Newport-based business finance provider Henry Howard Finance has appointed a new regional director for the South West to its asset finance division as the company looks to further support the region’s thriving SME scene.
With a career in finance spanning more than three decades, including 10 years as a director of asset finance at Lombard, Richard Arnold, 47, from Exeter, joins the firm, based at Langstone Business Park, as South West regional director. He will be responsible for expanding its reach further west into Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. 
Mr Arnold said: “There are a lot of fantastic SMEs in this part of the world which are looking for support to grow and strengthen what they are doing, but many struggle to get the right type of finance for their needs.
“I’ve worked in this region for a long time and I feel excited about what Henry Howard Finance can offer local enterprises across a variety of sectors – from tourism and manufacturing through to farming and renewable energy. We have a wide range of finance options at our disposal, and a flexible approach that I think businesses in this region need and will appreciate.”
Richard began his finance career straight from school, honing his skills by helping South West business owners find the finance they needed to grow. 
He said: “Many big banks are reluctant to support start up’s or help SME with refinancing needs, which leaves businesses unnecessarily vulnerable. I’m thrilled to be with HHF because they look for the right solution for all customers.”