Reward Finance Group has bolstered its presence in London and the South East by appointing a new business development director to support its continued growth.

Shami Sharma joins Reward having worked within the financial sector for over 40 years. He spent the majority of his early career in banking roles at Natwest and Metro Bank before moving more recently into the alternative lending space.

With Reward providing property investors and SMEs across the capital and wider region with tailored business finance loans and asset based solutions of up to £5m, Sharma (pictured, right) will play a key role in further bolstering its network of commercial finance brokers and other intermediaries.

Given the consecutive interest rate hikes over the past year and subdued lending by banks, Sharma will also be working closely with property investors and SMEs to help them fund expansion plans, innovate or overcome a short-term financial hurdle.

Sharma said: “Reward has quickly established itself as one of the leading alternative finance providers across London and the South East. The pace of lending and the flexibility they offer to property investors and SMEs appealed to me, as it is vital in the current climate to provide support in overcoming economic pressures and generate growth.”

Simon Adcock (pictured, left), Reward’s regional director in London and the South East, added: “We’re building a hugely talented team here in London and Shami will be a fantastic addition. It is great to welcome someone with his banking and lending experience.

“The wealth of finance and vertical sector knowledge he brings to the role will be a real advantage in a borrowing market that has been heavily impacted by economic and political uncertainty.”