Specialist lender West One has announced its entry into the commercial mortgage market.

The new proposition, launched initially as a pilot, will be made available to a select panel of commercial mortgage brokers.

The lender intends to roll out a full-market product shortly after the pilot phase concludes.

According to the company, the product has already been developed to a point where it is ready for immediate adoption by brokers.

In its early phase, West One will use broker feedback to refine the offering further, aiming to address longstanding issues in the commercial mortgage space. The lender hopes to broaden access to finance for borrowers who have traditionally been underserved by the mainstream market.

Danny Waters (pictured), chief executive of Enra Specialist Finance, West One’s parent company, described the launch as a “major strategic milestone” and confirmed that commercial mortgages had always been a core objective in the lender’s growth plan.

“I’m confident that soon West One will set new benchmarks for service, speed, and flexibility in the commercial mortgage market,” he said.

West One’s commercial mortgage operations will be based in Manchester and led by regional director Duncan Abraham.

The firm said the proposition would centre on fast processing, efficient service and lending criteria designed to unlock finance for borrowers who may struggle to access traditional routes.

The launch enables West One to offer support across a wider range of property finance requirements, reinforcing its stated aim of delivering end-to-end lending solutions throughout the property lifecycle.