Asset Advantage has appointed Steven O'Reilly as area sales manager for the South East, as the SME asset finance provider continues to invest in its team and regional presence.
O'Reilly brings a decade of experience from Paragon Bank, where he worked as a business development manager specialising in SME lending. He joins from CC Springador Finance, where he served as a director covering asset finance and refinance, commercial loans, and finance for construction, agriculture, and vehicle markets.
In the new role, he will support small and medium-sized businesses across the South East in accessing asset finance and business loans. The appointment is part of a broader programme of investment at Asset Advantage that has included internal and external hires, product development, new systems, and process improvements.
Asset Advantage has offered asset finance through hire purchase and finance lease since 2007, with business loans added in 2014. Loans range from £75,000 to £500,000 and can be used to fund equipment, technology, and other projects, as well as business acquisitions.
O'Reilly (pictured) said: "Having grown up in Basingstoke and worked in the asset finance sector for many years, joining Asset Advantage feels like a natural fit for me."
"I'm really passionate about supporting SMEs in the region and helping business owners access the funding they need to achieve their ambitions. It's clear that Asset Advantage understands what SMEs want and need from business funding and has the flexible, open-minded approach to suit."
Gary Thompson, sales director at Asset Advantage, welcomed the appointment: "Steven comes to us with many years of experience in the asset finance sector and will work with our internal and external teams to support SMEs in their growth ambitions," he said. "As Asset Advantage continues to grow and meet demand for flexible business finance, Steven will be an integral part of the business community in Basingstoke and Hampshire, and across the South East. I know he will represent the values of Asset Advantage as he does so."
