Equity Release Group (ERG) has announced three new hires that will join the group’s equity release advisory business – Equity Release Supermarket (ERS) – as it expand its UK operations.

This follows the news of ERG’s new partnership with Responsible Lending, the exclusive providers of the Royal London Equity Release product range, as well as their strategic partnership with price comparison service MoneySuperMarket (MSM).

The trio are Louise Thompkins, Brian Massie and Paul Massie.

Mark Gregory, founder and CEO of Equity Release Group said: “With a broader product mix now available, alongside a renewed confidence within the market following a year of turbulence, we’re witnessing above industry average growth within the Group.

“In part this is due to certain environmental factors but also due to our strategic partnerships and digital capabilities. By enabling customers to monitor rates and LTVs through the use of smartER – the UK’s only equity release comparison tool – consumers now have access to a comparative suite with greater choice, independence and transparency.

“To support this continued drive, we are thrilled to welcome Louise, Brian and Paul to our expansive and well-established team. Their respective expertise will help us to further strengthen our position and reach throughout the UK. It is always our aim to provide the best possible quality service to our customers, which is why we invest so heavily in our people, expertise and technology.”

With over 27 years’ experience within the financial services arena, Thompkins (pictured) has an extensive knowledge of the mortgage and later life lending market. She began as a financial adviser before progressing into leadership roles and will now head up the advice team at ERS, overseeing wellbeing, quality, and general operations.

She said: “It’s genuinely a privilege to join Equity Release Group. They have a very strong work ethic and incredible reputation, as well as being at the forefront of several industry changes. So, I’m delighted to be part of the team.

“I join ERS as advice team manager from Legal and General where I was a founding member of the leadership team, tasked with the launch of their in-house advice service and subsequently their whole of market proposition. My passion is about improving advice standards within the sector and driving the right customer outcome through the provision of good quality advice, and an excellent customer experience.

“I am really looking forward to being part of the team at ERS. They have the perfect platform in place to enable me to drive a continued and heightened customer experience.”

Other new faces are brothers Brian and Paul Massie, who will be advising customers that come into the business from Equity Release Supermarket and MoneySuperMarket. Both have worked in the financial services industry for several years.

Prior to joining ERS, the pair were both part of the equity release team at Fluent.g national expansion plans.