Signature Property Finance has appointed Gary Hawtin as relationship manager covering the Midlands and central England.
Based in Oxford, Hawtin joins the lender with more than 20 years’ experience across financial services, private banking and commercial property finance, including a recent role as business development manager at Market Financial Solutions.
The appointment reflects continued competition among bridging lenders to strengthen intermediary relationships and expand regional origination capabilities, particularly in markets outside London and the South East where development and refurbishment activity remains resilient.
Relationship-led origination remains a key differentiator at a time when brokers are placing increasing value on speed of decision-making, certainty of funding and direct access to experienced personnel.
AMBITIOUS GROWTH PLANS
Tony Gilbertson, CEO at Signature Property Finance, says: “Gary’s appointment reflects our commitment to building a team that can deliver on our ambitious growth plans. His track record speaks for itself, both as a business owner and as an operator in the specialist property finance market.
“He understands what brokers and their clients need and knows how to build the kind of trusted relationships that are at the heart of how Signature works. As a lender that prides itself on being relationship-led, bringing in someone of Gary’s calibre, based in Oxford and covering the heart of the country, is a significant addition to our team.
“Gary brings the entrepreneurial drive and deal-making instinct that will help us increase our presence in the Midlands, a market we believe has significant opportunity for growth.”
PERSONAL APPROACH
Hawtin says: “I’ve spent my career building relationships in property and commercial finance and Signature’s reputation in the short-term lending market is well established. When the opportunity arose, it was a straightforward decision.
“As a relationship-led lender, Signature operates in the way I believe specialist property finance should work, by taking the time to understand each client’s situation and following deals through from first conversation to completion. That approach aligns closely with how I’ve always worked.”
BIG OPPORTUNITY
And he says: “There’s a great deal of opportunity in the Midlands and across the central corridor of the country. I’m looking forward to introducing Signature’s proposition to brokers and developers who perhaps haven’t yet worked with the business but will appreciate the personal approach to short-term property finance.”
Gilbertson adds: “Gary is the kind of appointment that makes a statement. He’s proven himself not just in a corporate environment but as a business owner, which gives him a different perspective on what clients need. I have no doubt he will hit the ground running and make a meaningful contribution to our growth in the region and the country as a whole.”
