Brightstar has appointed a new business development manager for its operations in London.

Christina Smith (pictured) has over 13 years experience in financial services. She started as a sales assistant with John Charcol, and later gained CeMAP certification to move into a career, within John Charcol, as a mortgage broker.

Following this she worked at Hamptons International before joining Barclays Bank as business manager where she looked after the banking needs of local businesses.

Clive Willson, business development director at Brightstar, said: “Brightstar is seeing rapid growth, not only in the quality of the individuals employed, but also in the choice of the diverse mortgage products it can provide for mortgage intermediaries in the specialist lending market.

“Christina will be a great addition to the team as she is well experienced in the mortgage market as both a mortgage broker and a banker.  She really understands the needs of the mortgage broker having been one herself for many years and I’m sure her vast experience will add value to all those that she deals with.”

Smith added: “I understand that while most mortgage brokers are excellent at their day to day job, they sometimes find it more challenging when faced with non-standard lending, be it an unusual property, a second charge loan, credit problems, the need for a bridging loan or even commercial finance.  These are the times when it can be really useful to have someone to call on for some help and support.   My job at Brightstar will be to build relationships with advisers, so that they have always got someone to contact to keep them informed about alternative options that may best help their clients.”