HTB Bolsters Broker Support with New Dedicated Field Underwriting and New Business Roles
18 July 2024
Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced several changes to its Specialist Mortgages team as it prepares for further growth and distribution of its specialist BTL and semi-commercial proposition in the second half of 2024.
Greg Barnard has been promoted to the newly created head of field underwriting role, directly supporting HTB's intermediary partners.
In his new role, Greg will be responsible for building a team based at the offices of broker partners, providing in-house expertise and agile solutions for complex cases. Greg, well-known in the specialist lending sector, brings a broad background in lending and underwriting. He was named Underwriter of the Year 2021 at the British Specialist Lending Awards.
Ceri Blackwell joins HTB as head of new business from Foundation Home Loans, where she was head of underwriting. In her new role, she will lead HTB's Lending Manager Team, which has recently been strengthened by adding four new lending managers who provide brokers with close support in packaging and processing applications.
Greg Barnard, head of field underwriting, said: "HTB has established a fantastic reputation for setting the bar in customer service and embracing complex cases that other lenders do not have the experience or appetite to support. I’m excited to have the opportunity to build a team of remote underwriters that will sit at the heart of the action on-site, providing immediate support for our broker clients, collaborating to find solutions, and delivering much greater speed and agility to get complex deals over the line.”
Ceri Blackwell, head of new business, said: "HTB's Specialist Mortgages team has increasingly become the go-to for challenging cases. It’s refreshing to see what can be achieved with an empowered team that seamlessly connects underwriters, BDMs, brokers, and clients. This collaboration allows us to assess and package deals quickly while providing consistent support and communication for our brokers at every stage of their cases. I am delighted to be joining at this key phase of growth at HTB”.
Alex Upton, managing director of Specialist Mortgages, added: "Our broker partners recognise and value HTB's strong track record in handling complex lending scenarios and finding effective solutions. I have always believed that our people are our greatest asset, so we continually invest in attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry. With Greg’s promotion to head of field underwriting, we are now bringing our expertise directly into our brokers' offices, offering unparalleled access to decision-making with insight, knowledge, and expertise. Additionally, with Ceri joining us as head of new business, we are further strengthening the team, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions for our broker partners. Her extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our specialist mortgages offering”.
