Recognise Bank has appointed three new business development managers (BDMs) as part of its expansion and growth plans.

The new appointees will focus on London and the Midlands. Stuart Benge (pictured) joins Recognise from Assetz Capital, with a long career in commercial lending, and will focus on the Midlands. Andrew Oppe, who joins from HSBC, will focus on London. The third new recruit is Sam Shooter, who brings experience from other areas of financial services.

Recognise believes SMEs are being let down by mainstream banks who have taken their managers off the high street to be replaced by centralised call centres. Instead, since opening its doors for business in November 2020, Recognise has focused on building a team of business development managers that understand the needs of smaller businesses, as well as regional circumstances.

Jackie Skelt, regional director, London and the Midlands for Recognise, said: “There is a buzz in the regions among SMEs who see a great opportunity to grow their businesses as we start to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

“As a result, they want to talk to lenders that understand them and don’t treat them as a tick box exercise. This is an exciting time for Recognise, so I am delighted that Stuart, Andrew and Sam are joining us to offer the understanding and expertise that is needed.”

Benge added: “This is truly a relationship-led sector, so I’m really pleased to be working with a bank that understands the importance of that. I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting with brokers and SMEs.”