Skipton International has appointed Roger Hughes as business development manager (BDM).

This new role was created to focus on the promotion of its UK buy-to-let mortgage proposition.

Hughes (pictured) will join director Nigel Pascoe as part of the business development team, as he looks to grow the mortgage book of business from direct customer enquiries and by forging relationships with UK brokers.

He said: “Skipton is a well-established mortgage lender in the UK buy-to-let market and I was keen to be part of an organisation where change is easily made and one which reacts quickly to the demands of its customers. I am delighted to have come on board with Skipton at such an exciting time, as we continue to improve our proposition for those looking to purchase UK investment property.

“I feel strongly that there is a huge amount of potential at this time and I’m eager to help Skipton become the number one choice for UK buy-to-let property lending. Its commitment to putting customers first and continually looking for solutions is a really refreshing approach to banking and one which I am thoroughly enjoying.”

Pascoe added: “The appetite for lending on UK buy to let properties remains strong so it was vital that we expanded our business development team in order to assert our presence in the market and to continue to generate new leads for the Bank. Roger is well respected in offshore lending circles and has been a valuable asset to Skipton since he joined us.”