Specialist lender, Somo Bridging, has expanded its team with the appointment of a new relationship director and two new underwriters.

James Brocklebank (pictured) has been appointed as relationship director for the Midlands and East, while Salman Ali and Harvey Wood have joined as underwriters.

Brocklebank’s appointment brings Somo’s sales team to 14, with relationship directors covering every region of the UK.

He said: “Somo is a common sense lender, and, with this reputation in the industry, this helps open doors when it comes to new business. The firm’s ability to offer competitive interest rates, structure deals to suit the borrower and tenaciously find solutions that other lenders can’t, should give me an advantage in what is an increasingly competitive and crowded market.”

Ali and Wood will be responsible for risk assessment, risk mitigation and assessing loan applications.

Ali said: “During my six years in finance, I’d heard great things about Somo and was aware they had a fantastic reputation for their diverse product range, particularly their valuation-only and second charge products. I’ve already learnt that Somo will always try to find ways to make a loan work. I’m enjoying being part of a team that has the grit and determination to strive for the best outcome, whatever obstacles are in the way.”

Wood added: “I joined Somo because I’d heard great things about the lender and I’ve been given the chance to grow in my career here. Their commitment to employee development and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth was an important factor in my decision to accept this role. I’m very much looking forward to developing my skills and expertise while contributing to the company’s continued success.”