Steve Halls (pictured above) joins from Santander UK Corporate & Commercial Banking, having served as director of asset-based lending since February 2014.

In his new role, Steve will be responsible for managing Aldermore's invoice finance relationships in Anglia and Essex.

Steve said: “With its focus on bespoke and personalised business solutions, Aldermore is the perfect fit for me.

“I'm looking forward to playing a part in the division's continued growth, helping businesses across Anglia and Essex to access the vital funding they need to thrive.”

Prior to joining Santander, Steve spent over 12 years as head of business development and structured development manager at RBS Invoice Finance.

The news follows the appointment of a new head of internal sales and support for Aldermore's asset finance team.

Stuart Baty, head of business development for the south at Aldermore Invoice Finance, added: “It's a great time to be joining Aldermore and [Steve's] business finance experience built up over a career spanning more than 20 years ideally places him to take our business development offering forward.

“Over the past few months we have significantly bolstered our representation in the South.

“We now have in place an extremely experienced and well-networked team which is focussed on providing flexible funding solutions to the growing small- and medium-sized businesses that play a vital part in driving the regional economy.”