Suffolk Building Society has appointed Ryan Forde as its new telephone business development manager covering Wales and the South West.
Forde (pictured), a former mortgage broker with more than five years of experience advising clients, takes over from Bethany Hillman, who joined the Society in a similar role last year after also working broker-side.
He will be responsible for intermediary relationships across South Wales, the M4 corridor and the South West of England, reporting to Charlotte Grimshaw, head of intermediaries.
He brings with him hands-on experience of standard mortgage applications as well as more complex cases, including expat, holiday let and heavy adverse scenarios.
The appointment underlines Suffolk’s ongoing emphasis on accessible service and case-by-case underwriting, particularly for those brokers whose clients fall outside mainstream criteria.
Grimshaw said: “With a strong background as a mortgage broker, Ryan brings valuable experience and insight into what intermediaries need from a lender.
“His experience on the front line means he understands the challenges brokers face and is well-placed to provide focused support.”
Forde joins at a time when Suffolk is continuing to highlight the benefits of its manual underwriting process and its appetite for niche lending areas such as later life, self build, expat and family assisted mortgages.
“I’m looking forward to meeting brokers in my area and helping them with complex cases,” said Forde.
“From later life and family assisted, to expat and self build, our niche areas present unique opportunities, and I’m committed to helping brokers navigate their journey with confidence.
“What excites me most about Suffolk’s proposition is our manual underwriting approach. I’m looking forward to supporting brokers with cases both within and just outside of our acceptance criteria, working with them to shape cases that make sense, and to be that go-to lender for cases that don’t fit the high street mould.
“I want brokers to immediately recognise that I’m their Suffolk BDM and know they can rely on me to help shape their cases.”
