Cambridge & Counties Bank appoints regional director for the North

Specialist lender Cambridge & Counties Bank has appointed Scott Barber to the new role of regional director for the North in its real estate finance (REF) team.

Scott joins from Co-operative Bank, where he had worked for the past 25 years. His most recent role, since 2022, was head of business development. Previous positions included head of relationship banking for the North, which involved managing senior teams in markets including Liverpool, Newcastle, Leeds, and Manchester.

At Cambridge & Counties Bank, Scott will be responsible for growing the bank’s real estate finance book in the North markets. He will lead on expanding relationships with commercial finance brokers as well as supporting SMEs, business owners and professional property investors.

His appointment forms part of a new customer led proposition which has been established to deliver a more streamlined approach for brokers and customers. As 2024 unfolds, the UK REF team will be able to offer greater levels of tailored, relationship-based service, even with clients looking for smaller loans.

In addition to Scott’s appointment, recent internal moves included Stephen Parr, who was promoted to senior BDM, and Karen Crooks, who was promoted to relationship manager.

Scott Barber said: “Real estate finance has long been at the core of Cambridge & Counties Bank’s business model, and I’m delighted to be part of a dynamic team looking to grow in what is a major market for us.

“The bank has a very well-earned reputation among clients and brokers for service excellence and is very well positioned to build on this momentum in 2024.”

Jayne Follows, head of REF at Cambridge & Counties Bank, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Scott to the team. Relationship-based banking remains 100% key for us and highly regarded individuals such as Scott, coupled with our new structure, will allow for more contact with our brokers and clients. As 2024 unfolds, our UK REF team will offer a differentiated service which is even more tailored to customer needs.”