Aldermore is targeting both the agriculture and ground care markets, as it look extends its asset finance capability in the UK.

Robert Brudenell, business development manager for agriculture at Aldermore, said: “We’re delighted to be making our finance facilities available via specialist agricultural finance brokers throughout the UK for the purchase of agricultural assets and also the funding of ground care equipment for golf courses, local authorities and specialist contractors.

“Our facilities not only include leasing and hire purchase, but we also guarantee a high quality and reliable service delivered by staff who have an expert knowledge of the markets which they serve.

“Since launching in March, we have already funded over £15m of agricultural equipment. We’re building a solid intermediary base which will allow us to further fund this important industry sector and help clients purchase the equipment they need.”

Paul Rooney, head of construction and agriculture at the challenger bank, added: “As a bank we are dedicated to providing funding to the hard working SMEs of the UK and we are delighted to be helping the agricultural community with their much needed funding requirements.”