Promarine Finance appoints inland waterways expert to senior management team

Leading marine finance lender, Promarine Finance has appointed Matt Ashmall to its senior management team, which will strengthen Promarine’s offering by utilising his inland waterways knowledge.

Matt, who has been involved in asset finance for over 30 years with the last 25 years specialising in the inland waterways sector, will be using his experience to bring Promarine’s clients the very best advice and service for their marine purchases.

Born and raised in Abingdon on Thames in Oxfordshire, Matt’s had a lifelong passion for everything water-based and is keen to get as many people as possible on the water. “I’m really excited about the new role at Promarine and I look forward to utilising my experience and knowledge to help Promarine’s customers. There are approximately 4,700 miles of navigable canals and waterways in the UK and I look forward to helping people explore it.”

Founder of the ‘Favourite Boat of Show’ competition at Crick Boat Show, Matt has owned canoes, sailing dinghies and wind surfers over the years and enjoyed many trips on the rivers and canals in and around Oxfordshire.

Stuart Austin, director of Promarine said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Matt onboard the Promarine team. Interest in the UK’s inland waterways has increased greatly since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and we’ve seen a 40 percent increase in the number of finance deals for liveaboard vessels since the start of this year. Many customers are taking advantage of the affordability, the lifestyle and the freedom a liveaboard vessel offers and we’re seeing customers opting for liveaboard vessels are also getting younger. Liveaboards such as canalboats are no longer considered an option for just the retiree, instead drawing people who are seeking alternative lifestyles with freedom from the traditional housing options.

“Matt is joining the team at a really exciting time of growth and I’m delighted Promarine can offer even more expertise to its customers with the knowledge Matt has.”

Find out more about Promarine Finance

Promarine Finance offers fixed and variable rate marine mortgages for new and used RIBs, motorboats, sailing yachts and canal boats over periods of two to 15 years and is one of only a few finance providers for liveaboard vessels in the UK.

To find out if you’re eligible for marine finance, get an instant personalised quote for your needs and have it approved in 30 minutes. 

Promarine Finance hires a new Business Development Manager

Promarine bolsters team as part of its development programme with ex-Olympian.

Leading marine finance lender, Promarine Finance has appointed a new Business Development manager, Steve Bent following a period of substantial growth.

Steve’s appointment is part of an on-going development programme that will see the company continue to expand over the next 12 months.

In 1984, Steve represented Great Britain in track cycling at the LA Olympics. His passion for cycling has continued throughout his career and he has spent the last 30 years owning and operating his own cycling organisations.

Steve will be responsible for the overall business growth strategy and execution. He will also support the sales team with lead acquisition and processing.

Steve’s wealth of experience adds continued value to Promarine Finance

Stuart Austin, Director of Promarine Finance, comments: “We have just had our busiest Q1 to date with a substantial 71% increase in the number of deals made, compared to the same period in 2020. We are keen to build on our success and Steve’s appointment will further enhance our growth for the remainder of the year and beyond. Steve comes with a wealth of business development experience including business acquisitions, mergers and spearheading lead generation strategies.”

Steve comments: “My career spans business ownership and development roles. This newly created role will benefit from my existing skill sets and present new challenges. I am pleased to be joining the dynamic team at Promarine Finance and sister company, Prolease.”