Close Invoice Finance announces new senior appointment for Northwest

April 2008

Close Invoice Finance, part of the FTSE 250 listed merchant banking group Close Brothers Group plc, has appointed Johanna Winterbottom as its new Regional Sales Director for the North West region.

Johanna joins the sales team based at Close's rapidly expanding Northern Commercial Centre and brings with her over 13 years of industry experience. In her new role, she will be responsible for developing key introductory sources and generating new business within a territory stretching from Manchester and Stockport across to Chester.

Prior to this appointment, she worked as Corporate Manager in the North West for Skipton Business Finance LTD, where she was responsible for new business development. She has also worked at the Bank of Scotland Cashflow Finance and the Royal Bank Invoice Finance (now Royal Bank of Scotland Invoice Finance).

Commenting on her new role, Johanna said:

"I'm pleased to be joining Close Invoice Finance at such an exciting time in its development. The company has a great name in the market place and a reputation for providing quality products - I look forward to playing a part in their future success."

David Thomson, Chief Executive of Close Invoice Finance added:

"We're delighted to have Johanna on board. Her extensive industry experience and knowledge of the North West will be a real asset to our business."