Paragon Bank has added two new business development managers (BDMs) to its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending vendor team as it aims to build its direct and vendor proposition.
Andrew Kenny has joined to focus on the HGV, trailer and tanker sector, while Joshua Atkinson has been appointed to cover the North East.
Kenny joins from Close Brothers, where he was national accounts sales manager in asset finance and leasing, and brings 13 years’ experience in financial services.
Atkinson began his career as a professional rugby league player before moving into sales roles and was most recently regional account manager at Bluestone Leasing.
Kenny said: “Paragon is a strong bank with a growing reputation in the asset finance market.
“I’m looking forward to working with operators in the HGV sector, helping them to secure the finance they need to grow their businesses and meet their ambitions.”
Atkinson said: “The North East economy is growing, with a strong advanced manufacturing sector and a burgeoning renewable energy market.
“With several significant infrastructure projects in the pipeline and major investments, such as the AI datacentre in Northumberland, SMEs will be looking for finance to support their growth.
“I can’t wait to get out and grow Paragon’s presence in the region.”
Terry Lloyd, Paragon Bank head of vendor, said: “We have a clear commitment to grow our Vendor and Direct proposition and these two strategic appointments are an important step in that journey, expanding our regional presence, as well as our expertise in a key market.
“Joshua and Andrew have strong backgrounds in their respective fields and will play a key role in achieving our growth objective.”
