Savills has joined the Association of Short Term Lenders (ASTL) as an associate member.

Edward Green, a researcher from Savills, spoke at ASTL’s recent annual conference.

The move brings the number of associates to 23, up from 15 a year ago.

Benson Hersch (pictured), chief executive of the ASTL, said: “The role of the ASTL is to bring a level of responsibility to a sector that didn’t have the greatest reputation a few years ago.

“Our increase in associate members, and the success of our conference with more than 150 people attending, is testament to our success in raising standards across the bridging and short term lending industry. Savills will be a very welcome new associate member.”

Stuart Jones, director at Savills, added: “Bridging and short term finance are integral elements in the property funding market place and have growing importance. As Savills provides comprehensive services to a growing number of ASTL members, especially valuation and recoveries services, we are pleased to become an associate member of ASTL, to get to know this important client base even better.”