First Merchant has joined the Association of Short Term Lenders (ASTL) as an associate member.

The move brings the total number of the ASTL’s associate members to 18.

London based First Merchant is a principal funder in the London hospitality, leisure and entertainment sector offering loans to leasehold businesses located in the capital. Through its bespoke solutions for the hospitality market for over 20 years, First Merchant has established itself as an specialist lender on leasehold restaurants, bars and hotels in central London.

Tony Hamlin, managing director of First Merchant, said: “We’ve grown synonymous with London’s hospitality, leisure and entertainment sector. We understand the market and we know how ingenuity in our approach plays a big part.

“Our newfound partnership with ASTL and its members will allow us to exchange knowledge with one another whilst we continue to provide expert service in the unique market we operate in.”

Benson Hersch, chief executive of the ASTL, added: “We welcome First Merchant on board as an associate member and I believe that this will add to the diversity of knowledge and market specific experience within the association. The ASTL continues to grow and add value to our members with each new membership.

“We are certainly making headway in raising the standards both within the association and the bridging industry.”