Two new key appointments have been made at one of the UK’s leading independent funder, Newport-based Henry Howard Finance to help support the independent funder’s continued growth.

Marie Dunkley and Charlie Ryley join the firm to strengthen its commitment to expanding its equipment finance offering.

Marie Dunkley, from Bristol, joins as head of vendor, Hard Asset Finance, to create a new vendor-led asset finance stream from her role of UK sales director for construction, transport and industrial at DLL De Lage Landen.

Prior to this, Marie held senior roles at Hitachi Capital and GE Capital and has previously won the NSA Sales Director of the Year Award.

Ms Dunkley said: “I’m delighted to join Henry Howard Finance - the company’s forward-thinking approach, customer-centric ideals and growing own-book lending is an exciting journey that I’m keen to be part of as they establish a stronger presence in vendor asset finance.”

Charlie Ryley, from Cardiff, also joins the innovative vendor finance team as an account manager under the leadership of Gyles Thompson, after spending time in a role at Pinnacle Telecom (Wales) Ltd.

Mr Ryley said: “A major priority for us is to ensure all customers are provided with the best possible service. Previous roles have set me up well for that challenge and I’m really pleased to be joining such as innovative company that continually puts the customers first.”

Henry Howard Finance, which has its head office at Langstone Business Park, Newport, has supported more than 30,000 companies across the UK and recently celebrated a year-on-year increase of 50 per cent in own-book lending.

Mark Catton, CEO of Henry Howard Finance, said: “I am thrilled to be welcoming Marie and Charlie into our team. We continue to enjoy success across our markets and we are very pleased to have their experience to help us manage this growth and build high quality customer relationships.”