West One Loans has expanded its second charge team making a number of new hires and promotions.
Lou Blair joins as senior underwriter from Bluestone Mortgages. He has previously worked for both lenders and brokers covering second charge, residential and buy-to-let mortgages, as well as bridging and commercial.
Meanwhile, Tara Lane and Amelia Dorey have both been promoted to senior underwriter positions.
Abby Hall takes up the newly created role of training and development manager, overseeing graduate training, talent progression and coaching.
Hall has previously worked for Pepper Money, Mortgage Advice Bureau and London & Country.
Additionally, Michael Halsey takes on the role of second charge business development manager for the South and South West.
Halsey has been with West One for four years in roles in the underwriting and servicing teams.
Marie Grundy, managing director of West One’s second charge division, said: “Demand for second charge mortgages is on the rise as more mortgage intermediaries are recognising that this type of borrowing can potentially deliver best advice for homeowners looking to capital raise, without disturbing their existing mortgage arrangements.
“It has been a year of major growth for the second charge team and we have ambitious plans to continue building on what we do.
“Lou Abby and Michael are three fantastic additions and with Tara and Amelia’s promotions, we are further enhancing the knowledge, skills and experience we have in-house.”
Blair added: “West One has an excellent reputation as a lender capable of delivering solutions for a wide range of borrowers, even in the most complex of scenarios.
“This unique proposition is what attracted me to West One and it’s fantastic to be joining the business at such exciting time for the second charge market. The increase in demand means brokers need even greater support and guidance to find the right products and services for their clients, and I look forward to helping as many as possible.”
Hall concluded: “To support its exciting growth plans, the second charge team at West One is focused on nurturing and developing the very best talent.
“To have the opportunity to oversee that mission is a fantastic new challenge for me and I can’t wait to get started.”
