Reward Finance Group has appointed Simon Micklethwaite as business development director (BDM) for Yorkshire and the North East region.

Micklethwaite (pictured) joins the alternative finance provider with over two decades experience within the sector. Initially he spent more than 18 years in commercial banking with HSBC, prior to joining property lender, Roma Finance.

Gemma Wright, Reward’s managing director for Yorkshire and the North East, said: “We are delighted that Simon is joining our ever-growing team. He joins us at the perfect time as the ‘green shoots’ are well and truly showing here at Reward as we return to the fast pace we all enjoy.

“With his in-depth knowledge of the market, and his contacts within the industry, he is able to hit the ground running, which is essential, as the number of deals we are being introduced to and completing are now on a par with those prior to lockdown.”

Micklethwaite added: “I’d heard great things about Reward from both introducers and other asset-based lenders, not only about the individuals within the company but also about the way they do business.

“When your role is business development you need to work with a company that wants to do deals. Reward has a great reputation for doing just that, as it is has the flexibility to be able to create different funding solutions dependant on the client’s needs.

“In addition, the decision-making process is straight forward, enabling decisions to be made quickly. I am therefore looking forward to working closely with the team to help SMEs across the region and the UK to regroup and grow during these difficult times.”