Steve Childs has been named head of international and trade, business banking at Barclays.

He will manage a team of more than 100 international business managers in the UK, charged with lending to SMEs. Childs will report to David Onto, director of specialist industries.

He has been with Barclays since 1988, working across the UK branch network and home finance division. In 2008, he became network area director, followed by regional business director for the South West and South Wales. Most recently, Childs was national head of real estate.

Onto says: “We know that the average UK business reaches a domestic growth ceiling after just four years, at which point, further growth requires access to overseas markets. Steve’s appointment is pivotal in ensuring our customers receive the best service and expertise, whether they are looking to export for the first time or further increase their international footprint.”