The companies are committed to expansion
Significant leadership appointments have been announced across three major financial firms: NatWest, MT Finance, and Black & White Bridging. These changes highlight the companies’ ongoing commitment to expansion and industry leadership.
NatWest’s Paul Edwards, managing director of Lombard and Special Businesses, has been appointed to the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) board. Edwards has worked at NatWest for 12 years, holding several key roles, including leading the commercial mid-market business in the South West and Wales. His extensive background in business funding, with a focus on growth and sustainability, was a key factor in his appointment.
Stephen Haddrill, director general of the FLA, welcomed Edwards to the board, stating his “insights will be invaluable as the FLA continues to challenge Government on practical changes to drive productivity.”
In response, Edwards said, “Sharing members’ views with stakeholders is critical to support the growth and success of the industry and I am delighted to play a role in this discussion.”
FLA members provided £151 billion in new finance to UK businesses, households, and the public sector in 2023, emphasising the sector’s importance to economic growth.
Meanwhile, MT Finance has appointed Marylen Edwards (pictured), head of lending – buy-to-let (BTL), to its board of directors. Since joining the company in 2022, she has led the expansion of its buy-to-let division, guiding it through a successful soft launch and subsequent growth into a whole-of-market offering.
Joshua Elash, director and founder of MT Finance, praised Edwards’ contributions, noting, “Adding Marylen to the board of directors was an extremely easy decision for us and reflects the positive contribution she has made to MT Finance over the past two years.”
Edwards expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am extremely proud of what the team have achieved with our buy-to-let proposition in the past two years, and I look forward to collaborating with the rest of the board to shape and grow our offering.”
MT Finance, established in 2008, is a specialist property lender known for buy-to-let mortgages and short-term loans.
In another development, Black & White Bridging announced a series of promotions to support its expansion across the UK. David McCarthy has been promoted from relationship manager to relationship director, where he will lead broker relationships and drive growth in Birmingham and the North.
Saloni Apte, now office and people manager, will oversee operations across all offices, while Heather Hancock, promoted to head of credit and operations, will manage underwriting and day-to-day operations.
“These promotions enhance our operational capabilities and align with the growth of our recently launched regional hubs, ensuring we are well-positioned to support brokers and clients across the UK,” said Martyn Smith, managing director of Black & White Bridging.
Founded in 2021, Black & White Bridging focuses on transparent short-term lending, aiming to disrupt the market with clear, efficient services.
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