Reward Finance, Redwood Bank and SDKA bolster teams




Reward Finance, Redwood Bank and SDKA have welcomed new members to their specialist finance teams.

Reward Finance

Reward Finance has appointed Harriet Gibbs and John Gallagher has business development directors and promoted Luke Drysdale to business development manager.

Harriet, who has a background in corporate finance, joins the company from Leonard Curtis, where she spent three years as a BDM.

She and John — who has been working for Reward Finance for over six years — will collaborate with the company’s existing business development director, Simon Micklethwaite, to broaden Reward Finance’s reach across Yorkshire and the North East.

Meanwhile, Luke will work alongside John and the wider team to take the newly launched asset-based solutions product to the market.

Commenting on her appointment, Harriet said: “I have watched Reward’s growth story and have seen first-hand the impact it has on the SME funding market with its straightforward and flexible approach to lending.

“My own experience tells me that business owners want lenders that can quickly understand how their business operates and provide quick solutions to their funding needs. 

“I am excited about being able to introduce Reward and its refreshing approach to lending to my own network and their clients.”

Gemma Wright, MD for Yorkshire and the North East at Reward Finance, added: “As our reputation grows across the region, leading to a record number of deals being written, and with the scale of opportunity for us in the market right now, it was important for us to grow and develop the new business team.

“It is great that we have been able to attract Harriet to the company with her experience within the finance sector and a wealth of introducer contacts, and with such a solid team alongside her, I am confident that we can have a real impact in supporting SMEs across the whole of the Yorkshire and North East region.”

Redwood Bank

Redwood Bank has appointed Simon Steer as a business development manager for Yorkshire.

Simon has over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, having worked for a variety of firms throughout his career, including RBS and, most recently, NatWest, where he was a broker BDM.

His appointment comes as Redwood Bank looks to continue its growth plans over the next few years.

“I am thrilled to be joining such an experienced and exciting team,” said Simon.

“Redwood Bank has a genuine passion for achieving great customer outcomes and I’m determined to play my part to support the bank’s continued growth aspirations.”

Leon Marklew, director of business development at Redwood Bank, added: “Simon is a great new recruit for our business; with his experience and knowledge in the finance industry, he is a valuable addition to the team. 

“I am delighted he’s joining Redwood and look forward to working with him.”

SDKA

SDKA has appointed Harvey Wood as an underwriter.

In his new role, he will help the company continue offering quick and flexible solutions for clients and brokers.

Harvey joins SDKA from Together, where he previously worked as an underwriting support specialist.

Commenting on his appointment, Harvey said: “I am excited to join SDKA at a pivotal point in its growth strategy. 

“My career so far has given me an all-round understanding of the customer journey, which will be beneficial to me joining the great team at SDKA.”

Kunal Mehta, managing director at SDKA, stated: “I am delighted at the appointment of Harvey, continuing to bolster our underwriting department. 

“He brings a new dynamic to our team with a shared passion for the excellent service that we offer. 

“It was important to us during this period of growth to recruit at the right time to uphold our standards, which I am confident the team can do.”

SDKA is looking to further expand its underwriting team this year, having recently sourced another block funder from Aldermore to support it in strengthening its position in the bridging market.

The firm is also looking to double its loan book in the next 12 months.

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