Ultimate Finance Group, the Bristol-based independent provider of finance to UK business, has further strengthened its leadership team with four senior appointments.
They arrive in their new posts following a record year of growth in 2016 for the Almondsbury-based business.
The four include Jenna Forbes, who leaves GE Capital to manage Ultimate Finance’s direct sales & telemarketing team with a remit to expand the group’s offering in this important area, and sector specialist Steve Noble, who takes the role of chief operating officer (COO). 
Steve, pictured, comes with more than two decades of experience in the financial services arena, having held senior roles at high street banks and challenger organisations, and is the latest addition to the executive team.
Also joining are industry stalwart Vince Tovey, who now heads up its national trade finance and northern regional sales teams, and Rob Mercer who takes the role of senior regional director for Ashley Finance, the group’s specialist lending arm. His arrival consolidates Ashley’s sales teams into one customer-focussed operation
Ultimate Finance CEO Ron Robson said: “Steve has a tremendously varied base of experience, spanning risk, operations, relationships management and sales.
“His understanding of the financing needs of SMEs is unrivalled. Bringing such a highly-respected expert on board is a real coup for Ultimate and we are delighted to welcome both Steve and Jenna to the team in Bristol.”
Steve added: “I’ve watched Ultimate Finance with great interest over the past 12 months.
“In a crowded market, they have been making waves with their innovative approach to technology, product development and customer services to support SMEs and focus on the good a strong funding provider can do. It’s this fresh take that has contributed to their rapid growth and market-leading position and makes it such an exciting move for me.”
The independent funding provider has undertaken significant investment in its service offering throughout the past 12 months, including an expansion of its national footprint with new offices in Sheffield, Edinburgh and Manchester, with a 30% increase in headcount.
Group sales director Richard Waldman added: “As we look towards a bright 2017, we are delighted to welcome both so many new faces to the team. All bring a wealth of experience to their respective roles, bringing unique insight and tenacity to the wider team and ensuring that the group’s sales teams continue to make a positive impact on the funding choices available to Britain’s SMEs.”
After its record year with a 23% increase in lending and 16% increase in client base, Ultimate Finance, which is backed by the Tavistock Group, has committed to further invest in the SME market by making new funds available to businesses up and down the country.
