Step One Finance has unveiled its online broker portal and also made a number of key appointments.

This follows a pilot of its new origination system with a number of brokers.

The firm says its portal gives advisers the ability to get a quick decision in principle, coupled with allowing brokers to process applications easier and also track their status.

However, Step One is still allowing underwriters to make individual case assessments.

Steve Khan, head of commercial development, said: “This a major step forward in improving the broker and customer journey and enhancing our proposition to a wider market.”

Step One also announced that Tom Nelson has been appointed as business development manager (BDM) for the North of England and Scotland. He has over 15 years’ experience in second charge lending and the mortgage industry, most recently he was at Gopher Money, although he has experience in sales, underwriting and compliance.

In addition, Jamie Goddard, Paul Terzulli and Mustafa Hussain have all been promoted to underwriting team leaders and Afsheen Mahomed has recently joined the underwriting department.

Martin Porter, head of lending, added: “These are all important additions and promotions to the Step One team in an exciting period of growth for the company.”