Wayne Hicklin (pictured above, right), who has over 25 years of experience in specialist finance, is now risk director — in his new role, he will bring together all the main elements from his time with the business since 2016, and lead the internal monitoring of heavy works cases. 

Saif Khalique (left) has taken up the position of head of underwriting, and will now be responsible for overseeing all aspects of running the underwriting team, including day-to-day management, strategic contribution and training. 

Meanwhile, Aqib Iqbal, who joined the lender in 2021 with a strong legal and real estate background, has been promoted to credit manager, having previously been senior credit analyst.

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In addition, Sinead McMurray and Richard Tweddle — both of whom joined Aspen as graduate underwriters in 2022 — have been promoted to senior credit analyst and senior underwriter, respectively.

Currently, Aspen has 25 full-time staff members, many of whom joined through the lender’s graduate recruitment scheme.

Jack Coombs, managing director at Aspen Bridging, said: “The business has successfully grown these last few years which resulted in us recently surpassing the £500m lending landmark from when the business was founded in 2017.

“As we look upwards to £1bn worth of lending, which we are looking to realise in the next couple of years, we have to invest in the business and our core teams. 

“These promotions are all well-deserved and we are excited about the positive contribution they will make to the business going forward.”