Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced several changes to its specialist mortgages team.

Greg Barnard has been promoted to the newly created head of field underwriting role, directly supporting HTB’s intermediary partners.

In his new role, Barnard will be responsible for building a team based at the offices of broker partners.

He said: “HTB has established a fantastic reputation for setting the bar in customer service and embracing complex cases that other lenders do not have the experience or appetite to support.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to build a team of remote underwriters that will sit at the heart of the action on-site, providing immediate support for our broker clients, collaborating to find solutions, and delivering much greater speed and agility to get complex deals over the line.”

Ceri Blackwell joins HTB as head of new business from Foundation Home Loans, where she was head of underwriting. In her new role, she will lead HTB’s lending manager team, which has recently been strengthened by adding four new lending managers who provide brokers with close support in packaging and processing applications.

Blackwell said: “HTB’s specialist mortgages team has increasingly become the go-to for challenging cases. It’s refreshing to see what can be achieved with an empowered team that seamlessly connects underwriters, BDMs, brokers, and clients.

“This collaboration allows us to assess and package deals quickly while providing consistent support and communication for our brokers at every stage of their cases. I am delighted to be joining at this key phase of growth at HTB.”

Alex Upton, managing director of specialist mortgages, added: “Our broker partners recognise and value HTB’s strong track record in handling complex lending scenarios and finding effective solutions. I have always believed that our people are our greatest asset, so we continually invest in attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry.

“With Greg’s promotion to head of field underwriting, we are now bringing our expertise directly into our brokers’ offices, offering unparalleled access to decision-making with insight, knowledge, and expertise.

“Additionally, with Ceri joining us as head of new business, we are further strengthening the team, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions for our broker partners. Her extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our specialist mortgages offering.”