Millbrook Business Finance has appointed Stuart Benge as head of commercial property finance. The appointment comes ahead of the launch of Millbrook Commercial Property Finance. In his new role, Benge will initially be responsible for the launch of the new commercial property finance business and proposition. He will then lead this team and be responsible for growing the commercial property finance part of the business. Benge has over 30 years’ experience in specialist property finance lending wit role at Hodge Bank, Assetz Capital and Norwich & Peterborough Building Society/YBS Commercial.

Kuflink has launched its own inhouse legal department in the next step towards an integrated service for introducers and their clients. The company believes that setting up an internal legal function will significantly enhance its operational speed, legal oversight and its ability to execute deals faster. According to the firm’s head of origination, Ranjit Narwal, the effect of bringing legal expertise directly inhouse will be threefold. While waiting for final approval to offer dual representation, Kuflink has set up a borrower legal panel which will work closely with its legal department.

Accord Mortgages has reduced rates across its buy-to-let range. The range refresh from the intermediary-only lender applies to two- and five-year fixes with rates on products at 60%, 65% and 75% LTV decreasing by 0.06%. As a result, its five-year fixed house purchase mortgage at 60% LTV now starts at 4.06% with a £1,995 fee, while its two-year 75% LTV fix for remortgaging starts at 4.36% and comes with a £995 fee and free remortgage legal service. Accord’s five-year 60% LTV remortgage product is available at 4.16% with a £995 fee and free remortgage legal service. All products come with a free standard valuation.

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