Lloyds Bank has announced the appointment of a new national sales director to lead its global transaction banking invoice and trade finance business for SMEs.

 In the newly created role Andrew Charnley will lead teams across the UK to provide working capital and risk management solutions to the Group’s SME client base.

 The team will place a clear and continued focus on putting clients first, using transaction banking services to help clients make effective and efficient use of the cash and assets in their businesses.

 Since joining the Lloyds Banking Group in 2014, Andrew has held a number of strategically important positions, latterly leading the mid markets transaction banking business in London and South East.

 Andrew, who is based in Manchester, said: “I am delighted to have been given this new opportunity with the Group to help our clients with the opportunities and challenges that their businesses face.

 “SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and our aim is to help them use their cash and assets in the most effective ways, so that we can help them be better positioned for growth.

 “We have invested heavily in our global transaction banking business to become more digitally advanced and meet more of our clients’ needs. This investment will continue in 2017 as we further our digital capabilities and product offering to help our clients prosper.”

 Lloyds Bank has created a range of products to support its clients’ working capital needs as well as an online hire purchase quote calculator, capital import finance product and Working Capital Management (WCM) Tool.

 Alongside this, the business has also launched its International Trade Portal (www.lloydsbanktrade.com), which allows businesses to identify the international opportunities that have the most potential for their product or service. It also enables businesses to search for suppliers and buyers to work with as trading partners, view information on trading requirements and conditions for specific markets and much more.

 Commenting on Andrew’s appointment, Ben Stephenson, MD, SME, global transaction banking at Lloyds Bank, said: “Andrew has a proven track record of delivery combined with his leadership experience and deep product expertise.

 “As we look to significantly grow our working capital support to UK SMEs, deepen existing relationships and win new ones, he and his team, will be a key cornerstone of our helping Britain prosper plan and support for the UK economy.”