BCRS Business Loans 

BCRS Business Loans (BCRS) has promoted Andrew Hustwit to head of business development.

In his new role, he will play a key role in delivering the company’s five-year growth strategy to increase lending and social impact.

He will also head up a team of four BDMs who are based across the West Midlands region and support businesses and intermediaries throughout their loan application process.

Andrew initially joined BCRS in 2018 as a BDM.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew said: “I am delighted to become the head of business development at BCRS Business Loans. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working at BCRS for the past four years and was only too happy to accept this brilliant opportunity to progress within the team. 

“I remain passionate about supporting SMEs across the West Midlands with access to finance, and thoroughly believe in our human approach to lending, where we base our decisions on the business rather than computerised credit scores.

“I am relishing the opportunity to get stuck into this new role, fostering relationships with key partners and introducers from a strategic perspective.”

Stephen Deakin, chief executive at BCRS, added: “Andrew has been an important part of our team for the past four years and, in that time, he has shown incredible commitment and support not just to BCRS, but also to our customers and wider team.

“I look forward to working closely with Andrew and the wider leadership team as we continue to increase our support for small businesses across the West Midlands, while also expanding our social and economic impact.”

Kent Reliance for Intermediaries

Kent Reliance for Intermediaries has appointed Melanie Merchant as a BDM for the south and west London and the West End.

Melanie has over 20 years of sales and business development experience, 10 of which she spent as  a BDM specialising in both residential and BTL.

She brings particular expertise in helping limited company and portfolio landlords, as well as high-net-worth clients.

“The strong reputation surrounding both Kent Reliance for Intermediaries and the OSB Group within the marketplace was foremost in my mind when seeking a new challenge,” said Melanie.

“I’m joining a well-established and experienced sales team who really believe in putting the customer first.  

“I’m personally looking forward to having a direct positive impact by working with brokers to identify new opportunities and supporting them to achieve their business goals. 

Alan Kimber, national sales manager at Kent Reliance for Intermediaries, commented: “We’re committed to bringing value and expertise to our brokers and Melanie’s appointment helps us to enhance our presence and strengthen relationships with London brokers. 

“We’re particularly keen to utilise Melanie’s wider financial services experience and I’m confident her drive and people-centred approach will be an asset.”

Bridge Help

Bridge Help has appointed Mo Miah as a BDM.

Based in north London, he will be working alongside the company’s business development team, managing broker and lender relationships throughout the country.

Mo has 11 years of experience working for high-street banks and building societies, having previously held roles at Lloyds Bank and Nationwide Building Society.

Commenting on his appointment, Mo said: “I’m passionate about helping people and providing great customer service, that’s why I got into this sector. 

“Working at Bridge Help is a great opportunity for me to develop broker relationships and work alongside them throughout the loan process from initial enquiry to securing funds; that is a very exciting prospect for me.

“Bridge Help takes a refreshing approach to commercial lending and I’m excited to be part of it — I already feel like I’m very much part of the team.”

Chris Sellars, chief executive at Bridge Help, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Mo onboard. 

“Developing and maintaining strong broker relationships is at the heart of what we do and a key reason why we can make what seems like an impossible deal possible.”

KFS Recruitment

KFS Recruitment has appointed Jan Gallagher as its new national headhunter.

In her new role, she will deal with a variety of vacancies, including BDMs, underwriters, national account managers.

She will work closely with director Kerry Stephens and the wider KFS team.

Jan has 30 years of experience working within financial services, 10 of which were dedicated to the specialist lending arena.

Throughout her career, she held numerous roles — including BDM and key account manager — at various companies, such as Vida Homeloans and, most recently, LendInvest.

“I have known Kerry for many years and historically, she has always been my first point of contact when I have been looking for a new role,” said Jan.

“I have always admired her knowledge of the industry and her extreme passion for her clients and candidates; for me, that stands out more than anything when you think of KFS Recruitment. 

“I see this as a fantastic new challenge to develop myself in the recruitment world, but also still work alongside the many business contacts and friends that I have gained in my many years in the specialist lending industry. 

“Having this experience, I would hope people would feel confident to reach out to me in the knowledge that I would endeavour to meet all of their recruitment needs moving forward.”

Kerry added: “I am beyond delighted that Jan has chosen to join us. 

“I’ve known her for over a decade and she has always been one of the friendliest professionals in the specialist lending sector. 

“I have known Jan as a candidate, a confidant and now as a colleague, and I cannot wait to introduce her to our clients.

“While it may be a shock to see Jan switching to life as a headhunter, no one will be surprised at the immediate trust she will gain from clients and candidates alike, as she is already a much-loved asset to our lending sector.”