Specialist funder Bibby Financial Services has appointed Robin Crouch as its head of sales for the central region.

Crouch (pictured) has 20 years’ experience in the industry, having joined from Lloyds Bank where he held the role of relationship director.

He joined the business in January and is based throughout the central region at the funder’s offices in Leicester, Birmingham and Bristol.

Crouch said: “I’m delighted with the new role and see this as a great opportunity to help grow our trade finance client-base throughout the central region.

“BFS is an extremely ambitious and forward thinking business and I’m pleased to be joining at a time where we’re investing to grow our trade finance proposition. By focusing on the underlying transaction rather than the security available we can support businesses where traditional bank funding falls short.”

Last year the funder saw a significant rise in the number of clients looking to increase overseas trading, demonstrated by a 60% growth in its trade finance client book.

Mark Lindsay, managing director of trade finance at Bibby Financial Services, said: “In the past we were predominantly known as an invoice finance provider, but we now offer a range of services for businesses of all sizes in more than 300 industry sectors.

“Our trade finance capabilities form an important part of our future strategy. Over the past year, we have grown our trade finance business significantly, and we’re fast becoming the go-to team for purchase funding throughout the industry.”