Office address: The Edward Hyde Building, 38 Clarendon Road, 3rd Floor, Watford WD17 1JW
Website: www.westoneloans.co.uk
Year established: 2005
Company type: financial services
Employees: 90+
Expertise: specialist lending, bridging loans, second charge mortgages, buy to let mortgages, residential mortgages, development finance, commercial mortgages, heavy refurbishment loans
Parent company: Enra Specialist Finance
Key people: Andrew Ferguson (MD, BTL), Marie Grundy (MD, residential and second charge mortgages), Pauline Rylands (department head), Paul Huxter (department head), Thomas Cantor (department head), Guy Murray (department head), Cheryl Levy (director)
Financing status: private equity-backed
West One is a specialist lending institution from Watford, offering tailored financial solutions across the property investment lifecycle, including acquisition, planning, development, and sale. The firm operates extensively within the UK, having over 90 employees and £2.1 billion in assets under management. With nearly 20 years of service, the company originates approximately £1 billion in loans annually.
West One, established in 2005, began with bridging loans and evolved to offer a wide range of specialist lending products. West One expanded its product range in January 2017 to include Second Charge mortgages for residential and Buy-to-Let borrowers.
To support clients, they launched Buy-to-Let mortgages in January 2019. Acquired by Enra in 2022, West One transformed into a diverse, institutionally backed lender. In 2023, the company closed its largest development finance transaction to date, securing a £31.2 million facility for a residential-led project in West London.
West One offers an array of mortgage solutions that are catered to meet the needs of its customers. Key offerings include:
bridging loans: short-term funding solutions for quick capital needs
development finance: financing for residential-led property developments
buy-to-let mortgages: flexible mortgage options for both amateur and professional landlords
second charge mortgages: additional financing options secured against residential or buy-to-let properties
residential mortgages: comprehensive mortgage solutions for those unable to secure traditional financing
commercial mortgages: tailored mortgage solutions for commercial property investments, providing flexible terms to suit diverse business needs
heavy refurbishment loans: Funding options specifically designed for substantial property refurbishments, enabling borrowers to undertake extensive renovation projects
West One believes in giving back to society, fostering goodwill, and helping those in need. Their charity efforts are driven by a commitment to making a positive impact and supporting various social causes. The company is dedicated to supporting the community and various charities through initiatives like the "Kick for a Cause,” being able to help organisations such as:
West One is dedicated to integrating sustainability into their business practices to foster environmental stewardship and support global carbon offset projects. They undertake these initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, promote energy efficiency, and contribute to global sustainability efforts. The company’s initiatives include:
green buy-to-let products: available for properties with high EPC ratings
second charge green products: tailored for professional and private landlords with energy-efficient properties
carbon offsetting: partnering with Gold Standard to offset carbon emissions
global projects: supporting initiatives like the Utsil Naj project in Guatemala
West One is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognising the value of different perspectives and backgrounds. This approach enhances creativity, decision-making, and overall productivity within the workforce. The company's specific initiatives include:
neurodiversity awareness: promoting understanding and support for neurodiverse employees.
inclusive hiring practices: implementing strategies to accommodate diverse applicants.
employee support networks: creating resources and networks to support diverse employee needs.
training and development: offering training on diversity and inclusion topics for all staff
Andrew Ferguson has been the managing director for the buy-to-let department of the company at West One since 2019. Prior to West One, Ferguson had significant roles in companies like Consultancy Role, Foundation Home Loans, Axis Bank, One Savings Bank, NatWest, and more. With nearly 40 years of experience, he has acquired expertise in business strategy, sales management, marketing strategy, strategic planning, leadership, banking, and more.
Supporting him in operating the company is a robust team of professionals, including:
Marie Grundy, is managing director for the residential mortgages & second charges department, ensuring efficient management and growth of residential and second charge mortgage portfolios
Pauline Rylands, as head of specialist distribution, is responsible for developing and maintaining specialist distribution channels
Paul Huxter, serving as head of intermediary sales and distribution, drives the strategy and execution of intermediary sales
Thomas Cantor, as head of bridging finance, manages the bridging finance division, ensuring tailored short-term funding solutions
Guy Murray, head of development finance, oversees the development finance sector, supporting residential-led property projects
Cheryl Levy, serves as director of investor services, leads investor relations, ensuring optimal service and communication with investors
West One aims to expand its product offerings to meet evolving market demands, such as launching Right to Buy and Shared Ownership products in 2023. The company plans to increase its credit appetite within the specialist buy-to-let range, enhancing its support for landlords and investors. It achieved record short-term lending completions, surpassing £1 billion in 2023, demonstrating its strong market presence.
The firm's focus on sustainability and ESG initiatives will further strengthen its market position and sustainable practices. The company’s continued investments in technology will streamline processes and improve customer service. These strategic activities position West One for sustained growth and leadership in the specialist finance sector.
Paragon Bank and Landbay unveil new deals; West One announces rate cuts
It launches new credit tiers and eases lending policy
The free-to-attend event is designed for brokers looking to deepen their market knowledge and connect with lenders
CEO on the positive sentiment in the market
New director, relationship manager and BDMs named
LTV rates up, new zero leder fee options
The move is expected to provide a more seamless process for clients
More brokers gain access to West One's full range of specialist residential and buy-to-let mortgage products
The roles are part of the lender's growth strategy this year
They aim to meet the evolving needs of borrowers and brokers
