Shawbrook Bank is announcing its first Scottish Strategic Partner, Glasgow-based Melrose Commercial Finance.

Shawbrook recent said that it had increased the size of loans it will approve in Scotland.

The Strategic Partner programme, set up in September 2012, is intended to reward loyal brokers with exclusive marketing and processing benefits. Since inception, its roster has grown from 18 to 40, and it aims to measure the select group of Strategic Partners on the level of conversion rates achieved on initial submissions and ultimate conversion to successful loan completion.

Gillian Melrose, director at Melrose Commercial Finance, said: “I am delighted to join Shawbrook as a Strategic Partner having completed a number of deals with the bank last year. Melrose Commercial Finance Limited is based in Scotland; however our client base is right across the UK. I am extremely pleased that Shawbrook has recognised the value of Scottish business, as proven by the quality of deals we completed in Scotland in 2013.

“I’m also happy that they have decided to increase their limits on the Scottish property deals and will be considering loans up to £10m. This means that as a Strategic Partner I can actually do more business. My Scottish client base is delighted with the recent news and announcements on product range. I am sure 2014 will be another fantastic year.”

Karen Bennett, sales and marketing director for commercial mortgages at Shawbrook Bank, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Gillian to our growing team of Strategic Partners and hope that she is the first of many future Scottish members.

“Scotland is a region where we see a lot of potential, and we are dedicated to supporting Gillian and her fellow Scottish brokers with continued support and further product innovations. We look forward to more business coming from the area.”