United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed long-standing bridging specialist Bradley Illman as head of sales for its bridging business, as the lender continues to refine and expand the proposition.
The bank said Illman, who joined in 2012, has progressed through underwriting and internal sales roles within the bridging division and was closely involved in establishing the bank’s bridging internal sales team.
Most recently, Illman served as key account manager for bridging, where his combined underwriting and sales experience enabled him to support brokers on more complex cases and provide faster, more informed lending decisions.
In his new role, Illman will report to Andrew Ferguson, commercial director of mortgages, buy-to-let and bridging. He will lead the bridging sales team as the bank invests in technology and process improvements aimed at streamlining the journey from application to completion for brokers.
The lender said the changes, which are due to be introduced later this year, form part of a wider strategy to support growth, including an increased focus on the non-regulated bridging market and opportunities to support cases exiting refurbishment finance into buy-to-let mortgages.
Ferguson said: “2026 is going to be an exciting year for UTB Bridging with several transformative projects underway to improve service to brokers and increase our capacity for growth.
“I am delighted that Brad has stepped up to take on this new sales role which will be pivotal in delivering the ambitious targets we’ve set ourselves. It’s always particularly pleasing to promote talent from within the Bank.”
Illman added: “There’s a huge opportunity for UTB to build upon its reputation in the bridging market and to become the go-to lender for a wide variety of bridging solutions for property professionals and consumers.
“I’m looking forward to leading the sales team as we introduce new technology and processes which will transform the way brokers transact with UTB, delivering much faster responses, faster completions and more successful outcomes for brokers and their clients.”
