Secure Trust Bank has expanded its commercial finance arm, with the appointment of Stuart Ayres as regional portfolio and structuring director in its London office.

With over 17 years of finance experience, Ayres (pictured) has worked with businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large corporates, helping to structure and manage bespoke finance packages and leading multi-bank funding syndications.

He joins from Barclays where he spent 15 years as a relationship director, delivering finance packages – some valued in excess of £100m.

At Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, Ayres will be responsible for supporting businesses in London and the South, through the bank’s range of flexible asset-based lending and invoice finance solutions. He will work closely with management teams and other stakeholders to help them to achieve their strategic objectives.

Originally established in 2014, Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance operates across the country with offices in London, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester. It uses its network of regional offices to work closely with management teams across the UK, to provide flexible asset-based lending solutions tailored to each business.

Ayres said: “I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Commercial Finance team at Secure Trust Bank. Over the past eight years the team has made a considerable impact, proving itself to be one of the most knowledgeable lenders in the sector, delivering bespoke finance packages to some of the UK’s most established businesses. Having worked with a few of the team previously it will be great to be reunited and meet the wider team.”

Richard Foote, regional managing director for London and South East at Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, added: “We’ve known of Stuart’s knowledge, skill, ability and passion for a long time and we’ve no doubt he will be a great addition to the team. His experience will be invaluable as we look to support our clients through these unprecedented economic times.

“He has worked with organisations of all sizes and has experienced a number of economic cycles. This will stand us in great stead as we look to continue the momentum the team has gathered in recent years, allowing us to support more local businesses with large and complex facilities.”