Business support services specialist OPS-BOX has added a fresh string to its bow with a move into the commercial lending market.

The Staverton-based company, which celebrated its first birthday last week, has teamed up with Synergy Commercial Finance to provide access to a wide range of commercial finance providers.

Founders Hayley Parker and Richard Neale, who share more than 50 years of experience in the financial sector, see the partnership as a natural move.

Mr Neale, who is head of commercial finance, said: "The commercial finance market has evolved, with challenger banks, specialist lenders, debt funds and alternative finance providers all fighting for market share.

"With so much choice, it's not easy to navigate the market and can be risky and potentially very time consuming."

He continued: "Traditionally, most businesses would have contacted their bank manager who would have approved the finance required and, in all probability, personally overseen the paperwork process through to drawdown of the loan.

"Sadly, for many, this is an outdated model and with the general demise of service and support from mainstream banks in recent years, alternative funding methods have been needed."

The pair believe the growing range of options makes it difficult for businesses to work out the best way to shape proposals to potential lenders and deal with complex terms of engagement.

Mrs Parker said: "We are delighted to make this move into the commercial finance market. It is a natural step in the growth of OPS-BOX and enables us to further strengthen our offering to the businesses we support.

"We want all businesses to be successful and that's why we work with businesses of all sizes to develop their plans, their operational structure, and their strategic growth ambitions.

"Finance has a natural synergy with growing businesses and allows us to complete our full service offering."

Find out how OPS-BOX can help you at ops-boxgroup.com or email enquiries@ops-boxgroup.com .