West One Loans has hired Helen Merrey as a new regional account manager as it continues to grow its share of the residential and second charge mortgage markets.
Merrey, who has 25 years’ experience in financial services, will oversee the North East, Yorkshire, and Scotland.
Part of her role will be to expand West One’s presence in Scotland following the lender’s launch into the country in March.
Before joining West One, Merrey was a business development manager for Scottish Building Society and has held similar roles at Furness Building Society, Leeds Building Society, and Virgin Money.
In addition to Merrey’s appointment, West One Loans has promoted Kayleigh Tuvey, previously a telephone BDM for buy-to-let and bridging, to the role of telephone business development sales manager for residential.
This news comes amid a restructure of West One’s residential and second charge divisions, aiming to increase the lender’s market share.
As part of its expansion plans, the lender intends to announce several other hires and criteria changes throughout the second half of the year.
Paul Huxter, head of intermediary sales & distribution at West One Loans, said: “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.
“So, we’re delighted to have her on board. 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. I have no doubt she will be excellent in her new role.”
Huxter added: “This is an exciting time for West One. 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 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 resources into making sure that happens.”
