Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking has appointed Russell Harvey as its new area director for Kent.

In his new role, he will manage the bank's corporate division which provides advice and funding solutions to mid-market and corporate sized businesses.

Mr Harvey has been in banking for 20 years and will head a 20-strong team based in Chelmsford.

He was previously area director in Lloyds Bank's business support unit. This division specialises in the turnaround of mid-market firms and has supported 10,000 businesses since 2009.

He has also held senior management roles with the bank's Financial Institutions and Commercial divisions.

Mr Harvey said: "Mid-sized businesses have a crucial role to play in revitalising the UK's economy. My main goal is to ensure both new and existing customers continue to receive the support from Lloyds Bank to achieve their business goals."