GB Bank has appointed Helen Merrey as business development manager as it looks to expand its intermediary distribution network and property-backed lending business.
Merrey (pictured) joins the specialist bank with more than 10 years’ experience in business development and intermediary relationship management, having previously worked with brokers across the North of England and Scotland.
She was most recently senior key account manager at Uinsure, following an earlier role as regional account manager at West One Loans.
The appointment comes as GB Bank develops its lending proposition, having recently increased its maximum loan size to £25 million and expanded its commercial investment offering.
The bank has also passed £1 billion in lending and established partnerships with the Financial Intermediary & Broker Association (FIBA), Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA) and Mortgage Advice Bureau.
FOCUS ON INTERMEDIARY SUPPORT
Merrey says: “Having worked closely with intermediaries for many years, I’ve seen how much difference it makes when a lender takes the time to understand an application rather than simply looking at whether it fits a set of lending criteria.
“Intermediaries need honest conversations, clear expectations and confidence that the lender understands what they’re trying to achieve.
“That’s the approach I want to bring to GB Bank. I’m looking forward to getting out and speaking with our intermediary partners, understanding the challenges they’re facing and helping them identify opportunities where our lending expertise can make a difference.”
Adnan Ali, head of intermediary distribution at GB Bank, says the appointment will help the lender support brokers as it develops both its simplified and bespoke lending ranges.
He adds: “As our lending proposition develops, we need to ensure the experience intermediaries have when dealing with us continues to match the capabilities we’re offering.
“Having the right products is important, but so is having experienced people who can recognise the potential in an application and help intermediaries navigate the process.
“Helen understands the intermediary market and knows how to build relationships that go beyond individual transactions.
“That experience will be particularly valuable as we continue to grow both our simplified and bespoke product ranges, helping us maintain the personal service and pragmatic approach that intermediaries expect from GB Bank.”
