Commercial lender Lancashire Mortgage Corporation has created a new management position.

Ian Pickering, 41, has been named as the new commercial underwriting manager at the Blemain Group lender.

This is a new role at the lender, which is looking to grow lending and drive efficiencies.

Pickering’s primary responsibility is to manage service delivery by the lender’s in-house case managers and broker partners, as well as improve efficiencies.

The commercial case managers will report directly to Pickering, and he will also have direct daily contact with the group’s directors, broker partners and sales team.

Oldham-born Pickering has worked across the specialist property lending sector for the last 10 years, having previously worked in high street lending.

Pickering said: “Our service levels are already very high, but there is always room for improvement, so service enhancement and delivery will be a key focus for me.

“I am also determined to increase both the volume and quality of our lending.

“These are exciting times. We have recently announced the issue of a £200m bond, which will give us much more opportunities in terms of our product offering going forward.

“We have strong growth plans in place and it is great to be a part of the Group’s ongoing success.”