Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance (STB CF), the asset-based lending (ABL) arm of Secure Trust Bank, has announced the promotion of James Hodkinson to managing director, following the retirement of John Bevan.

In his previous role as chief operating officer, working in collaboration with John, James’ operational expertise and service-led approach has been fundamental to the growth enjoyed by STB CF over the last 10 years.

James began his career at the Royal Bank of Scotland, where he undertook a variety of leadership and strategy roles within the invoice finance business. He then held various nationwide leadership roles covering sales and relationship management within Barclays’ sales finance division. These included head of medium corporate team and head of relationship management, where he was responsible for a team of 140 people, before moving to Secure Trust Bank in 2014 to help set up the commercial finance division.

In his role as managing director, James will lead the ongoing expansion of STB CF’s lending portfolio and support the team in its strategic aims of unlocking value for ambitious businesses, whilst working alongside private equity investors on complex transactions.

This comes at a time of sustained growth for the commercial finance team. Over the last ten years, the team has provided over £20bn of funding to over 250 UK businesses, having built long-term trusted relationships with many private equity houses and other private investors.

James Hodkinson, managing director at STB CF, said: “Having been with STB CF since its inception, it has been truly amazing to be involved in growing the business into what it is today. It will be very much business as usual from January and I am looking forward to leading the business on its continued journey of growth. The team and I look forward to sharing our plans with our valued partners over the coming months.

“John leaves a great team at STB CF, and we would like to thank him and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

John Bevan, former managing director at STB CF, said: “I am very proud of what has been achieved with James and the team over the last 10 years and I’m very grateful for their support and the support of our clients and introducers. The culture we have developed together is very important and with