Bibby Financial Services (BFS), has appointed Edward Winterton as UK chief executive officer.

He joining the business funder in 1996 upon graduation from Sheffield University and has held a variety of senior roles in operations and sales, most recently holding the post of UK commercial director.

Winterton (pictured) will now join the global board and head-up the business’s 800 UK staff.

He said: “Having joined BFS more than 20 years ago, I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead such a fantastic, client-centric business.

“We have grown significantly over recent years and this has enabled us to expand our product portfolio to support more SMEs, whatever their requirements.

“As a joined-up global business, we are well placed to support the growth of SMEs across the world and I’m delighted to be driving our UK team forward on this journey.”

The appointment comes as BFS announces that it has extended its £600m securitisation facility for a further three years, enabling the funder to grow its support for UK PLC further.

Winterton added: “At a time of some uncertainty, SMEs need support to help them grow both domestically and overseas. In the last 12 months we have provided more than £3bn in funding to support UK SMEs. Our renewed securitisation facility will enhance our funding support further for businesses trading in the UK as well as those selling to overseas markets.”

David Postings, global CEO at BFS, said: “I have worked with Edward for five years. His knowledge, experience and tenacity are a huge benefit to BFS and I am confident that under his leadership, our UK business will continue to grow and flourish.

“We’re a relationship-based funder and what sets us apart is our people. This is evidenced by our position in the Sunday Times Top 100 list. Attracting and retaining leading industry talent is a huge focus for us and Edward is a fantastic example of home grown talent that has risen through the ranks over the years.

“I’m delighted to appoint Edward as UK CEO and look forward to working with him for many years to come.”