Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) is expanding its development finance proposition to nearly double to size of the team.

The plans have been overseen by Alex Upton who is the newly appointed managing director of the development finance division. Prior to her appointment, Upton (pictured) was instrumental in the growth of HTB’s specialist mortgages division.

HTB has invested heavily in its development finance team and has steadily doubled its resources over the past six months. This has allowed the specialist lender to assemble a sales team and support network for brokers and property developers .

New additions include new lending directors to originate and manage facilities; eight new relationship managers to assist the lending directors in providing top quality service to brokers and borrowers and two new BDMs to work closely with intermediary partners in supporting them and their clients.

Upton said: “Here at HTB, we have always provided an exceptional proposition and service to developers. This won’t change. However, we recognise increased demand from brokers for a development finance partner who can support them throughout the process from initial enquiry to completion and beyond. This is why we have aligned the business to actively recognise the value that intermediaries bring to the market.

“I’m looking forward to being able to offer full and seamless support to our borrowers and our broker partners from initial land purchase, through development and into either development exit or term investment.

“I’m proud to be leading such an energised, enthused and highly capable team of experts. The market is buoyant and I’ve got a spring in my step for 2022.”