Smart Money Loans has seen a sharp rise in business activity in the South East. It suggests this demonstrates the value of face to face contact after the appointment of Colin Davison to spearhead the sales function in England and Wales.

The secured loan specialist operates from offices in Scotland and England. Since Davison joined at the beginning of August, enquiries in the South have increased by 17% and Decisions in Principle (DIPs) have increased to 15% from 9% of the company’s total across the UK.

Smart Money Loans has also seen broker registrations grow this year with nearly 150 new intermediaries signing up and sending in their first cases.

In the South East during August a further 23 brokers have started using the Smart Money Loans service.

Paul Crewe, director at Smart Money Loans, said Davison’s arrival has proved to be hugely influential in generating new business in the South.

He said: “We have always enjoyed great support in the North of England and Scotland, which is our heartland. Thanks to the appointment of Colin to build business in the South, we have been better able to tap into the national upsurge in interest around secured loans and their uses.

“There is no doubt that our brokers have better understood the importance of a secured loan facility because of the personal touch of having some one of Colin’s experience visit them at their offices.

“We are looking forward to meeting as many delegates as possible at the Finance Professional Show in November. Not only to help build our business but to act as enthusiastic ambassadors for the whole secured loan industry.”