a talented industry specialist and is already making an impact internally and with our customers. He is commercially astute and his business expertise adds another dimension to our already strong customer offering. His role is to open new doors for us and develop our existing portfolio across the UK. He is a first-class addition to our leadership team.”

Brett said: “I am passionate about the food and hospitality sector, ensuring supply chains work seamlessly, and creating long-term value for customers. My experience across the industry has given me a deep understanding of the sector’s unique complexities which I hope will benefit AVE as we look to increase our industry foothold, boost our credentials, and ultimately provide bigger cost savings for our customers.

“The company has a superb vision and wants to develop and grow in a variety of markets. I’m excited to be part of that and also to build our team as we win more work in the months and years ahead.”

BHSF a provider of health and wellbeing services, has announced the appointment of Stuart Hayhurst as the permanent group chief executive officer.

Hayhurst has been serving as Interim CEO for several months following the departure of Heidi Stewart.

Hayhurst joined BHSF in May 2022 as chief operating officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience within the financial services sector.

His extensive background spans insurance, health and wellbeing, utilities and the automotive sectors, both in the UK and globally.

Stuart Hayhurst

Sara Fowler, chair of the board of directors at BHSF, said: “Stuart’s leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental during his time as Interim CEO.  We are confident that under his permanent leadership, BHSF will continue to thrive and expand its impact in the health and wellbeing sector.”

Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions across various domains including technology, operations, marketing, human resources, product development and customer experience.

His leadership journey has been characterised by a focus on driving transformational change, which he hopes to continue through to his role as CEO at BHSF.

Hayhurst, said: “I feel privileged to take on the role of CEO at BHSF. I look forward to continuing to work with our talented team to drive innovation and growth, ensuring we deliver exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders.”