Hope Capital has strengthened its underwriting team with the appointment of Helen Hargreaves (pictured) and Andrew Bate (pictured).

This follows news of the lender bolstering its sales team earlier this month, with the appointment of Roz Cawood as director of sales and David Burford and Debbie Range as business development managers (BDMs).

Hope Capital has reported significant growth in enquiries and completions, and has recruited Hargreaves and Bate to continue with its expansion strategy and help support the underwriting department.

Hargreaves has joined as a trainee underwriter and Bate has been appointed as a loan administrator.

Hargreaves said: “It is fantastic to join a fast-growing business, where there’s lots of opportunity for career progression. I am very excited to get stuck in and learn from some of the industry’s best underwriters.”

Bate added: “I am extremely happy to have started working with Hope Capital and I am looking forward to being part of such a forward thinking and experienced team.

“Having the opportunity to learn, develop and progress my career is very exciting.”

Jonathan Sealey, CEO of Hope Capital, said: “Our doors are always open to new talent. At Hope Capital, we recognise the responsibility of providing training opportunities and promoting from within.

“Underwriting is incredibly specialised in bridging lending, particularly when every case is looked at on its own merits and the numbers involved in terms of loan amounts range from the tens of thousands to the millions.

“I have no doubt Helen and Andy will be great additions to the underwriting team and I really look forward to watching them grow and develop their careers.”