West One has created two roles in its mortgage division and promoted eight existing staff as it looks to grow across residential, second charge and buy-to-let lending.

The specialist lender has promoted Jason Ruse from regional account manager to the newly created position of national account manager.

Ruse (pictured) will support club and network partners across the UK, while working with West One’s regional sales team to build broker relationships.

The lender has also appointed a roving underwriter to support broker partners in South Wales, with a remit to help improve the process from enquiry to completion on appropriate cases.

West One said the changes form part of its plans for sustained growth across its residential, second charge and buy-to-let mortgage ranges.

Seven of the new positions were created within the lender’s underwriting teams and filled through internal appointments. West One said the move reflected its focus on developing staff and creating career progression routes within the business.

The promotions are also expected to create opportunities for junior and mid-career hires as the mortgage division expands.

Paul Huxter, head of intermediary sales and distribution at West One, said: “Jason’s dedication, hard work, and passion have made a marked impact on our growth in the Specialist Residential and Buy to Let markets.

“I am excited to see Jason continue to excel and drive West One’s success in this new role, by deepening and strengthening our partnership with our valued distribution partners in the Clubs and Networks channel, a role Jason has extensive experience and expertise in.”

Marie Grundy, managing director of mortgages at West One, said: “Many of our promoted team members have been part of the growing success of the Mortgage Division for some time.

“At West One we are committed to developing talent from within the business and these promotions are a well-deserved recognition of each individual’s contribution.”