West One Loans has merged its bridging and development finance arms into a single Short Term Lending division.

The lender says the move allows it to take a more joined-up view across projects and to offer brokers and their clients a smoother customer journey.

It added that in practice, “…it means the process of switching between the two products will be far more seamless for West One clients”.

The combined division will be jointly led by Tom Cantor, currently head of bridging finance, and Guy Murray, currently head of development finance.

In 2023, West One’s bridging and development finance divisions together achieved more than £1bn in completions.

West One says it has invested heavily in its bridging and development finance teams in 2024, growing headcount by 14% and 30%, respectively.

Murray said: “This move is a game-changer for our short-term lending proposition. By bringing our bridging and development finance teams into one business unit, we’re able to offer a truly integrated solution that’s tailored to the unique needs of individual clients.

“Switching products or lenders half-way through a project can be challenging and time-consuming. With our new combined solution, that’s no longer a concern, as we can take them from start to finish with just a single application.”

Cantor added: “This move is all about making the lives of brokers and their clients easier by providing them with a one-stop shop solution for their short-term borrowing needs.

“Under the new structure, they can expect faster decisions and more flexibility throughout their project. It’s all about delivering a service that truly understands and supports their ambitions.”

Danny Waters, CEO of Enra Specialist Finance, West One Loans’ parent company, said: “Our bridging and development finance divisions have consistently exceeded expectations, achieving record completions in 2023 despite a challenging market.

“But while they are performing at a high-level individually, we believe combining their expertise into one business unit will enhance our short-term lending proposition even further.

“This merger is about creating greater scale, stronger resilience and more cohesive management – all aimed at delivering an even better service for our customers.”