Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance has expanded its nationwide network of sales professionals with the appointment of Andrew Welden as regional sales director for the North West.

Welden (pictured) joins from Breal Zeta CF, where he led on the firm’s asset-based lending strategy across Merseyside and Cheshire, with a focus on facility sizes between £5m and £150m. He also helped the firm establish a presence in Manchester as it opened a new office in the city.

As part of the firm’s UK-wide origination team, Welden will be helping to drive deal activity across the region to deliver flexible asset-based lending solutions, as well as building on Secure Trust Bank’s existing network of key introducers.

Welden said: “Having already built up a strong base across the North West, asset-based lending has quickly become a new passion of mine, allowing me to work with some of the region’s most exciting businesses.

“This new role at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance represents an exciting opportunity for me, allowing me to work and learn alongside industry leaders as well as a host of ambitious businesses looking for support. The team has already proven to be incredibly welcoming and I look forward to working with them closely.”

Paul Johnston, regional managing director at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, added: “Given his proven track record of delivering support to innovative businesses across the region, Andrew is a strong new addition to our team. Joining our experienced origination team, he’ll be delivering on our joint mission to provide flexible facilities to support the UK’s SME ecosystem. I look forward to welcoming Andrew and working closely with him to deliver on this mission.”