Graham Leaney and Mike Stevens both join the South West region to help BFS to support customers, build relationships with introducers and focus on helping SMEs to access the funding needed to further their businesses.

Commenting on the double appointment, UK Sales Director, Stephen Hand said: “I am delighted to welcome our two newest additions to the sales team, especially during such an exciting time at BFS. Our business is going from strength to strength thanks to the successful delivery of our 4.0 strategy, our continued focus on delivering for our customers and the family feel that extends throughout BFS, thanks to our 200-year family history. Our ability to attract such skilled individuals like Graham and Mike to the team is a testament to the culture, growth and opportunities that are possible when you’re a part of BFS family.

“Welcoming them both to BFS will enable us to continue to support SMEs with our fantastic proposition and a risk appetite that enables us to say yes when others say no. The arrival of both Graham and Mike marks a strengthening of our presence in the South West region and we are excited about the positive impact they are going to have.”

Graham Leaney joins us as a Corporate Manager, specialising in loans ranging from £1 million - £15 million. After a short while away he returns to BFS, tempted back by both by the prospect of being able to better support SMEs and being part of a positive family business with an excellent culture. He is excited to be supporting as many businesses as possible, focusing on building relationships and supporting our customers in the South West of the UK.

When asked what he looks forward to in joining BFS, Graham said, “Having worked in the industry for 20 years, the last nine of which have been spent structuring tailored solutions for clients, I look forward to sharing my experience with businesses across the South West. On the back of a really positive year for BFS, we head into 2024 in a really strong place and I’m keen to get to work and continue to build on that success.”

Mike Stevens joins us as a Business Development Manager where he will be supporting SMEs, including those in the construction sector, with their working capital needs. Mike has spent his 13-year career in the banking, finance and technology sectors. Most recently, he worked as Regional Sales Director for Optimum SME Finance, helping small businesses succeed in an incredibly difficult and turbulent market.

Upon joining BFS, Mike said, "BFS has a fantastic culture and I already feel part of the family. I am excited about the opportunity to work with such an ambitious team to help grow and develop the South West region. I am passionate about helping SMEs achieve their personal and professional aspirations, and to support them in making educated decisions on whether cashflow finance will be of benefit to their business."

BFS is the UK’s largest independent invoice finance provider and supports nearly 9,000 SME clients globally through its invoice finance and asset finance solutions. In addition, its product range includes Foreign Exchange, Export and Trade Finance, as well as specialist finance for the construction sector.