Kim Wood has been promoted to the position of senior lending officer for Shawbrook’s commercial mortgages short-term loan (STL) team.

The STL team has a specialised process designed to expedite applications swiftly and efficiently, with a response to the vast majority of initial enquiries within four hours.

The lender says the promotion is timely, as it has seen continued demand for STL business since an overhaul of its short-term product range earlier in 2015. Pricing reductions across STL6 (single residential) and STL7 (HMOs and Multi-units) were well received, as was the decision to increase LTV buckets across all STL products.

With STL8 becoming strictly for semi-commercial properties only and the introduction of a new product for commercial securities, STL9, Wood will provide “essential senior guidance in an ever-changing landscape for the borrower”, the lender said.

“Being recognised in this way is a wonderful boost and I’m really looking forward to starting my new role within the short-term loan team,” said Wood.

“Day-to-day, I will continue to help process the Bank’s short-term deals, working closely with brokers and their clients to pave the way for a smooth transition from initial enquiry through to completion. The additional seniority will provide me with an opportunity to learn even more about the demands and intricacies of STL business, enhancing the service I provide to broker partners in the process.”

David Alexander, senior lending manager for Shawbrook’s short-term loan team, said: “Having worked closely with Kim for almost two years, I’m delighted that her expertise within STL business and dedication to continually improving Shawbrook’s offering has been rewarded.

“Our short term loan team is a small, highly specialised unit; we’re kept at the top of our game by the exceptional demand for STL products and Kim’s professionalism is invaluable to our ongoing success.”