Shawbrook Bank has widened its valuation panel with the appointment of VAS Group across its bridging finance offering.

The new partnership gives Shawbrook’s intermediary partners access to VAS Group’s database of qualified valuers.

All valuations for bridging applications will now be instructed via VAS, including term-exit valuations where they have undertaken the initial valuation for the bridging finance. This will enable continuity for Shawbrook customers when taking out bridge-to-term solutions.

Shawbrook will continue working with current partner, Appraisers UK, for all term loan valuations and on-going panel support.

Stephen Todd (pictured), co-founder of VAS Group said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Shawbrook to be their panel manager for bridging and bridge-to-term valuations.

“We have a large and varied valuation panel, our own technology and a bespoke team with dedicated departments for each stage of the valuation process. We are looking forward to working with and adding value to Shawbrook and their brokers.”

Gavin Seaholme, head of sales for Shawbrook’s property finance division, added: “We remain focused on our plans to enhance our bridging proposition in 2021 and this is just another step which will allow us to further support our brokers in this space.

“The new service with VAS is exclusively available for bridging finance applications, giving our brokers a wider choice of qualified valuers.

“We’re excited to be working with VAS and look forward to seeing the partnership compliment the journey for our brokers and their clients.”