Paragon Bank has established a dedicated intermediary relationship team as it seeks to deepen its engagement with buy-to-let brokers across the UK.
The specialist lender said the new function forms part of its continued investment in broker support, with three experienced staff appointed to work directly with intermediary partners.
Heather Bill, Megan Botfield and Vikki Ray will act as dedicated relationship managers, supporting brokers on both straightforward and more complex buy-to-let cases. Their role will include helping to progress applications, resolving queries and offering guidance tailored to individual firms.
Bill and Botfield will report to Sam Debenham, regional manager for the north, while Ray will report to Andy Rudkin, regional manager in the south.
Bill (pictured, right) brings 13 years’ experience in financial services, including time spent as a Paragon underwriter. The lender said this gives her first-hand insight into the factors behind successful mortgage applications.
Botfield (pictured, left) has worked in the property sector for almost a decade and has held several roles within Paragon’s mortgages business. According to the bank, this experience has equipped her with detailed knowledge of how cases can be structured and progressed efficiently for intermediaries.
Ray (pictured, centre) joined Paragon in 2009 and has worked across a number of areas within the business. The lender said she has developed a detailed understanding of its systems and processes, alongside building internal and external relationships to support broker outcomes.
Samuel Debenham, regional manager at Paragon Bank, said: “Bringing Heather, Megan and Vikki over to create our new Intermediary Relationship team enables us to provide additional dedicated support to our broker partners, ensuring we continue to offer the first-class service we strive for.
“As intermediary relationship managers, they will communicate with our brokers in whichever way provides the most value, whether it be discussing a new complex case over the phone, checking the latest on an existing case via email or catching up with the wider team over a Teams meeting.”
Andy Rudkin, regional manager at Paragon Bank, added: “This new team reflects our continued focus on strengthening broker relationships and making it simpler for intermediaries to work with us.
“By investing in experienced people alongside our ongoing improvements to systems and processes, we’re ensuring brokers can access the right support, at the right time, in a way that fits how they do business.”
