Allica, the company building a digital SME bank with relationship managers, has appointed Gareth Claxton as Senior Commercial Manager. Claxton will be responsible for supporting owner-occupier businesses and commercial investment property professionals.
Claxton joins from Redwood Bank, where he supported businesses as well as commercial and residential investors with their long-term property lending requirements. Prior to that Gareth held senior positions with Aldermore and Santander, managing the new business and portfolio management teams.
Launching this year, Allica aims to be a digital SME bank which will offer business customers a service that makes their business lives easier. Customers will be able to access a team of banking experts with extensive business finance experience, combined with an individual approach and the best of digital banking.
Mark Stephens, Chief Executive Officer, Allica, says: “With more than three decades’ experience gained at leading high street and challenger banks, and with a reputation for demonstrating strong service culture behaviours, Gareth is a recognised name within the commercial broker market. Allica will offer a unique combination of business finance experts, attentive service and the best of digital banking. Gareth’s commercial mortgage lending expertise will be crucial in supporting our customers after launch.”
Claxton says: “Allica’s unique service is set to lead the way for SME banking and be a trusted partner as they grow. I am delighted to join the team bringing the Allica alternative to market and I’m looking forward to working closely with our customers, helping them structure and obtain lending solutions that specifically meet their objectives.”
Focused on the UK SME market and funded by SME and retail savings, Allica will ultimately serve businesses through working capital solutions and cash management, including loans, asset finance, savings and payment services. Allica will also address the UK retail market with a range of savings products.