Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has reinforced its commitment to increasing the bank’s share of the Mid Market in London and the South with the appointments of Andrew Cremin and Laura Koskenmäki as Business Development Directors.

Both individuals have strong corporate finance backgrounds and bring a combined total of more than 23 years of relevant experience to the team. This will prove beneficial in developing opportunities and prospects for Lloyds Bank, where they will work directly with a wide range of Mid Market businesses. In London, corporates operating within the Business Services and Professionals sector will be a particular priority.

Their remit will also involve support for Lloyds Bank’s specialist Strategic Finance team which provides dedicated guidance to Mid Market businesses on debt-funded transactions.

The senior appointments come following a sustained period of lending growth by Lloyds Bank, with the team increasing its net lending facilities to mid-sized companies and large corporates in the region during 2014. This expansion forms part of the bank’s on-going commitment to understand businesses and their strategies, by providing financial expertise, funding and guidance to help drive confidence and business growth.

Laura Koskenmäki and Andrew Cremin

The role sees Andrew move into his first position in banking after almost 12 years as a corporate finance director with leading accountancy practice, SafferyChampness, where he was responsible for managing transactions from origination to closure. His experience spans numerous market sectors and transaction types, including M&A, transaction support, fundraising, MBO/MBI’s, AIM admissions and main market working capital reviews.

A corporate banker for more than 11 years, Laura brings relevant experience in both corporate lending and leveraged finance to the role. Most recently she spent six years at Barclays, with responsibility for an extensive portfolio of Business Services clients.

Andrew Cremin, Business Development Director for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “I’m pleased to begin this exciting new challenge with Lloyds Bank, which will allow me to bring my business experience into a new setting, and help firms to maximise the potential offered by the improving economy.”

Laura Koskenmäki added: “My appointment continues the bank’s investment in the increasingly important Mid Market space, and I’m looking forward to working closely with my colleagues to deliver new and innovative ways of identifying opportunities and prospects for our customers, both old and new.”