Skipton Business Finance expands Midlands team with new hire

Skipton Business Finance (SBF) has strengthened its presence in the Midlands with the appointment of Vicky Hawkins as regional sales director.

Based in Birmingham, Hawkins will report to Jim Furey, sales director for the North West and Midlands. She will be responsible for growing SBF’s footprint by working closely with brokers, introducers and the company’s regional teams to deliver tailored working capital and invoice finance solutions.

Hawkins brings more than 20 years’ experience in corporate and commercial banking, with particular expertise in invoice finance and asset-based lending. She joins SBF from Santander UK, where she was an invoice finance specialist focused on new business generation across the Midlands. Prior to that, she held a range of senior roles at Santander in Birmingham, including new business integration officer and relationship manager. Earlier in her career, she worked at NatWest as part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.

Commenting on her appointment, Hawkins said: “I am thrilled to be joining Skipton Business Finance at such an exciting time in its growth journey. Having worked with SMEs in the West Midlands for many years, I understand how vital flexible working capital solutions are to their success. I look forward to helping more businesses access the support they need to grow and thrive.”

Jim Furey, sales director for the North West and Midlands, said Hawkins’ experience would be an asset to the expanding team. “Vicky brings a wealth of knowledge, energy and experience to our team. Her background in corporate banking and her passion for supporting SMEs make her an excellent addition to Skipton Business Finance. We’re excited to see the positive impact she will have in driving new opportunities across Birmingham and the wider Midlands,” he said.