Ignition team expands
Ignition, a leading UK provider of vehicle and asset finance for SMEs, is continuing to expand with the appointment of three new senior members to its team.
The company, which offers finance for a wide range of assets from plant and machinery to vehicles and business equipment, offers flexible solutions either using its own funds or via joint trading relationships with a panel of major finance houses. Since its acquisition by Star Asset Finance Group in 2015, it has been driving to expand its workforce and extend its geographical reach.
Steve Haysom joins Ignition as Business Development Manager. Formally a Relationship Manager at Lombard, Steve has worked in asset finance for 13 years, with experience in many different sectors from tourism to catering, hauliers to plant hire. Based in Honiton, Steve is well-placed to strengthen Ignition’s offering across the South West, principally supporting businesses across Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
With more than 20 years’ experience working in the finance industry both in the UK and internationally, Alan O’Connor has relocated to Cornwall to take up the position of Head of Own Book Lending Portfolio. Alan spent many years handling Trade Finance and Risk Management in the automotive sector, working for Landrover Jaguar and Aston Martin. He also gained valuable experience as an Export Finance Manager offering wholesale and retail finance across Eastern Europe and Russia principally within the agricultural equipment sector, with clients including Massey Ferguson, Valtra, Challenger and Fendt. At Ignition he aims to help the Directors and team grow the Own Book and other finance offerings. Drawing on his own automotive and agricultural experience and that of others in the team, Alan is looking forward to meeting and surpassing individual customer requirements whilst adding to Ignition Credit's future growth.
Also new to the team, Stuart Berry has been appointed as Broker Manager, joining Ignition’s growing Broker Finance Department. Stuart began his career in the finance industry 20 years ago, and for the last 11 years has been working specifically in broker management roles, most recently at Shire Leasing. Based near Manchester, Stuart will be primarily focussing on strengthening Ignition’s broker relationships within the North of the country.
According to Managing Director, Alan Tutte, Ignition has experienced a strong track record of growth in recent years, particularly since its acquisition by Star in 2015. This has led to several new appointments, with the latest recruits bringing the total number of employees to 19.
“The business climate for Ignition is certainly looking bright. Our last financial year was by far our best on record, which we can attribute to a strong and focussed team, who continue to deliver great solutions and customer service to our clients, forging lasting relationships.
“We’re delighted to have Alan, Steve and Stuart on board. By expanding our team with these three highly experienced professionals, we will be able to build on our success and strengthen our reach across key regions and markets.”
For further information on Ignition visit www.ignitioncredit.co.uk or call 01872 272900.
