In an era where the specialist lending market is becoming increasingly competitive, Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has made a bold move to strengthen its position by appointing Danny Kiely as the new head of sales for its specialist mortgages and bridging finance divisions. This strategic decision highlights the bank’s determination to not only expand its footprint but also to refine its approach to serving brokers and clients with complex property financing needs. With a focus on tailored solutions and enhanced accessibility, HTB aims to address the evolving challenges in the industry, ensuring that brokers have a reliable partner to navigate high-value and intricate transactions. This appointment signals a deeper commitment to fostering strong relationships and delivering innovative products in a sector that demands both expertise and agility.
Strengthening Leadership for Growth
Elevating Expertise in Sales Strategy
Danny Kiely’s promotion to head of sales at HTB represents a significant step in aligning the bank’s leadership with its ambitious growth objectives in specialist lending. Having previously served as a regional account manager, Kiely has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build strong connections with brokers across the UK while adeptly handling complex deals with a solutions-oriented mindset. In this newly created role, he will work closely with Andrea Glasgow, the sales director for specialist mortgages and bridging finance, to steer the national sales team toward greater success. His responsibilities will include driving strategic initiatives that enhance broker support and ensure seamless communication throughout the lending process. Kiely’s focus on providing certainty and reliability to brokers is expected to set a new standard for how HTB engages with its partners, particularly in navigating the nuances of high-stakes property transactions that require precision and trust.
Mentorship and Team Development
Beyond leading sales efforts, Kiely will also take on a pivotal mentorship role within HTB, prioritizing the professional growth of team members to better equip them for supporting brokers effectively. This aspect of his position underscores the bank’s belief that a strong sales team is built on a foundation of continuous learning and skill enhancement. By fostering an environment where team members can develop their expertise in specialist mortgages and bridging finance, Kiely aims to create a cohesive unit capable of addressing the diverse needs of brokers handling everything from heavy refurbishment projects to large portfolio deals. This commitment to internal development is poised to translate into more consistent and informed interactions with external partners, ultimately strengthening HTB’s reputation as a lender that prioritizes both people and performance in equal measure.
Strategic Enhancements and Market Impact
Bolstering Operational Capacity
Alongside Kiely’s appointment, HTB has implemented several operational enhancements to reinforce its capabilities in the specialist lending arena, including expanding its underwriting capacity and raising the maximum customer exposure limit to £35 million. These changes are designed to empower the bank to cater to brokers and clients involved in intricate, high-value property transactions with greater efficiency. The increased capacity ensures that HTB can manage larger and more complex deals without compromising on speed or service quality, a critical factor in maintaining broker confidence. Kiely has emphasized the importance of responsiveness in his new role, pledging to provide brokers with clear communication and direct access to decision-makers. This focus on operational strength reflects HTB’s broader strategy to position itself as a go-to lender for sophisticated financing needs across diverse property types like Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and Multi-Unit Freehold Blocks (MUFBs).
Building Broker Trust Through Service
A core component of HTB’s vision, as articulated by its leadership, is the creation of a broker-centric service model that prioritizes trust and accessibility, an area where Kiely’s influence is expected to be transformative. Andrea Glasgow, sales director, has lauded Kiely’s deep product knowledge and interpersonal skills, noting that his contributions have already strengthened broker relationships significantly. Meanwhile, Alex Upton, managing director of specialist mortgages and bridging, highlighted that this appointment reflects a dual focus on robust product offerings and exceptional talent. The goal is to build one of the strongest sales teams in the industry, capable of delivering tailored solutions and structured support for transitions from bridging loans to long-term financing. By ensuring brokers have the expertise and consistency they need to advance challenging deals, HTB aims to solidify its standing as a leader in the specialist lending market through a deliberate, relationship-driven approach.
