Bathgate Business Finance has expanded its board of directors with two new appointments from within its existing team.

The West-Kirby based finance specialist has named business development manager, Ian Adams, as a new director and finance controller, Colin Phillips, as company secretary, with both taking on the positions alongside their existing roles.

The appointments come as both approach 10 years’ service with the company, with Phillips joining the team in early 2013 and Ian in 2014.

During that time Phillips has supported the finance firm’s growth by creating and delivering administrative processes and working with the FSA and FCA to ensure compliance. Adams was the company’s first ever business development manager, and has been instrumental in building the now six-strong team of BDMs.

As a director, Adams will work closely with managing director, Gordon Andrews, and his fellow board members to continue Bathgate Business Finance’s expansion and support with team development, strengthening the board.

Building on his specialism in compliance, honed through his role as financial controller, Phillips will take ownership of Bathgate’s relationship with Companies House, including responsibility for annual returns and other compliance requirements.

Andrews said: “These appointments are recognition of both Colin and Ian’s contribution to the business so far and their value and importance to its future.

“Much of Colin’s work has been behind-the-scenes, but it has been fundamental to our success and he has always been an extremely safe pair of hands. Ian has not only excelled personally in his job as BDM, but he has also always been enthusiastic about mentoring others to achieve similar results, which has allowed us to build a really excellent team.

“Having them both join our board of directors will strengthen our internal management team as we continue to experience significant and exciting growth for the company. On behalf of all of the board, I would like to thank them for their hard work to this point and congratulate them on their appointments – we have no doubt they’ll continue to be huge assets to Bathgate.”

Phillips said: “It’s extremely flattering to have my work acknowledged in this way and I am extremely pleased to have been appointed to the board.

“Since I joined, Bathgate has gone from being just a lease company to a one-stop-shop for all SME finance. It’s been a real journey and I have learned so much along the way. I look forward to putting my compliance expertise to use in my new role.”

Adams added: “I’m really proud to have been asked to join the board and the positive responses of my colleagues has been fantastic. I’m really looking forward to working with the board and the team to create and implement new strategies, support team development and provide the board with first-hand BDM experience, which will help inform senior management decisions.”