Norton Home Loans has promoted Laura Percival to head of lending, as the lender strengthens its leadership team to support ongoing demand across its residential and second-charge mortgage offering.

In her new role, Percival (pictured) will lead the company’s lending strategy and oversee day-to-day underwriting operations.

She will also serve as a primary point of contact for brokers, playing a key role in responding to feedback, supporting case progression and refining Norton’s lending criteria to reflect evolving market needs.

Percival’s appointment marks the latest step in a decade-long career within the Norton group, where she has worked across multiple areas including debt management, sales and lending.

Since joining the lending team in 2018, she has advanced through the ranks, first as an underwriter, then team leader and lending manager.

Most recently, she served as servicing team manager, with responsibility for operational oversight and internal reporting.

Her promotion follows Norton’s announcement in May of a new partnership with digital brokerage Habito. Through the pilot scheme, Norton’s first-charge mortgage range is now available to a select group of brokers, with initial cases having already completed successfully.

“THOROUGHLY DESERVED”

Paul Stringer, director at Norton Finance, welcomed the appointment and emphasised Percival’s long-standing contribution to the business.

“Laura’s promotion is thoroughly deserved. She knows our business inside out, has built excellent relationships with intermediaries over the years, and brings both knowledge and empathy to the lending process,” he said.

“As we continue to expand our proposition, having someone like Laura at the helm of our lending team ensures we’re well placed to support brokers and deliver the best outcomes for their clients.”

Percival added: “I’m really proud to be stepping into this role. Having worked my way up through the department, I understand how important it is to combine strong underwriting with common sense and a personal touch.

“I’m looking forward to working even more closely with brokers and to help drive improvements that make it easier for them to place cases with us as we help support their clients.”