People: Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance; Vail Williams

Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance (STB CF), the asset-based lending (ABL) arm of Secure Trust Bank, has announced the promotion of Richard Foote to chief operating officer (COO).

Foote brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the role, having been pivotal in STB CF’s growth over the past five years as regional managing director for London and the South East.

He has led on several high-value transactions and helped clients tackle the unprecedented macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges they have faced.

During this time, he has worked closely with private equity houses and advisors, helping to establish STB CF as a trusted partner in the private equity market.

As COO, Foote will work closely with clients nationally, supporting them to deliver their growth strategies and to drive value.

He will focus on enhancing operational efficiencies, driving innovation and improving client experience and service.

Foote said: “My time at Secure Trust Bank has been incredibly rewarding and I’m excited to step into this new role at such a pivotal moment for the business. Over the last 10 years, we have become a trusted partner to our clients and both the private equity and advisory communities. We are an established ABL lender in the market, renowned for supporting our clients and unlocking value to find solutions in complex situations.

“My focus will include ensuring we continue to deliver an exceptional client experience whilst investing and leveraging technology to promote further growth and efficiencies. Businesses have faced a challenging few years off the back of the pandemic and ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures, but with improving economic conditions, there is a real opportunity to build on our momentum.”

James Hodkinson, managing director at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance said: “Richard’s promotion reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in our leadership team, ensuring we have the right expertise to support our clients. It’s been a great start to the year for STB, and Richard’s deep sector expertise will be instrumental in driving forward our next phase of growth throughout 2025 and beyond. As we continue to expand, our priority remains building trusted partnerships with businesses and investors, delivering the best possible outcomes on deals. I’m excited to see what Richard brings to his new role, integrating AI into our operations and elevating our customer satisfaction even further.”

Property consultancy Vail Williams has appointed two new starters and welcomed back a former colleague to strengthen its Midlands team.

Emma Brooks has been hired as a valuation associate and Joshua Laurence as a graduate surveyor, while Brian Miklasz has rejoined the Birmingham-based firm as an associate rating surveyor.

Brooks was appointed after more than six years with Midlands property firm Loveitts after eight years at Pennycuick Collins Chartered Surveyors in Birmingham.

She acts predominantly for banks and other lenders to provide valuations for lending purposes, as well as for pension funds, taxation, accounting and statutory matters.

She has also represented valuation clients at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Carole Taylor, regional managing partner for Vail Williams in the Midlands and North said: “Emma is a vastly experienced RICS Registered Valuer with a broad range of expertise in the valuation of residential and commercial properties, including HMOS, across the West Midlands and beyond.

“Her professionalism, detailed knowledge and in-depth understanding of her sector are proving invaluable. She is also a great team player and can offer advice and encouragement to colleagues.”

Laurence joined after 18 months as a commercial property agent with Maguire Jackson in Birmingham, where he handled major sales and letting disposals, predominantly in the jewellery quarter.

At Vail Williams he is responsible for advising landlords and occupiers on commercial freehold and leasehold acquisition and disposal across the Midlands and North.

Laurence, who has a degree in property development and planning from Oxford Brookes, is now working towards his APC to become a RICS chartered surveyor.

Taylor continued: “Joshua has built up invaluable knowledge of the Birmingham commercial property market and will be aiming to further this knowledge and experience.

“He is tasked with helping to expanding our commercial freehold and leasehold acquisition and disposal work across the region as part of our ongoing growth plans.”

Miklasz, who has rejoined the firm after 18 months as an associate with Cushman & Wakefield in Birmingham, is part of the business rates team. Previously with Vail Williams for nearly six years, he has national experience.

Taylor said: “We welcome back Brian as a seasoned operator with immense sector knowledge who has seamlessly returned to our business rates team and works closely with Adam Barnfield, the firm’s national head of business rates.”