ROB Hatfield (pictured) has been appointed North East regional sales director, for Close Brothers Invoice Finance, part of the Close Brothers Group.

He will be based in Middlesbrough and has more than 14 years’ experience gained at Yorkshire Bank and, most recently, at Aldermore Bank where he was regional sales manager for the North East.

Mr Hatfield said: "I’m committed to helping firms in the Teesside area access appropriate funding and improve their cash flow. I have experience of working with businesses of all sizes, from new starts to larger businesses with a turnover in excess of £40m."