Following a successful London Mortgage Business Expo (MBE), B&C can exclusively reveal the winner of United Trust Bank’s (UTB) safe-cracking competition.

James McDermott of Foster Denevo is the lucky winner of a fabulous Fortnum & Mason festive hamper, courtesy of UTB’s bridging team.

James was one of the lucky few to open the safe on UTB’s stand at the recent MBE and, this week, his name was picked from a list of all of the successful safe-crackers, rendering him the winner of the top prize.

Visitors to the UTB stand were invited to pick from a selection of safe keys and, if they chose the right key, they instantly won a Harrods gold bar chocolate or a cash prize. Those who managed to open the safe were also entered into a draw to win the Fortnum & Mason hamper, of which James McDermott was the lucky recipient.

UTB sponsored the stand alongside B&C, with the creative design and appearance - including an innovative lockable safe - resulting in many favourable comments from MBE attendees.

James McDermott, Partner & Property Finance Specialist at Foster Denevo, said: “It was great to catch up with Alan and the UTB team on their stand and I’m very pleased to have won the Fortnum & Mason hamper. It will be a very welcome addition to our Christmas celebrations!”

Alan Margolis, Head of Bridging at United Trust Bank, said: “I’m delighted for James; it’s a great hamper! The safe opening challenge attracted many participants and became quite a talking point.

“We were also able to have some really useful discussions with brokers about our products and establish new relationships, which I’m sure will benefit all of us going forward.”