Brightstar Financial has appointed Robert Collins to its commercial and bridging division.

Collins has experience of the commercial market, both in the UK as a broker over the past six years and working for lenders in the UK, including National Bank of Kuwait and Multibanco Comermex.

He subsequently moved to Australia and New Zealand for another eight years, where he worked for development and bridging lenders such as Dorchester Capital and Bridgecorp.

According to Brightstar’s Kit Thompson, who heads the commercial division, reports that demand for specialist assistance from brokers in the commercial sector had meant that it was important to bring in new talent.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome someone of Robert’s talent to the team. His knowledge of the market and his experience as a broker will prove to be valuable assets for us.

“The market is looking as if it is gathering pace for 2013 and Brightstar’s commercial team now has the right people in place to provide the service our brokers expect.”

Collins added: “I have been impressed with the attitude and plans which Brightstar has to build an outstanding resource which is totally broker-centric.

“As an ex-broker, I know exactly what intermediaries need to help their clients and Brightstar Financial is providing that support.”