United Trust Bank (UTB) has hired a new senior manager supporting housebuilders and developers in the South and East of England.

Achi Ejikeme (pictured) has joined UTB from Oaknorth Bank as a senior manager – property development and has nearly 15 years of experience in property finance. He worked for Lloyds Bank for seven years dealing with a wide range of customers operating in the property sector including national and SME housebuilders as well as institutional residential and commercial property investor clients.

Prior to joining Oaknorth, he spent 18 months with Secure Trust Bank.

Ejikeme is based in London and will work closely with UTB property development director Phil Kirkwood. He is predominantly responsible for promoting UTB’s development finance offering amongst SME house builders, developers and property investors in the South and East with a particular focus on businesses operating in and around Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Essex and Surrey.

Adam Bovingdon, senior director – property development, at United Trust Bank, said: “We’re continuing to expand the property development team at United Trust Bank by recruiting experienced property finance professionals with the skills and drive to support SME developers and housebuilders across the country. Achi brings with him nearly 15 years of experience working with a wide range of customers on a variety of development projects and most importantly he shares our passion for delivering outstanding customer service. He is a valuable addition to the UTB team.

“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we’re having a busy year with strong demand for our CBILS products as well as our standard funding solutions. Our reputation for reliability and approachability has been clearly demonstrated in 2020 and we expect interest in our service and products to keep increasing.

“SME housebuilders need supportive lenders more now than ever. They have a vital role to play in helping to deliver the many thousands of new homes the UK still needs as well as employing significant numbers of people and contributing to local economies. At UTB we’ll do everything we can to help keep SME housebuilders building now and in the future.”