Cambridge & Counties Bank expands UK real estate team by almost a third
Specialist lender Cambridge & Counties Bank has expanded its real estate team by almost a third in 2022, the highest influx of new real estate professionals in any one year since the bank began operating in 2012. In total, there are now 31 individuals in the bank’s UK team, up from 24 at the start of the year.
The bank has made four appointments over the past few months alone, covering the North West, South West & Wales and Midlands markets.
The appointments, three of which are senior relationship managers, reflect the strong growth of the bank’s UK property book and strong demand from real estate professionals and SMEs together with the commercial finance brokers that serve them for their dedicated lending products.
The recent appointments are Gary Shepherdson, East Midlands, based in Leicester; Vaughan Hobbs, West Midlands, based in Birmingham; Paul Bagnall, based in Manchester; and James Roche, West & Wales, based in Exeter.
Cambridge & Counties Bank saw enhanced demand for its real estate product suite in 2021, with demand continuing to grow strongly in 2022. Across the UK, the bank has seen increased activity in the commercial space.
In June this year, the bank announced that total overall lending had topped £1bn as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations. Over the past decade, it has grown into a significant competitor in its selected markets and business lines. Originally focused on the East Midlands region served through one branch, the Leicester-headquartered bank has seen total staff numbers increase to more than 200, with major offices now in Sheffield, Bristol, London, and Glasgow.
Simon Lindley, chief development officer at Cambridge & Counties Bank said: “We’re delighted to have added Gary, Vaughan, Paul and James to our UK team and others across the year. Each has great experience and a deep understanding of the needs of our clients and the brokers that support them and are joining us at a time of growth and expansion.
“Real estate remains at the heart of Cambridge & Counties Bank, and we will continue to invest in our local teams to better cater for demand and capitalise on market opportunities.”
