Ignition has welcomed John Sharpe as a new Business Development Manager, to help strengthen its reach across the South West.

John’s is the latest in a number of new appointments to the Ignition team.  He will be joining fellow new recruits Ele Smith and Richard Bowley who also took up positions as Business Development Managers at the end of last year.

With more than 35 years’ experience in the finance sector, predominantly in banking with Barclays and NatWest, John was responsible for a portfolio of 80 SME clients with specialisms in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering and Agriculture.  Most recently, John has been working as Director, Regional Business Development, South West for ThinCats, a financial services company for entrepreneurs and SMEs.

In his new role at Ignition, John will be based in Yeovil in Somerset, where he is already an active member of the business community. From here, he’ll be supporting businesses across Somerset, Wiltshire and into Bristol, helping Ignition further extend its reach across the South West region.  Of his new appointment he said; 

“It’s been a privilege to work with SMEs for many years, and to see the entrepreneurial passion that exists in this region. I’m looking forward to helping these businesses achieve their growth aspirations by offering them the excellent support and opportunities that Ignition can provide.”

Ignition’s Managing Director, Paul Caunter, added;

“John is highly regarded in the Somerset business community and beyond, and brings with him a wealth of experience in the finance sector. His appointment will help us expand and consolidate our reach into Somerset, Wiltshire and Bristol so we can help SMEs in the region thrive.”