Equifinance has appointed Simon Stern as a strategic consultant to develop the company’s distribution, new products and broker offerings.

Stern was former founder and director of Prestige Finance and is tasked with “influencing, supporting and sponsoring” Equifinance’s drive to increase its presence in the second charge market.

Equifinance looks to help customers who have experienced financial difficulties in the past and provide access to products that those customers might be excluded from.

Tony Marshall, managing director at Equifinance, said: “As we grow the business it’s vital that we draw on the resources of such an experienced professional as Simon. He has an excellent rapport with the team and the benefit of his input is already seeing positive change. It’s an ideal partnership and I’m confident we will be a better lender with his expert insights into the industry.”

Stern added: “It’s a pleasure to be working with such a dedicated and dynamic team who have set the company on the path to structured lending growth. I very much look forward to strategically positioning the business with introducers and broker partners to ensure the new products and distribution channels are clearly aligned and sustainable service levels are achievable as lending volumes increase. I’m looking forward to being part of the Equifinance success story.”