Paragon Bank appoints regional SME lending manager

Paragon Bank has appointed Paul Reynolds as a regional sales manager for the North East and Yorkshire in its SME lending division.

With over a decade of asset finance experience, Paul joins Paragon from Close Brothers, where he was an area sales manager for the North East. Prior to Close Brothers, Paul was business manager for the Lloyd Motor Group.

Paul’s appointment coincides with renewed demand for asset finance by North East SMEs, with recent Paragon research finding that a majority (53%) expect cashflow to improve over the next 12 months. A total of 55% are feeling confident in their business’s outlook and 75% plan to maintain or increase investment in their operations.

Paul Reynolds said: “I am thrilled to join Paragon’s specialist lending team at this exciting time for North East and Yorkshire SMEs. With plans for investment, businesses are ready to acquire the assets that will take their operations forward – and I looking forward to working with SMEs from across the region to help them reach their full potential.”

Regional director, Ashley Butterfield, commented: “I’m excited to welcome Paul to our team. With Paul’s significant asset finance experience, he will offer support to SMEs from across the region in finding the right, bespoke financing solutions for them.”