Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Solutions. Read the original article for full details.

Aldermore Appoints James Evans to Commercial Real Estate Team

Aldermore has appointed James Evans to its commercial real estate team as business development manager (BDM). The move forms part of the lender's strategy to grow its property development proposition.

Evans will be responsible for strengthening Aldermore's presence across the North of England, supporting property investors and developers with funding solutions.

A Background in Specialist Property Finance

Evans joins from a similar role at Nexa Finance, where he supported customers with development finance. He has extensive experience in commercial banking and real estate finance, with previous senior roles at Streambank and Assetz Capital, where he specialised in development, bridging and property finance.

Before entering the specialist lending market, Evans spent over 17 years at Santander in a number of relationship management and director-level roles, working with property investors, developers and commercial customers and supporting a broad range of property transactions across the North West and the wider UK market.

Rizvi on the Appointment

Azfar Rizvi, commercial director for corporate and commercial lending at Aldermore, said Evans brings experience across both traditional banking and specialist property finance, along with a strong understanding of the market in the North of England. His appointment strengthens the commercial real estate team and enhances support for brokers and customers across the region, according to Rizvi.

Rizvi added that property development is a key growth area for Aldermore, and an important part of supporting the development of homes, commercial space and communities across the UK. The lender says it is continuing to invest in its proposition, its people and its market relationships.

Evans said he was attracted by the opportunity to join a relationship-led team with flexibility to develop funding solutions around customers' individual needs, and that he looks forward to working with brokers and customers across the North.

What It Means for Letting Agents and Inventory Clerks

While the appointment sits on the lending side of the market, increased lender presence and investment in property development funding across the North of England may be relevant to agents and clerks working with investors and developers in the region. Aldermore's continued investment in its property development proposition points to ongoing activity in development and commercial real estate finance, sectors closely tied to the supply of homes and commercial space.