Bristol-based specialist funder Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has boosted its trade finance team with the appointment of Robin Crouch as head of sales for its central region.
Based at its offices in Leicester and Birmingham as well as Bristol, Robin, pictured, has 20 years’ experience in commercial banking and joined from Lloyds Bank, where he held the role of relationship director.
He said: “I’m delighted with the new role and see this as a great opportunity to help grow our trade finance client-base throughout the central region. 
“BFS is an extremely ambitious and forward thinking business and I’m pleased to be joining at a time where we’re investing to grow our trade finance proposition. By focusing on the underlying transaction rather than the security available we can support businesses where traditional bank funding falls short.”
BFS enjoyed a significant hike in the number of clients looking to increase overseas trading, demonstrated by a 60% growth in its trade finance client book.
BFS trade finance managing director Mark Lindsay said: “In the past we were predominantly known as an invoice finance provider, but we now offer a range of services for businesses of all sizes in more than 300 industry sectors.
“Our trade finance capabilities form an important part of our future strategy. Over the past year, we have grown our trade finance business significantly, and we’re fast becoming the go-to team for purchase funding throughout the industry.”
BFS has invested heavily in the Midlands over the past year.
