Newport-based Henry Howard Finance, a UK funder and one of the largest alternative finance providers in Wales, has increased the size and scope of its internal IT team with a series of key appointments.

Expansion of the division has been led by Gavin Dowding, head of IT, who joined the business in 2016 to support its ongoing growth plans.

Gavin, who specialises in resource planning, business intelligence, data visualisation and the development and implementation of new software, has introduced more than 15 years’ best practice experience to HHF.

He is supported by head of infrastructure, James Taylor, who was recruited in August from Olive Communications to ensure the firm’s network and cyber security systems operate efficiently and securely at all times.

Earlier this month, Greg Merriman, an experienced web applications developer also joined the team to ensure the continued success of HHF’s unique online deal management portal, ‘HowApp’, which launched in 2015.

Earlier in the year the group was further bolstered by the recruitment of three experienced business analysts, Rhydian Thomas, Nicola Evans and Clare Montgomery, who assumed responsibility for aligning business processes with business needs. The three will undertake a number of IT change management initiatives and assist with future planning in line with company goals.

Last but not least, the team has been completed by data intelligence analyst, James Brown, who is responsible for developing new ways to measure business performance whilst actively collecting feedback from users of the internal systems.

Anne Williams, chief operating officer at HHF, which is based at Langstone Business Park, said: “We appreciate the increasing importance of technology, and the role that IT will continue to play within the growth journey of the business - particularly as we prepare ourselves to implement GDPR best practices. We have every confidence that our current systems are ahead of the market offering, and our considerable investment into the IT team has been made in order to maintain our position as a funder of first choice.

“Looking ahead to 2018 and beyond, our strengthened IT capabilities will allow us to more effectively analyse client data and improve the tailored financial services we provide, further enhancing our offering to our vendors and customers.”