The former chief executive of the NACFB has been appointed director of a London-based commercial finance brokers.

Keith Heron, who joined the NACFB in 1992, is now a director at Murray & Co, a company specialising in arranging finance for businesses across all business sectors including buy-to-let and property development.

In his early career Mr Heron bought, developed and sold a number of small businesses. Consequently when he was appointed marketing director of the NACFB in 1992 he had a thorough understanding of the sorts of problems that SMEs were experiencing.

He has been given much credit for the role he played in the Association’s development and success during his 18 years spent at the NACFB - first in marketing and later as Chief Executive.

On retirement he was given the industry’s lifetime achievement award for his services to commercial finance.

Yet whilst many would be sitting back and enjoying an early retirement, Mr Heron is keen to return to broking, despite a scarce supply of business across the sector.

Mr Heron said: “It would be naive to suggest that lenders are opening their coffers to SMEs but there are still sufficient lenders in the market who are prepared to write good quality business. And while the credit crisis has caused widespread funding problems, it has had the positive effect of purging the market of amateur brokers who relied exclusively on sub-prime lenders, thereby providing an opportunity for professionals to show their skills”.

The Managing Director of Murray & Co, P J Murray, said he was delighted to have Keith on board. He said: “I have worked with Keith for many years; his professionalism, knowledge of the market and contacts within the industry will add substantial value to the business and benefit the clients we serve.”

By Katie-Jill Rowland