Davis joined BFS from Yorkshire Bank in 2011 and was instrumental in the opening of BFS’s West Midlands business centre in 2014.

During 25 years working in financial services, he has held a variety of commercial finance roles, including at HSBC and Yorkshire Bank, where he specialised in asset-based lending and invoice finance.

Kash Ahmad, head of specialist products at BFS, added: “Throughout his time with BFS, Jim has put both clients and colleagues at the heart of his leadership, and this has led to fantastic results, time and time again. I’m fully confident that Jim will continue this trend in his new role, helping to further enhance the support we provide to SMEs trading overseas.”

Davis added: “With the UK’s departure from the EU on the horizon, SMEs need expert support more than ever. In addition to providing valuable support for existing exporters, we want to be able to help those businesses new to international trade to uncover growth opportunities overseas. I look forward to supporting the growth of thousands of UK SMEs in my new role.”

With more than 40 operations in 14 countries spanning Europe, North America and Asia, BFS provides FOREX services and specialist trade, asset and working capital funding, to support businesses in domestic and international markets.

Davis’ new position is part of a series of role changes at the company.

Joe Waters was recently appointed head of sales as BFS seeks to develop its services to SMEs operating in the South of England.

With industry expertise spanning over 30 years, Waters has held several senior positions in financial services, specifically supporting UK SMEs. He most recently served as director at Partnership Invoice Finance, and was also a founding director at Gener8 Finance.

Paul Lomas also recently joined as global HR director.