Asset Advantage has appointed Steven O’Reilly as area sales manager for the South East.
O’Reilly (pictured) joins the SME funding provider with experience in the asset finance sector, having spent 10 years with Paragon Bank as a business development manager specialising in SME lending.
He joins Asset Advantage from CC Springador Finance, where he was a director focusing on asset finance and refinance, commercial loans, and finance for the construction, agriculture and vehicle markets.
In his new role, O’Reilly will support small and medium-sized businesses across the South East in accessing business finance, including asset finance and business loans.
The appointment follows a series of investments by Asset Advantage aimed at improving service and increasing SME access to funding for expansion and acquisition.
The company said it had made a number of internal and external appointments, expanded its product range, invested in new systems and enhanced its processes.
Asset Advantage has offered asset finance through hire purchase and finance lease since 2007, with business loans added in 2014. Loans range from £75,000 to £500,000 and can be used for business cases including equipment, technology and other projects, as well as acquisitions.
O’Reilly says: “Having grown up in Basingstoke and worked in the asset finance sector for many years, joining Asset Advantage feels like a natural fit for me.
“I’m really passionate about supporting SMEs in the region and helping business owners access the funding they need to achieve their ambitions. It’s clear that Asset Advantage understands what SMEs want and need from business funding and have the flexible, open-minded approach to suit.”
Gary Thompson, sales director at Asset Advantage, adds: “I’m delighted to welcome Steven to our sales team. Steven comes to us with many years of experience in the asset finance sector and will work with our internal and external teams to support SMEs in their growth ambitions.
“As Asset Advantage continues to grow and meet demand for flexible business finance, Steven will be an integral part of the business community in Basingstoke and Hampshire, and across the South East. I know he will represent the values of Asset Advantage as he does so.”
