Whiteaway Laidlaw Bank (WLB) has become Shawbrook Bank Limited.

This new bank combines the savings and lending functions of WLB, Link Loans and the lending platform of Commercial First.

Link Loans and the lending platform of Commercial First became part of WLB in August 2011 and March 2011 respectively.

All of Shawbrook Bank’s lending takes places through brokers and intermediaries. It says it is committed to processing commercial mortgage applications within 48 hours and secured loan applications within two hours of receiving them.

Stephen Johnson, new business director at Shawbrook Bank, said: “We are launching Shawbrook Bank in direct response to a need in the market for more flexible lending. Our straightforward