The Vernon Building Society has appointed Kevin Baggs as mortgage business development manager (BDM).

Baggs (pictured, right) has worked at Vernon for 40 years and previously headed the new business team, following roles in underwriting and processing.

The new position has been created as part of the mutual’s strategy to grow broker distribution.

Tom Gurrie (pictured left), intermediary sales manager at Vernon, said: “We are small but ambitious, and our relationship with brokers is one of our greatest strengths. We created this position so we can keep giving brokers the fantastic personal service they expect as we continue to grow.

“Kevin is the perfect fit, given his familiarity with the mortgage broker market, and will use his knowledge of our products and underwriting approach to support our intermediary partners.”

Baggs added: “This role makes the most of my experience in the mortgage market. I’ll work closely with brokers so they understand exactly how we can help, and sense-check cases so they get a quality service from the initial stage right through to completion.

“I will also be getting out and about to engage with brokers face to face and show them how the Vernon’s specialist approach can support their clients, especially those with more complex borrowing needs.”