Yorkshire-based SME alternative funding specialist, One Stop Business Finance, has appointed John Brown as operations and risk director.

With over 20 years’ experience in the commercial finance market, Brown (pictured, left) takes up his role at One Stop Business Finance after nearly a decade in the restructuring department at Royal Bank of Scotland, prior to which he worked in corporate finance.

In his new role, John will work closely with One Stop’s business development managers to minimise risk on new lending and help ensure clients are provided with the funding solutions that best meet their needs.

At the present time, One Stop Business Finance’s lending book is increasing by around 80% year-on-year. This is driven by increased new lending to clients across numerous market sectors, including property development, house building, retail and engineering.

Brown said: “I’m delighted to be joining the One Stop Business Finance team and be part of what is set to be an exciting future as the market grows for alternative and innovative methods of business funding.

“With a focus on providing tailored, secured funding to SMEs from a wide range of sources, including from One Stop’s own funds, I’m looking forward to being able to provide our clients with at bespoke solutions that larger finance providers are often unable to do.”

Andrew Mackenzie (pictured, right), One Stop Business Finance’s managing director, added: “Our foundations are built on doing the deals that traditional banks won’t do, for whatever reason, and that ethos remains at our core today.

“With our talented team now strengthened by John’s appointment, and a UK-wide team of highly experienced business development managers, we have a great depth of expertise that ensures we can be extremely adaptable to client needs and provide funding solutions whatever their situation.”