BLG Development Finance bolsters team

By Bridging Loan Directory 13th October 2015

BLG, the specialist development finance lender, today announced 2 further appointments as part of its ongoing expansion.

Charlie Latimer, who joined BLG 2½ years ago, transfers from the lender’s surveying team into a newly created New Business role. Charlie’s new position comes with the responsibility for supporting a number of BLG’s existing developer customers and acquiring new developer contacts within the south of England. As part of his role, Charlie will provide developers with finance for new schemes, present credit papers for approval at BLG’s credit committee and ensure that BLG’s good level of customer service is up-kept at all times.

Replacing Charlie as Valuations Surveyor is the newly recruited James Piggott. James joins BLG from a commercial valuation firm where he worked as a Ratings Surveyor. At BLG, James will be responsible for overseeing the lender’s property valuation reviews by undertaking due diligence on proposed development schemes. These reviews typically entail desktop analysis through market research, speaking with agents and reviewing plans, costs and planning. James will also liaise with BLG’s developer customers when he conducts site visits.

Announcing Charlie Latimer’s new role Peter Wade, BLG’s Chairman, said:

“Charlie has been part of the team for the last 2½ years and has done an exemplary job overseeing the valuation reviews. During this time his role expanded, from overseeing the expansion of BLG’s Head Office to representing the team at this year’s MIPIM in Cannes, Charlie took on many projects outside of his remit. He has gravitated towards business development and shows a natural ability to support developers with their financial needs; this, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of property and land, makes him perfectly placed to tackle this new challenge.

Commenting on the appointment of James Piggot, Peter continued:

I was impressed by both James’ CV and his attitude; he is highly analytical with keen market research skills – just what we need to ensure BLG is able to best serve its developer customers. James will be supported by Iram Munawar and I am sure they will do a sterling job looking after the valuation reviews.”

Remarking on his appointment, Charlie Latimer said:

“BLG is a company that supports its staff with their career aspirations, I am testament of that! I joined as a new business surveyor in early 2013 and since then have increased my knowledge of residential property development and finance. It is this expertise that I look forward to sharing with BLG’s developer customers. I enjoy supporting developers as they plan, fund, build and sell their schemes. I believe this knowledge will help me deliver great service on behalf of the team”

James Piggott, BLG’s new Valuation Surveyor said:

“I am excited to join BLG as the business grows in size and expands across the UK. The team has been very welcoming and my first few weeks of induction have flown by. It’s important to me to work with a company who takes due diligence and research seriously; BLG certainly do that. Over the coming weeks I look forward to getting to know BLG’s developer customers and visiting their sites.”