Cheltenham-based FOLK2FOLK has appointed Carlos Howard as its new head of business development.

Carlos brings over 20 years of leadership experience in financial services, legal, and manufacturing sectors to the peer lending company, with a focus on sales, customer care, operations and strategic roles.

Carlos's career includes his recent role as head of client care at Nalders Solicitors, where he improved client experience and drove business development.

Before this, he worked as operations director at a leading South West modular build manufacturer, driving significant growth, which earned the company a spot in the top 10 of The Sunday Times 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies.

He also held several senior roles at GE Money, gaining experience of sales within a regulated mortgage framework, regulated financial planning and supervising in regulated financial services.

Roy Warren, managing director, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Carlos to FOLK2FOLK. With his experience and customer-centric approach, he aligns with our culture and existing senior management team.

"We are confident that Carlos's experience will be pivotal in driving broker-originated deals and enabling small businesses across the UK to access the funding they need to grow, develop or diversify. His appointment reflects our commitment to expanding and deepening our relationships with brokers."

In his new role, Carlos will lead all sales activities, with a particular focus on brokers and broker-originated deals. He will ensure a smooth, personalised lending process for business owners across the UK, working closely with brokers.

Carlos said: "I'm excited to join FOLK2FOLK, an organisation with a strong purpose and a remarkable history.

"FOLK2FOLK's impressive track record is a testament to its robust model and commitment to supporting regional businesses."

Since its launch in 2013, FOLK2FOLK has connected hundreds of local businesses with investors, providing loans from £100,000 to help SMEs start, grow and diversify in every region of the UK.

In July, FOLK2FOLK reported it had passed the £700m lending milestone, cementing its position as the UK's leading peer to peer lending company.