Close Brothers Asset Finance’s manufacturing team has appointed Wayne Hall to the role of regional manager to drive the team’s ambitious growth plans in the sector. He has significant experience of both general SME lending and supporting manufacturing dealers and customers with their commercial requirements for new and used machinery as well as refinancing and raising of finance for management buy-outs (MBOs).

Mr Hall said: “I am really looking forward to the role and using my detailed understanding of the manufacturing sector to benefit our customers. I know very well the positive impact asset finance can have and its role in ensuring British manufacturing continues to be a key component of the economy, by providing vital support to manufacturers across a variety of industries such as engineering, joinery, pharmaceutical, food and electronics.”

Richard Kirk, managing director of Close Brothers Asset Finance’s Manufacturing team, said: “We are delighted to bring someone of Wayne’s calibre on board because it demonstrates our continued commitment to the manufacturing sector and further endorses our ambitious growth plans.

“We have been supporting manufacturers for a number of decades and is a market we believe very strongly in, which is why we have recruited strongly in this area. The team has already made a significant difference for many business owners, who get to work with experts that speak their language.

“As the UK economy continues to move along at its current rate, we are looking forward to helping our customers thrive through all economic cycles.”