Legion Trade Finance has hired two to its team to further provide UK SMEs with access to financing.

Stuart Mann joins as business development manager, whilst Graham Meek joins as business development executive. Mann’s focus will be on developing new business in South East England, with Meek working to bring in new business across the Midlands from the firm’s Birmingham office, building relationships with brokers, factors and bankers.

“Trade finance is a rapidly expanding sector as the (UK) economy returns to growth and customers need working capital to fund their current and future business opportunities,” Mann tells GTR.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there and meeting people in the industry,” adds Meek. “This is an exciting time to be joining Legion as the firm expands and market trends move upwards.”

Mann has 10 years’ experience in financial sales, whereas Meek has 10 years’ corporate finance experience.

“We have ambitious plans to grow our books over the next few years and Stuart and Graham will play a key part in that process,” says Legion’s head of business development, Paul Levy. “They bring experience from different backgrounds and join us at a key time.”