Steve Noble joins as chief operating officer after stints as both risk director for business finance and regional director at Aldermore Bank.

Vince Tovey has been selected to lead Ultimate’s trade finance and northern sales teams, while Rob Mercer joins from Ezbob as senior regional director for the group’s specialist lending arm Ashley Finance. 

Elsewhere, Jenna Forbes comes from GE Capital to manage Ultimate’s direct sales and telemarketing team.

Commenting on Steve’s appointment, Ron Robson, CEO of Ultimate Finance, said: “Steve has a tremendously varied base of experience spanning risk, operations, relationships management and sales.

“His understanding of the financing needs of SMEs is unrivalled.

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“Bringing such a highly respected expert on board is a real coup for Ultimate and we are delighted to welcome him to the team.”

These latest appointments follow a period of major growth for Ultimate Finance, which included the opening of new offices in Sheffield, Edinburgh and Manchester.

The firm has also reported a 30% increase in headcount over the past 12 months.

Richard Waldman, group sales director at Ultimate, added: “As we look towards a bright 2017, we are delighted to welcome both Jenna and Rob to the team.

“Each has a wealth of experience in their respective roles, bringing unique insight and tenacity to the wider team and ensuring that the group’s sales teams continue to make a positive impact on the funding choices available to Britain’s SMEs.”