The move is expected to provide a more seamless process for clients
Specialist lender West One Loans has combined its bridging and development finance divisions into a single short-term lending unit to offer a more integrated solution for property developers and investors.
The merger aims to create a smoother experience for brokers and their clients, making it easier to transition between bridging and development finance products.
The newly combined division will be co-led by Tom Cantor (pictured right), previously head of bridging finance, and Guy Murray (pictured left), who was head of development finance.
“This move is a game-changer for our short-term lending proposition,” Murray said. “By bringing our bridging and development finance teams into one business unit, we’re able to offer a truly integrated solution that’s tailored to the unique needs of individual clients.”
“Under the new structure, brokers and their clients can expect faster decisions and more flexibility throughout their project,” added Cantor. “It’s all about delivering a service that truly understands and supports their ambitions.”
In 2023, West One’s bridging and development finance divisions completed over £1 billion in loans, surpassing their annual target. The company has since increased staff numbers in both teams, with a 14% rise in the bridging division and a 30% boost in the development finance arm.
“Our bridging and development finance divisions have consistently exceeded expectations, achieving record completions in 2023 despite a challenging market,” said Danny Waters, chief executive of Enra Specialist Finance, West One Loans’ parent company.
“But while they are performing at a high-level individually, we believe combining their expertise into one business unit will enhance our short-term lending proposition even further. This merger is about creating greater scale, stronger resilience and more cohesive management – all aimed at delivering an even better service for our customers.”
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