Swansea Building Society expands England Business Development team to support growth in key markets

Swansea Building Society has announced the expansion of its England Business Development Management (BDM) team, reflecting the Society’s commitment to deepening relationships with mortgage intermediaries and growing its presence across English markets.

This expansion includes the promotion of Martin Lewis to Area Manager, England, along with the appointment of Jennet James as BDM, and two assistants, Lisa Lunness and Alex Hemingway. Together, this team will bring increased support and dedicated service to brokers and advisers across England.

Martin Lewis, who has been with Swansea Building Society since November 2012, has taken on the role of Area Manager, England. His new role will see him lead the intermediary help desk team based at the Society’s Head Office, supporting mortgage advisers and brokers across England. Prior to this promotion, Lewis was instrumental in developing the Society’s South East Wales business, leveraging his 13 years of experience in the intermediary mortgage industry with Stroud & Swindon Building Society (now Coventry Building Society), NatWest, and National & Provincial Building Society (now Santander).

Lewis’s new responsibilities include managing the BDM team in England. Part of his focus will be on supporting and expanding key relationships with mortgage networks and clubs, identified as crucial growth areas for the Society.

Jennet James joined Swansea Building Society in November 2018, starting in the mortgage processing department. She was promoted to Manager’s Assistant in May 2019, working closely with the East Wales Area Manager, Richard Miles, to oversee mortgage applications from inception to completion. With 30 years of experience in the banking industry, including roles in underwriting, mortgage advising, and branch management primarily with Halifax, James brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her new position as Business Development Manager, England.

Manager’s Assistant, Lisa Lunness, has been with Swansea Building Society for over ten years. Her background in financial services began in 2002 with roles at Bradford and Bingley, HSBC, and the Principality Building Society. Her broad experience in financial services enhances the Society’s commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on support for each mortgage case.

Alex Hemingway joined Swansea Building Society in March 2022. With a law degree and extensive experience in conveyancing, wills and probate, and family law at Peter Lynn and Partners, and Graham Evans and Partners, Hemingway transitioned to financial services as a mortgage administrator with the Mortgage Advice Bureau before joining the Society.

The expanded team reflects Swansea Building Society’s commitment to its “manual underwriting” approach, where each mortgage application is considered on its individual merits. The new team will work to further develop relationships with mortgage networks and clubs across England, ensuring brokers and advisers receive tailored support aligned with the Society’s ethos of exceptional customer service.

Martin Lewis, Area Manager, England, Swansea Building Society, said:

“This team expansion signals our dedication to providing accessible and personalised support to mortgage advisers across England. With Jennet, Lisa, and Alex bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge, we’re well-positioned to support our clients and strengthen our presence in key markets.”

Founded in 1923, Swansea Building Society is committed to delivering quality, customer-focused financial products and services to communities across South & West Wales and England. With a focus on traditional values and a hands-on approach to mortgage underwriting, the Society continues to support local communities while expanding its reach.