New managing director appointed at Kingsley Asset Finance

By Rob Kelly

05 May 2026

Ben Smith with Jonathan Smith

Kingsley Asset Finance has announced the appointment of Ben Smith as managing director.

Ben joins from Interpath Advisory and has extensive experience across industry, business lending and latterly financial advisory and brings with him a deep expertise in asset based lending.

In his new role, Ben will assume responsibility for the day‑to‑day leadership of Kingsley working closely with Jonathan Smith, who continues as Chairman, to shape, evolve and execute the long‑term strategy of the business.

With a loan book target of £50m, the business is now firmly focused on the next phase of growth and capitalising on the opportunities ahead in a rapidly evolving market.  

Kingsley’s core principles remain unchanged; commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, providing direct access to knowledgeable and commercially minded underwriters and ensuring funding solutions are tailored to each business’s needs. 

Ben Smith, managing director, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Kingsley as managing director at such an exciting phase in its development.

"Since the business was formed it has consistently delivered for its intermediary partners and clients, underpinned by a clear focus on customer service and consistent delivery of innovative funding solutions - I look forward to building on that excellent foundation.

"On a personal note, I am delighted to be joining our family business that has flourished under Jonathan’s leadership and, along with him and our fantastic team, I’m looking forward to taking Kingsley on the next stage of its ambitious growth.”

Kingsley Asset Finance was formed as a family business, and it is proud to carry that heritage into this exciting new chapter

Jonathan Smith, chairman, said: "I am delighted to welcome Ben to the team. Ben’s experience and work ethic is exactly what we need to maintain Kingsley’s position as a leading player in the Independent, Asset Finance space, maintaining the quality of service we have become known for.  

"Over the coming months and years we look forward to building our proposition further, delivering innovative funding solutions in the manner our partners and clients expect and deserve.

"Ben and I, with the help of our amazing and dedicated colleagues, now look forward to taking the business to the next level."

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

GCAP ‘set for £6bn funding boost’ Tempest new

GCAP ‘set for £6bn funding boost’

19 May 2026

2

Anti-drone weapon tested in Lancashire is deployed on Middle East Operations BAE Systems tests

Anti-drone weapon tested in Lancashire is deployed on Middle East Operations

19 May 2026

3

Preston haircare brand FYC secures Alexandra Mardell partnership Alexandra Mardell

Preston haircare brand FYC secures Alexandra Mardell partnership

19 May 2026

4

Barnfield celebrates 50 years of building Tim Webber from Barnfield Construction

Barnfield celebrates 50 years of building

19 May 2026

5

Leaders launch multi-billion pound investment opportunities Stephen Atkinson

Leaders launch multi-billion pound investment opportunities

18 May 2026

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV128 May/June Magazine Networking Event
Canva - Mag Launch
Networking
19 May 2026

LBV128 May/June Magazine Networking Event

Colne Market Hall, Lancashire, BB8 0HS

08:30 - 10:30

Funding Summit
Funding Logo Canva Mid
Summit
17 Jun 2026

Funding Summit

Village Hotel Blackpool

08:30 - 11:00

LBV129 July/August Magazine Networking Event
Nov/Dec Networking Event
Networking
16 Jul 2026

LBV129 July/August Magazine Networking Event

Brysdales, Britannia Buildings Drumhead Road, Chorley, PR6 7BX

16:00 - 18:00

LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event
Jan/Feb Networking Event - Entrance
Networking
17 Sep 2026

LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event

The Beehive Blackburn, Shadsworth Business Park, BB1 2Q

08:30 - 10:30

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event
Jan/ Feb Networking Event - Talking
Networking
19 Nov 2026

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event

Lancashire

08:30 - 10:30

Research and Knowledge Exchange Festival 2026
Spark 2026 newsletter v3-5 (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
18 May 2026 - 22 May 2026

Research and Knowledge Exchange Festival 2026

University of Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

10:00 - 20:00

U35 Networking Event
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
20 May 2026

U35 Networking Event

The Royal Hotel & Bar, Lancaster, LA1 1YD

17:30 - 19:00

How to handle an underperforming employee
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
20 May 2026

How to handle an underperforming employee

The Longlands Hotel, Carnforth, LA6 1JH

08:00 - 10:00

Culture, Community & Commerce in the City # 1 - Northern Dough Co x WASH Studio
8.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
20 May 2026

Culture, Community & Commerce in the City # 1 - Northern Dough Co x WASH Studio

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:30

Getting ahead of risk: Managing cash flow, costs, funding and supply chains in uncertain times
Webinar invite (3).png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
20 May 2026

Getting ahead of risk: Managing cash flow, costs, funding and supply chains in uncertain times

Online - teams, N/A, N/A

09:30 - 11:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May
LBV Hub Networking
21 May 2026

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR13LT

10:00 - 12:00

Why digital accessibility is crucial for your business
EXP-Webinar-LBV-Hub.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
21 May 2026

Why digital accessibility is crucial for your business

Online, Microsoft Teams, Webinar

12:30 - 13:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin