Bristol-based invoice finance provider Optimum Finance has hired Hazel Hastings and Savannah Smith as account executives to “support its customer service, credit control and new business teams”.
Hastings previously worked in the credit and financial services for nine years, with past roles in the invoice finance space focusing on cultivating talent for customer services and client management.
Smith was most recently a recruitment consultant and business development executive with a background in contract recruitment and client negotiations.
Ant Persse, CEO of Optimum Finance, said: “Hazel and Savannah join a team dedicated to making life easier for UK SMEs that are seeking financial support. We are delighted to have them on board.
“Both will further bolster an amazing team who are passionate about delivering a seamless invoice finance solution that truly delivers the service and funding our clients need, and when and how they need it.”
Hastings added: “Businesses require a partner that can be one step ahead of the game. Placing high priority on the servicing of clients helps to build a lasting, effective relationship that works – and we have the pleasure of seeing businesses flourish with our support.”
Smith noted: “I’m excited to get started and support clients in every way possible to help them succeed.”
Anna is currently the deputy editor for Mortgage Solutions and editor for Specialist Lending Solutions. She has worked as a journalist since 2019, having secured her Gold Standard NCTJ diploma from News Associates in a fast-track six-month course.
She started her career as a report at specialist publication The Insurance Insider covering a wide range of areas before joining Mortgage Solutions and Specialist Lending Solutions in 2021.
In her role, she helps put together and structure the news agenda for the day and writes up press releases, reports, interviews, analyses and exclusives across both titles. She also commissions blogs for Specialist Lending Solutions and hosts online masterclasses and in-person events across the business.
She has been shortlisted for three journalism awards, which include BIBA Journalist and Media Awards Scoop of Year Award in 2020, Headline Money Mortgage Journalist of the Year Award (B2B) in 2022 and 2023.
Prior to being a journalist, Anna worked in ecommerce across Snow + Rock, Cycle Surgery and Runners Need websites, and before that worked at specialist financial PR firm Rostrum.
In her spare time, Anna enjoys reading, seeing live music, and cooking for friends and family. When she gets a chance, she also enjoys hiking, skiing and indoor rock climbing.