Hitachi Capital Business Finance has appointed two new members of staff to its Vendor Finance team, Ian Smith and Russ Nicholls.

Specializing in the Agricultural and the Construction sectors, Smith joins with 30 years experience in the banking and finance industry. He started his career with HSBC Bank plc, being given the opportunity to work in various departments from branch banking and call centers to working in HO credit and risk. He has also been Area Sales Manager at CNH Industrial and most recently Aldermore Bank plc as Business Development Manager.

Nicholls has worked in the finance industry for 12 years, finding his calling in the Construction and Agricultural sectors. He has previously worked at GE, CNH Industrial and most recently Aldermore Bank plc, where he was able to expand his specialties, diversifying in prestige and exotic cars for the last 12 months. Throughout his career, he has focused on developing relationships and an excellent customer base in the south/south west of the UK.

Andy Taylor, Head of Broker Sales, said: “Hitachi Capital Business Finance are committed to further developing our Vendor offering and the number of partners that we have - which includes expanding our expertise in our team as well. Our investment in this area demonstrates how we are continuously striving to find alternative ways that we can help our clients manage their finances in a way that suits them and supports business growth.

“Having heard of our work culture, services and product offering, both Ian and Russ approached Hitachi Capital Business Finance wanting to join a team with an innovative market reputation. Between them they bring a wealth of experience in vendor and stock financing. They will be focusing their efforts on developing Manufacturer and Dealer Stocking Facilities and introducing their own contacts to our growing portfolio of Vendors, which in turn could create additional sales opportunities for our existing Broker network. In their new positions, Ian and Russ will both be reporting to Sean Jones, Head of Vendor.”