Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has appointed Paula Priest as business development manager within its specialist mortgages team, strengthening its regional broker support across the Midlands.
She will report to Andrea Glasgow, sales director for specialist mortgages and bridging finance, and will manage her own portfolio of brokers alongside Annie Crust, who continues to lead relationships within her established network.
The appointment follows a series of recent enhancements to HTB’s specialist mortgages proposition, including expanded distribution into Scotland, refined criteria for complex property types such as HMOs and semi-commercial units, and the introduction of Portfolio Edge for professional portfolio landlords.
These developments reflect the bank’s focus on providing brokers with flexible and consistent solutions for complex lending cases.
Priest joins from Birmingham Bank, where she was national account manager, following senior roles at Foundation Home Loans, The Mortgage Lender and Barclays.
With more than 35 years’ experience in both specialist and mainstream lending, she brings a strong network of broker relationships and a detailed understanding of how to structure deals to meet varied client needs.
Paula Priest, business development manager, specialist mortgages and bridging finance, said: “I’ve worked with brokers across the Midlands for many years, and you quickly learn what really matters: honest conversations, clear updates and a lender who stays close to every case.
“That’s what sets HTB apart. You can pick up the phone to people who know your deal and will work with you to find a solution.
“I’m excited to join the team, to work alongside Annie, and to keep building the strong partnerships HTB has across the region.”
Andrea Glasgow, sales director, specialist mortgages and bridging finance at HTB, said: “The Midlands has been one of our strongest regions, and that’s down to the fantastic work Annie has done in building broker relationships and setting such high standards of service.
“Paula’s appointment adds even more depth to the team, with each focusing on their own network of brokers to make sure we’re supporting demand right across the region.
“She’s hugely well respected in the market and brings exactly the kind of experience, energy and insight that make a real difference on complex cases. I’m thrilled to have her on board.”
Alex Upton, managing director, specialist mortgages and bridging finance at HTB, added: “The Midlands has always been a key region for specialist mortgages and continues to show real momentum, driven by brokers who trust us with their most complex cases.
“Paula’s appointment builds on that growth and strengthens the direct access and pragmatic support brokers know us for.
“With Paula and Annie working together, we’re deepening our regional coverage and helping more brokers and clients move forward with confidence.”
