United Trust Bank (UTB) has recruited two asset finance specialists as it prepares to enter the materials handling equipment finance market through its developing vendor finance operation.
Jonathan Gee and Joseph Silva have joined the bank to establish a dedicated funding proposition for equipment dealers and manufacturers, covering customer finance and funding for dealers’ own hire fleets.
Gee (pictured, left) has been appointed head of materials handling following 18 years at Close Brothers, where he progressed to sales director.
“Silva joins as regional dealer manager, bringing 10 years’ experience in asset finance and materials handling equipment gained at BNP Paribas and Close Brothers.
Silva (pictured, right) was most recently regional finance manager for the materials handling equipment sector at Close Brothers.
The new operation will offer contract hire facilities, with or without maintenance, alongside hire purchase funding. Dealers will also be able to access finance for their short- and long-term rental fleets.
DIGITAL DEALER PLATFORM PLANNED
UTB is developing an online portal through which dealers will be able to submit finance proposals, track applications and monitor transactions in real time.
The system is provisionally scheduled for launch towards the end of 2026 or in early 2027, depending on the completion of development and testing.
The move forms part of a wider expansion of UTB’s asset finance division, which has grown during 2026 through its existing broker distribution business and the introduction of Stance Asset Finance.
Nathan Mollett, managing director – asset finance at United Trust Bank, says: “We’re moving quickly to establish the specialist teams and capabilities which will underpin our new vendor finance business.
“Materials handling is an important sector with considerable potential, and Jon and Joe bring exactly the market knowledge, experience and relationships we need to establish UTB as a credible and competitive funding partner for dealers.
“We know dealers want more than just competitive pricing. They need a finance partner who understands their business, responds quickly, makes sensible decisions and delivers consistently.
“That’s the proposition we’re building, combining experienced people with technology designed to make doing business with us as straightforward as possible.”
Gee says: “Having worked in asset finance for many years, I know how important it is for materials handling dealers to have a funding partner they can rely on.
“There’s a real opportunity to bring something fresh to this market and we’re looking forward to getting out and talking to dealers about how UTB can support their businesses.”
Silva adds: “I know how much difference a responsive and knowledgeable finance partner can make to dealers and our aim is to make the funding process simpler, help dealers complete more business and build relationships which last.”
