Skipton Business Finance has appointed Ben Pittam as regional sales director for asset-based lending, as the lender looks to expand its presence across the Midlands and the South.

Pittam brings more than 20 years of experience in finance and accountancy, specialising in structuring receivables and asset-based finance for mid-market SMEs.

He joins from Cynergy Business Finance, where he was corporate sales director responsible for sourcing new client opportunities through a network of accountants, brokers, investors and corporate finance advisers.

Before joining Cynergy, he spent over a decade at ABN AMRO Asset Based Finance, progressing from business analyst to regional sales director.

Earlier in his career, he worked at Price Pearson in Dudley as an audit and accounts senior, assessing risk management and control frameworks across finance, compliance, HR and legal functions.

Pittam said he was pleased to be joining Skipton at what he described as “an exciting time” in its development. “The launch of our asset-based lending division provides us with a unique opportunity to broaden the range of solutions we can offer businesses, particularly in the Midlands and South where demand for flexible working capital solutions is high,” he said.

“I look forward to working closely with our introducer network and helping clients unlock the potential in their businesses.”

Matthew Shepherd, chief commercial officer at Skipton Business Finance, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Ben to the team. His extensive experience and network in the asset-based lending sector will be instrumental in driving the growth of our new division.

“The launch of our asset-based lending proposition will create growth in an area of the market which is seeing increasing demand and will broaden our share of wallet.

“Asset-based lending is used by businesses of all sizes and across most sectors of the economy, and Ben’s appointment ensures we are well placed to capitalise on this opportunity.”