WeDo bolsters trade finance arm with senior hire

WeDo Business Services has made a senior appointment in its trade finance division to support its growth.

John Rourke has joined WeDo Trade Finance as senior commercial manager, a new national role for the business.

He has more than 16 years’ experience in business finance and has moved from 4Syte, where he was a senior manager and set up its trade finance department.

WeDo Trade Finance provides SMEs with funding of between £25,000 and £2m, including revolving facilities, to ease their cashflow pressures by financing the purchase of finished goods from suppliers so they can fulfil orders from their customers upfront.

It serves clients involved in a range of sectors, from promotional gifts, toys, sports merchandise and fashion to household goods, health and beauty, heating and energy and consumer electronics.

John is based at the WeDo group’s headquarters in Oldham and works across the UK.

His role sees him managing client relationships and risk, driving new business opportunities and supporting Vince Tovey, managing director of WeDo Trade Finance, in the management of the division.

Vince said: “Following a record few months, it’s important that we continue to invest in the trade finance business to support this growth and manage our expanding client base, as well as to identify further new business opportunities.

“John is a great fit for WeDo in this new role and is a welcome addition to the team. His sector expertise and knowledge and his connections in the finance world will benefit not only the trade finance arm of the business but also the wider group, through his ability to build relationships, implement ideas and add to our commercial offering.

“He brings plenty of experience and ideas which I am sure will help to take the business to the next level.”

John said: “It’s a fantastic time to join WeDo on its exciting journey, where innovation meets passion.

“I look forward to contributing my skills and collaborating with an inspiring team who are dedicated to helping SMEs get the funding they need to accelerate their growth.

“The team’s commitment to providing the best experience and excellence in client service also aligns with my values and I am excited to begin this new chapter in my career alongside them.”

John’s arrival follows the appointments earlier this month of Sam Wilson and Eileene Hardy as chief commercial officer and business development manager for the group respectively.