PRESS RELEASE

State Securities expands UK sales team

Key points:
•  Extended sales coverage in North East of England
•  Financially challenged businesses in the region to benefit from ‘one-stop-shop’ asset based lending solutions

Friday, 07 April 2006: As part of asset funder State Securities’ continued strategy for development and in response to a significant increase in customer growth (March 2006 saw a record month for new business), the company is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Account Manager in the North East of England.

Martyn Walker has joined the Leeds office as an Account Manager and is tasked with the challenge of expanding the intermediary base and generating new business in the region with particular emphasis on offering accessible ‘asset based lending solutions’ to challenged business customers.

On his appointment, Martyn commented, “I’m looking forward to working with the team to develop the ‘one–stop-finance shop’ services (incorporating asset finance and re-finance, factoring, commercial mortgages, turnaround finance and the Small Firms Loan Guarantee) that State Securities can offer to businesses in the North East. It is particularly gratifying to be able to provide funding solutions to businesses to support their future investment and growth plans whatever their circumstances, often in situations traditional lenders would avoid”.

Martyn brings with him extensive experience of the finance industry from his time as a Senior Account Manager at Lloyds TSB.

Outside of work, Martyn’s hobbies include playing the guitar, skiing and scuba diving.

Contact Martyn on t 0113 2050100 or email mwalker@statesecurities.plc.uk

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors :

State Securities
State Securities has over 25 years experience assisting business customers who are looking to raise finance for the acquisition of new or used assets, along with the re-financing of assets already owned by the business. It also provides commercial mortgages for properties including factories, warehouses, offices and retail outlets and factoring for State Securities type customers to help improve their cash management and to assist in trying to provide a complete finance package.

State Securities supports a wide range of clients, including public and private limited companies, partnerships and sole traders, and can also help companies that have difficulty in raising finance in a short period of time, for example new start businesses. Additionally, it specialises in assisting businesses in company or individual voluntary arrangements.

Visit www.statesecurities.plc.uk

Head office : Jellicoe House, Botleigh Grange Office Campus, Grange Drive, Hedge End, Southampton, Hants SO30 2AF,
t 01489 775600

Leeds office : Town House, 16-18 Town Street, Leeds LS18 4RJ, t 0113 2050100