The 6-strong function has been created from the merging of the company’s previous Commercial and Business Development departments and is expected to grow during the year.

Gregor Sutherland, COO, explained: “This change is very much driven by the maturing of Startline as a business. Our target customer base since our formation six years ago has been the UK top 200 franchise and top 50 independent dealers. We now have strong penetration into those sectors, so there is a reduced drive towards signing new accounts.

“Instead, we are increasingly looking at working more and more effectively with our existing clients, helping them to to make the most of our flexible motor finance proposition, and offering our products through a wider range of introducers such as online portals. This calls for a different kind of function and the Client Relationships Team answers that need.

“While the new department will still handle new business activity, it is very much about delivering a consolidated relationship management function designed to maximise both existing and new account activity.”

Kelly has been given the title of head of client relationships and acquisition. She joined Startline in 2016 as northern regional sales manager and has wide-ranging motor finance experience, having worked as a sales manager for NextGear Capital and finance consultant for Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

She said: “I’m looking forward to leading the new team. We have a wealth of experience and expertise within our field-based and head office staff and are looking to grow by promoting Startline’s distinctive offering, while working more closely with dealers and other introducers.”

In Q1 of 2019, Startline reported over 20% increase in business by volume and announced that it would be creating up to 50 new jobs by transferring its customer services function in-house, a move that will see it double its existing office space with an additional 7,500 square feet taken at the company’s Skypark One headquarters in Glasgow.