ThinCats

ThinCats has appointed Richard Bowles as its new director of regional business development for the South West and Wales.

He will play a key role in servicing the increasing levels of demand for funding in order to support the growth of SMEs in the area.

Richard has extensive experience within the banking and finance industry, having previously worked at Deutsche Bank, NatWest, HSBC and, most recently, Santander, where he was a relationship director covering the corporate and commercial markets.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard said: “ThinCats has an excellent reputation among advisers and the wider business community.

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“I’m looking forward to working with our teams in the regions to expand our capacity while maintaining the bespoke, personal service which is key to meeting the needs of mid-sized SMEs, particularly as they look to grow out of the pandemic.”

Mike Hackett, head of business development at ThinCats, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Richard to ThinCats as part of our ongoing investment in expanding our offer in the South West and Wales, 

“ThinCats has been active in the regions over the last few years, lending over £100m to SMEs, and I look forward to seeing him continue this work.”

Earlier this year, the alternative lender announced it has provided over £1bn in total business lending since its launch in 2011, and passed through £100m of lending to healthcare businesses across the UK.

In June, ThinCats also secured a £160m strategic investment from Wafra Capital Partners, which, alongside senior bank and institutional funding, will enable the lender to fund a further £2bn over the next few years.

Watts Commercial Finance

Watts Commercial Finance has appointed Kirsty Lacey as a commercial manager. 

In her new role, she will support clients across all aspects of commercial funding.

Kirsty joins the company from Lloyds Bank, where she spent the last five years as a relationship director.

“It’s an honour to join Watts Commercial Finance and I am exciting by the opportunity to grow the client base and the increase the prominence of the brand in London and the South East,” she said.

“Having lived and worked in Sussex for many years, I have a number of existing relationships with SMEs and corporate clients across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London and I am excited to offer a full spectrum of finance solutions to across the region.”

Phil Gray, managing director at Watts Commercial Finance, added: "I am delighted to welcome Kirsty to the team. 

“Her appointment is another huge step in our business growth plans supporting the increasing demands from our clients across London and the South East.

“Kirsty also has a wealth of industry experience working across a network of corporate and high-net-worth clients and I am excited to welcome her to the Watts family.”