Lee Gilmore will work as a consultant for Wallasey-based BFS which provides fast, short-term finance to property developers, company owners and entrepreneurs. Tony McDonough reports.

Mersey business lender Bridging Finance Solutions (BFS) has recruited a heavyweight banking specialist who formerly a relationship director at HSBC.

Corporate and commercial banking expert Lee Gilmore will work as a consultant for Wallasey-based BFS which provides fast, short-term finance to property developers, company owners and entrepreneurs.

Earlier this month the firm revealed it is to expand into Yorkshire and the Midlands and is on track to double the amount it lends this year to £50m.

Mr Gilmore will support the growing business development team, further raising the profile of the business in the North West and identifying new business opportunities with the financial sector.

He will also provide the team with effective coaching and mentoring whilst supporting the team in making informed investment decisions within the business.

Mr Gilmore said: “I intend to utilise my in-depth knowledge of the banking sector to support BFS’s strategy on receiving more referrals from the banking industry.

“I have constantly been involved in business development with the North West professional sector for over 20 years and it is this experience and depth of contacts that will assist my BFS colleagues with their own business development.”

BFS managing director Steve Barber added: “Lee joining the BFS team is a definite coup for us.

“He is a well-established and recognised figure within the North West banking sector and his experience, contacts and wider understanding will undoubtedly support us in terms of our ambitious future growth plans.”