It also makes an internal promotion for telephone business development sales manager role
Specialist lender West One Loans has appointed Helen Merrey as the new regional account manager to support its growth ambitions in the residential and second charge mortgage markets.
Merrey (pictured), who brings 25 years of experience in financial services, will oversee the North East, Yorkshire, and Scotland. Her role includes expanding West One’s presence in Scotland, following the lender’s launch in the country in March.
Before joining West One, Merrey served as a business development manager for Scottish Building Society. She has also held roles at Furness Building Society, Leeds Building Society, and Virgin Money.
“Helen has a wealth of experience in the intermediary market and is someone who has the skills and personality to make a real difference to our business right from the off,” said Paul Huxter, head of intermediary sales and distribution at West One Loans. “So, we’re delighted to have her on board.”
West One has also promoted Kayleigh Tuvey to the role of telephone business development sales manager for residential mortgages. Tuvey previously worked as a telephone BDM for buy-to-let and bridging.
“I’m also thrilled for Kayleigh, who has proven that she has the knowledge, dedication and talent to make the step up to internal sales manager,” Huxter said. “I have no doubt she will be excellent in her new role.”
The changes, the specialist lender said, come as part of a broader restructure of its residential and second charge divisions, aimed at increasing its market share. It plans to announce further hires and criteria changes throughout the year.
“This is an exciting time for West One,” Huxter added. “We have enhanced the product offering this year to include LTI boost, shared ownership, Right to Buy and lending in Scotland with more exciting product and criteria announcements to come in the near term.
“Since launching into the residential market in 2022, we have been able to see what parts of our proposition work and what we needs to be done to kick on to the next level – and that’s what we’re doing now.
“We want to be the first name on brokers’ lips when they are looking for a specialist residential or second charge loan, and we are putting a lot of time, money and resource into making sure that happens.”
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