Signature Property Finance

Signature Property Finance has expanded its team with new appointments to help meet rising demand from property developers and landlords.

Bernadette Moloney has been appointed as business development executive, while Josh Barrett was named client relationship executive.

In her new role, Bernadette will focus on building relationships with prospective broker clients across the country.

Meanwhile, Josh will help progress deals, undertake searches and manage electronic documentation to support loan applications as part of the firm’s lending team.

Signature has also brought in Huw Richards as a consultant, and Ken Davies as a relationship manager.

Paul Tromans, sales director at Signature Property Finance, said: “Given all the problems the market and wider economy has faced in the last 18 months, it’s good to report Signature is performing well and the increasing number of enquires has required this recent recruitment drive.

“As a renowned property finance consultant, Huw brings a great deal of experience to our business and will help us increase the deals we support in Wales and across the South West; these are good regions for Signature, but we know there are brokers still seeking the sort of high-quality, transparent service we provide, with no nasty sting in the tail.

“Meanwhile, bringing Ken on board has strengthened our development finance offering, which has already proved a success for Signature in the small-scale new build space; he is straight-talker, with hands-on property development experience, which really allows him to understand the potential in a project and make informed lending decisions.

“Bernadette is helping us reach more brokers than our team of relationship managers can manage, raising awareness of our brand, what it stands for and how we conduct our business – client centric, transparent and always doing what we say we will do. 

“Josh is not just the future of Signature, but the property finance industry as a whole; he is a bright, talented individual, and we’re confident that Signature will provide the relevant practical experience he now needs to round out his learning in the property finance sector.

“Signature is building a team that matches the firm’s ambition; with our new products, consistent service quality and determination to deliver what brokers and their clients need, we see a bright future for our unique overall approach to short-term property finance.”

Wilson Nesbitt

Wilson Nesbitt has announced five key promotions following continued growth across its real estate & construction, banking & financial services, and individual & family life sectors.

Max Nesbitt has been appointed as senior associate, while Hannah-Louisa Ellison and Sian Wells have been promoted to associates.

In addition, Shannon McLorie and Rowan Gibney have been promoted to senior solicitors in the divorce, civil partnership & family law team, and banking division, respectively.

Max advises on behalf of the corporate and real estate teams, assisting on investment and landlord and tenant transactions, while Hannah-Louisa advises in the firm’s residential property team, specialising in high value and complex sale, purchase and refinancing transactions for private clients, as well as acting as a technical resource and risk identifier for other members of the team.

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Meanwhile, Sian works in recovery litigation on behalf of large financial institutions and banks, as well as conflict mediation in construction, real estate and litigant disputes. 

Shannon, who has extensive experience in both public and private law family matters, specialises in advising parents and families in children’s issues, including custody, access, grandparents’ rights, relocation, adoption, care proceedings and immigration matters.

Lastly, Rowan assists on commercial lending and real estate finance transactions and acts for a number of local and UK financial institutions on real estate finance transactions secured against Northern Irish property.

Gilbert Nesbitt, managing partner at Wilson Nesbitt, said: “At Wilson Nesbitt, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. 

“We have developed a unique culture which promotes responsibility and innovation at all levels. 

“These team promotions recognise the significant contribution Max, Hannah-Louisa, Sian, Rowan and Shannon have made to the firm’s growth and success over recent years

“We thank them for their ongoing commitment and we are pleased to welcome them to their new positions.”

Lenore Rice, partner at Wilson Nesbitt, added: “We wish everyone the greatest success in their new roles, with each promotion marking a significant achievement for each individual. 

“These pivotal team promotions at Wilson Nesbitt also reflect upon the firm's sustained development and growth. 

“They are testament to our unfaltering commitment in supporting our talent to progress along their career path and also in our firm's dedication in delivering high-quality services and expertise, to our valued and diverse client base.”

Advantedge Commercial Finance

Advantedge Commercial Finance has appointed Andy Phillips as regional sales manager.

In his new role, he will be responsible for leading the development of the firms’ presence in London and the east of England. 

Andy brings significant experience to the role, having spent his career working within the banking and invoice finance sector in new business roles, most recently as regional sales director at Optimum Finance.

“I’m really pleased to be joining Advantedge,” said Andy.

“I can genuinely say that I have been impressed with the way it works with its clients; throughout the pandemic and recovery, it has continued to be easily accessible, resulting in the fast delivery of flexibly structured funding facilities.  

“It has played a crucial role in supporting businesses over the last 18 months and its continuing growth is reflective of its commitment to SMEs.

“With a real commercial perspective, access to large funding pools and a commitment to delivering a market leading service, it is an ideal funding partner.

“I am looking forward to supporting firms in the region as they get firmly back on their feet.”

Mark Finn, regional managing director at Advantedge, commented: “We are delighted that Andy has joined the team.  

“He has built a credible reputation in the invoice finance sector and has a reputation for delivering well-structured deals that support clients funding expectations. 

“He understands the importance of building transparent and local relationships with businesses and their advisors, and we are looking forward to continuing to make a difference to businesses in the region.”

Pluto Finance

Pluto Finance has appointed Bertie Edwards-Hedges as an analyst joining the firm’s London-based team.

Bertie started his career as a support analyst for the Australian fintech company Afterpay in Melbourne before moving to the UK to join Proseed Capital as an investment analyst, where he focused on originating, underwriting and monitoring bridging finance for SME developers.

Commenting on the appointment, Justin Faiz, partner of Pluto Finance, said: “Following the recent announcement of our wide-ranging partnership with the Universities Superannuation Scheme, we will be continuing to grow our team significantly over the next 12 months as we accelerate our development, bridging and investment lending.”