The new division will be led by Tim Hawkins (pictured above), who has joined the specialist bank as managing director having previously served at Shawbrook Bank.

Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending will offer a full asset-based lending product suite with confidential invoice discounting as its core facility – supported by stock, plant and machinery, property and cash flow lending – to generate optimal headroom for businesses.

The new arm will specialise in lending for SMEs and mid-cap businesses.

Tim – who has more than 30 years of experience in the asset-based lending industry – co-founded Centric Commercial Finance, which was subsequently acquired by Shawbrook Bank, where he was formerly managing director of the business credit division.

“I am extremely proud to have joined Arbuthnot Commercial as managing director of this new division,” said Tim.

“The team we are building is united by the desire to work in an enterprising culture and provide an asset-based lending service that delivers personal attention and develops long-term relationships founded on trust and transparency.

“We have a clear go-to-market strategy and are excited at the opportunity of building a strong market presence.”

Ian Henderson, chief executive at Arbuthnot Latham, said that the launch of the new division further strengthened its commercial banking offering, as it continued to drive its growth strategy.

“By filling a gap in the SME and mid-cap lending market, our dedicated team will support businesses across the UK to realise their growth ambitions.

“Tim brings the expertise, experience and knowledge required to drive further growth for SMEs and mid-cap businesses.”