Southampton-based motor finance specialist Southern Finance has rebranded as Raphaels Finance, adopting the name of its bank owner.

Southern Finance in 2010, but the name continued until now as the principal brand Raphaels Bank’s lending division.

Carl Virgo, head of lending at Raphaels Bank, said: “It has become increasingly important to us to align our lending operations much more closely with the Raphaels name so that we can leverage the strength and security of the bank in a more overt way.

“Now is exactly the right time to do this as we enter a new phase in our growth with the appointment of both Ashley Davies as business development manager looking after our asset finance products, and Patrick Charlton as national sales manager.”

Virgo said it will be business as usual for its dealer customers.