Word On The Street, the specialist property finance brokerage, has appointed Ben Hartley as its first mortgage broker.

The firm has ambitious plans to grow its broker-facing operations and build a wider network of introducers focused on unregulated lending.

Hartley (pictured) joins the business with a background in specialist finance, having held roles at lenders including Together, Lowry Capital and Stretton Capital. He most recently worked in a direct sales position at Together, covering buy-to-let, bridging, commercial and development finance.

His experience spans both lending and underwriting, which the firm says will help to smooth the borrower journey by anticipating funder requirements at the outset of a deal.

Operating under the Word On The Street banner, Hartley will benefit from what the firm describes as its “award-winning infrastructure and extensive lender network”, offering brokers and borrowers access to deep sector knowledge and a highly service-led approach.

“I have honed a skillset that focuses on the expert assessment of cases at the outset, including exit viability, and use that to save clients time and money, as well as manage expectations,” Hartley said.

“Michael and the team have empowered me to make this career move, safe in the knowledge that I have the absolute best support and foundation.”

He added: “Word On The Street’s emphasis on longevity in lending is one that aligns with my own, and I am excited about the future of the business and my role in it.”

Michael Street, founding partner of Word On The Street, said Hartley’s arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter for the firm, which is set to open its doors to more introducers in the coming months as part of a broader growth strategy.

“Growing Word On The Street has always been the intention, and we have wider plans to create a ‘Community’ where brokers, lenders, and customers can connect, share knowledge, and access opportunities that drive better outcomes for everyone involved,” he said.

“Bringing Ben into the team will enable us to explore this mutual value-add and continue our non-standard approach to growth and success. I’ve known Ben for a few years, and I am confident that he is an important part of our bid to revolutionise the role of the broker, thereby improving borrower outcomes generally.”

The appointment follows the recent arrival of Jack Medlicott as partner. A specialist property solicitor, Medlicott brings over a decade of experience advising high-net-worth individuals, private lenders and banks.