GB Bank appoints Helen Merrey as business development manager

GB Bank has appointed Helen Merrey as business development manager to strengthen its intermediary relationships while the specialist bank expands its property-backed lending.

Merrey brings more than a decade of experience in business development and intermediary relationship management. She most recently worked as senior key account manager at Uinsure, and before that as regional account manager at West One Loans. Over that time, she has worked extensively with intermediaries across the North of England and Scotland.

Her appointment as business development manager follows a period of growth for GB Bank, which recently surpassed £1 billion in lending, expanded its commercial investment lending and raised its maximum loan size to £25 million.

The bank has also strengthened its presence in the intermediary market through new partnerships with the Financial Intermediary & Broker Association (FIBA), Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA) and Mortgage Advice Bureau.

Merrey (pictured) said: “Having worked closely with intermediaries for many years, I’ve seen how much difference it makes when a lender takes the time to understand an application rather than simply looking at whether it fits a set of lending criteria. Intermediaries need honest conversations, clear expectations and confidence that the lender understands what they’re trying to achieve.”

“That’s the approach I want to bring to GB Bank. I’m looking forward to getting out and speaking with our intermediary partners, understanding the challenges they’re facing and helping them identify opportunities where our lending expertise can make a difference.”

Adnan Ali, head of intermediary distribution at GB Bank, added: “As our lending proposition develops, we need to ensure the experience intermediaries have when dealing with us continues to match the capabilities we’re offering. Having the right products is important, but so is having experienced people who can recognise the potential in an application and help intermediaries navigate the process.

“Helen understands the intermediary market and knows how to build relationships that go beyond individual transactions. That experience will be particularly valuable as we continue to grow both our simplified and bespoke product ranges, helping us maintain the personal service and pragmatic approach that intermediaries expect from GB Bank.”