SME lender launches Yorkshire office

An SME lender has launched an office in Sheffield as it continues its expansion across the UK.

The office will also be the base for new head of sales Mike Hackett, who will lead ThinCats’ business development team.

With more than 22 years’ experience in banking and corporate finance, Hackett previously led the RBS trading, real estate and healthcare team across Yorkshire and Humberside.

Prior to this he was head of business development for Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking across the North.

As part of its commitment to the region, ThinCats says it has a £50m funding programme to support growing SMEs in Sheffield and the rest of Yorkshire.

Damon Walford, chief development officer, ThinCats: “The Sheffield economy is incredibly dynamic as it transitions from its traditional manufacturing heritage to new industries. Our data* shows that the city is behind only London and Birmingham in having the highest number of companies likely to need funding over the next 12 months. Sheffield also has a higher proportion of high growth companies than the UK average. In our mission to help UK businesses secure the funding they need to grow, we want to be fully immersed in the local business community.

“I am delighted to have Mike on board. He brings great experience and Sheffield is an ideal place from which to lead our UK sales team.”

Hackett added: “I am delighted to be joining ThinCats. I’ve seen from previous roles, the growing presence of alternative lenders like ThinCats who are effectively challenging the banks in the business lending sector. This is a great opportunity and I join a strong and experienced team who are focused on engaging with businesses and their advisers across the UK.”

ThinCats now has four offices across the UK including London, Birmingham and its headquarters in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire.