Leading UK business finance provider, Henry Howard Finance, has appointed a new regional director for the South West to its Asset Finance division as the company looks to further support the region’s thriving SME scene.
With a career in finance spanning more than three decades, including 10 years as a director of asset finance at Lombard, Richard Arnold, 47, from Exeter, joins the firm as South West regional director. He will be responsible for expanding its reach further west into Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.
“There are a lot of fantastic small and medium-sized businesses in this part of the world that are looking for support to grow and strengthen what they are doing, but many struggle to get the right type of finance for their needs,” said Mr Arnold.
“I’ve worked in this region for a long time and I feel excited about what Henry Howard Finance can offer local enterprises across a variety of sectors – from tourism and manufacturing through to farming and renewable energy. We have a wide range of finance options at our disposal, and a flexible approach that I think businesses in this region need and will appreciate.”
Richard began his finance career straight from school, honing his skills and expertise in the years that followed by helping South West business owners find the finance they needed to grow. Having watched many small businesses flourish, decades later he still revels in helping customers secure the support they need.
“I still enjoy getting out and meeting customers and I’m proud to have witnessed so many small businesses thrive with asset finance support” he added. “Many big banks are reluctant to support start up’s or help SME with refinancing needs, which leaves businesses unnecessarily vulnerable. I’m thrilled to be with Henry Howard Finance because they look for the right solution for all customers, and have the capacity to help businesses of all sizes.
“As a business, we have a great reputation in South Wales and the wider Bristol area and I look forward to seeing that given an additional boost further into the South West.’
Henry Howard Finance Group is one of the UK’s leading business finance providers for SMEs, supporting more than 20,000 UK businesses across a variety of sectors.
Mark Crook, group CEO of Henry Howard Finance, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Richard to the Henry Howard Finance team. I have no doubt that his vast experience not only in asset finance but also in the South West, will further enhance our position as the first-choice funder for businesses in the region.”