UTB appoints Steve Gee to build new vendor finance business

United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed Steve Gee as Commercial Director – Asset Finance, as the bank looks to establish a new vendor finance business and continue the expansion of its asset finance proposition.

Gee joins UTB following a 26-year career with Close Brothers, including the past decade as CEO of Close Brothers Asset Finance’s Industrial Equipment Division.

During his time at Close Brothers, he helped build the industrial equipment business from the ground up into a major specialist asset finance operation, developing extensive experience working with manufacturers, equipment suppliers and SMEs across the UK.

In his new role, Gee will lead the development of UTB’s vendor finance business, working with equipment dealers and manufacturers to provide asset finance solutions to their SME customers.

The new operation will be based in the North-West but provide nationwide coverage, initially focusing on the manufacturing, construction, transport, materials handling and print sectors.

UTB said the proposition will combine specialist sector expertise and dealer relationships with the bank’s developing credit and operational capabilities.

The appointment comes during a period of expansion for UTB’s asset finance division, which has reported strong growth during 2026.

Part of that growth has been driven by the soft launch of Stance Asset Finance, which is scheduled for a wider national roll-out later this year. Stance was established to provide brokers and SMEs with an additional funding option for transactions that fall outside UTB’s established proposition criteria.

The addition of a dedicated vendor finance capability represents the latest stage in UTB’s plans to broaden its asset finance offering and increase its support for UK SMEs investing in equipment and technology.

Nathan Mollett, Managing Director – Asset Finance at United Trust Bank, said:

“Steve is one of the most experienced and respected people in UK asset finance, and we’re delighted that he has chosen to join UTB at such an exciting stage in our development.

“We’ve built tremendous momentum across Asset Finance this year, both through our established UTB business and the successful soft launch of Stance. Steve’s appointment adds another important dimension to our growth plans by enabling us to build a dedicated vendor finance capability around equipment dealers and manufacturers.

“His experience, relationships and deep understanding of the industrial equipment market will be invaluable as we create yet another business line within UTB Asset Finance.”

Steve Gee, Commercial Director – Asset Finance at United Trust Bank, added: “I’ve spent most of my career working with businesses who invest in equipment to improve productivity, increase capacity and create growth, so the opportunity to build a new vendor finance business at UTB was too good to miss.

“UTB already has an excellent reputation in Asset Finance and there’s a real sense of ambition and momentum across the business.

“Ultimately, this is about helping more SMEs get access to the assets they need to invest, grow and thrive. I’m really looking forward to building the business from the ground up and contributing to the next exciting phase of UTB’s development in the asset finance industry.”