Overview — Team Expansion at Sancus UK
Sancus UK, part of the AIM-listed Sancus Lending Group, has announced a strengthening of its credit and lending team with two key new appointments and an internal promotion — part of its broader strategy to support faster deal delivery and robust credit oversight as the business grows across Manchester and London. (bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
The specialist lender focuses on bespoke bridging and development finance, targeting complex property and real-estate-backed lending. Recent growth and new office expansion — particularly in Manchester — underline a period of investment and scaling for Sancus. (levelworkspace.com)
Case Study 1 — New Role: Credit Operations Manager
Appointment
Clair Dempsie has joined Sancus UK in the newly created role of Credit Operations Manager, based in the central London office. (bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Role Focus
- Strengthening credit frameworks and operational processes.
- Enhancing deal execution speed and consistency across the credit lifecycle.
- Providing leadership on underwriting standards, risk-control improvements and operational oversight. (Financial Reporter)
Background
Clair brings over 18 years’ experience in real estate finance, underwriting and operational risk from her previous role at Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB). Her expertise is seen as critical for Sancus as it handles increasingly sophisticated lending transactions. (bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Comment
Clair said the role aligned with her experience and values, highlighting Sancus’s commitment to transparent, efficient finance and operational excellence. (bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Case Study 2 — New Role: Lending Manager
Appointment
Harry Hutton has joined Sancus UK’s Manchester head office as Lending Manager. (bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Role Focus
- Managing loan transactions from origination through to completion.
- Supporting client engagement and ensuring seamless delivery of finance solutions. (Financial Reporter)
Background
Harry has a strong track record in property finance, with experience both in developer lending and institutional environments, having held roles at Salboy and the NatWest Group prior to joining Sancus. (Financial Reporter)
Comment
Harry described Sancus as an “ambitious and fast-growing business” with a strong culture and future vision — key reasons he joined the team. (Financial Reporter)
Case Study 3 — Internal Promotion
Leadership Development
Lexie Phillips, who has been part of Sancus since May 2024, has been promoted to Credit and Risk Operations Director. (Financial Reporter)
Role Focus
- Driving evolution of credit processes and risk-control frameworks.
- Supporting the expanding team with operational strategy and coordination. (Financial Reporter)
Comment
Lexie emphasised that the additions to the team would enhance capability and delivery speed, ensuring high standards and quality outcomes for Sancus’s clients as the business grows. (Financial Reporter)
Senior Leadership Comments
Andrew Charnley — Managing Director, Sancus UK
Charnley commented that these appointments reflect continued investment in people and expertise as Sancus scales its operations. He highlighted that:
- The team has grown about 40 % over the past 12 months.
- New lending volumes are expected to be in excess of £150 million this year.
- There is an ongoing focus on expanding its Manchester presence and London team to meet rising demand. (Financial Reporter)
Why It Matters — Strategic Context
This expansion comes as Sancus:
- Builds deeper capacity in underwriting and risk management.
- Supports growth in bespoke financing — particularly in property bridging and development.
- Expands its presence in the UK, including a growing footprint in Manchester where office growth and skilled financial services talent are clustering. (levelworkspace.com)
By strengthening its credit and lending teams, Sancus aims to deliver complex deals more efficiently, maintain high risk standards, and help sustain long-term growth even in changing economic conditions. (bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Summary
- Clair Dempsie appointed as Credit Operations Manager to strengthen credit frameworks. (bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
- Harry Hutton joins as Lending Manager in Manchester, enhancing loan origination and delivery. (Financial Reporter)
- Lexie Phillips promoted to Credit and Risk Operations Director, broadening leadership. (Financial Reporter)
- The moves align with rapid team growth and lending targets for the UK business. (Financial Reporter)
Here’s a detailed, case-study-style breakdown of how Sancus UK has strengthened its credit and lending team, including real examples of the new roles, what the appointees say, and commentary from leadership as the specialist lender scales its operations.(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Background — Why This Matters
Sancus UK (part of AIM-listed Sancus Lending Group) provides bespoke bridging and development finance across the UK. To support growth, maintain high standards and deliver complex deals efficiently, the firm has expanded its credit and lending leadership with two external hires and a key internal promotion — particularly across its Manchester and London offices.(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Case Study 1 — Credit Operations Manager Appointment: Clair Dempsie
Role & Focus
- Position: Credit Operations Manager (newly created)
- Location: Central London
- Main Responsibilities: Enhancing credit frameworks, supporting deal execution and improving operational processes across Sancus’s lending pipeline.(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Background
Clair joins from Hampshire Trust Bank, bringing over 18 years of experience in real estate finance, underwriting and operational risk.(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Clair’s Comments
“Sancus is at an exciting stage of its growth… the opportunity to help strengthen credit and operational processes was a key driver for me. I’m focused on delivering complex transactions efficiently and Sancus’s commitment to transparent finance strongly aligns with my values.”(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Why this matters: This case shows Sancus investing in expertise that improves risk discipline and consistency as loan volumes and deal complexity grow.
Case Study 2 — Lending Manager Appointment: Harry Hutton
Role & Focus
- Position: Lending Manager
- Location: Manchester Head Office
- Main Responsibilities: Managing loan transactions from origination to completion and supporting brokers and clients through the lending lifecycle.(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Background
Harry brings a strong track record in property finance, having worked in both developer lending and institutional environments — including roles at Salboy and NatWest Group.(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Harry’s Comments
“Sancus stood out to me as an ambitious and fast-growing business, with a strong culture and a clear vision for the future. The opportunity to join an established and expanding team in Manchester was incredibly appealing.”(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Why this matters: Adding experienced lending leadership in Manchester — a key growth hub — helps Sancus deliver deals with greater consistency and client support.
Case Study 3 — Internal Promotion: Lexie Phillips
Role Change
- Promotion To: Credit and Risk Operations Director
- Background: Lexie has been with Sancus since May 2024 and has played a central role in shaping credit and operational processes.(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Lexie’s Comments
“The addition of Clair and Harry to the team significantly enhances our capability, allowing us to deliver at pace, while maintaining standards and high-quality outcomes for our clients.”(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
Why this matters: Promoting internal talent ensures continuity of culture and process knowledge, while also strengthening senior oversight as the team scales.
Leadership Commentary
Andrew Charnley — Managing Director, Sancus UK
Charnley said these moves reflect strategic investment in people and expertise as Sancus grows its UK lending operations. He noted:
- The team has grown by about 40% in the past year.
- New lending this year is expected to be “in excess of £150m.”
- Continued expansion is planned, especially in Manchester and London, to meet rising demand.(Financial Reporter)
This demonstrates that his strategy isn’t just about hiring — it’s about building a structured leadership foundation that aligns with the company’s growth ambitions.
What This Means in Practice
Here’s how the changes are likely to affect Sancus UK’s business:
| Focus Area | Impact of Team Strengthening |
|---|---|
| Credit Quality & Risk | More robust frameworks, stronger oversight |
| Deal Execution | Faster, more consistent deal handling |
| Client Experience | Enhanced support throughout lending lifecycle |
| Growth Capacity | Ability to handle higher volumes and complex deals |
| Team Culture | Blends new experience with internal expertise |
Summary
Sancus UK’s recent team changes are strategic and growth-oriented:
- Clair Dempsie joins as Credit Operations Manager, boosting credit oversight and risk frameworks.(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
- Harry Hutton becomes Lending Manager in Manchester, managing loan end-to-end.(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
- Lexie Phillips is promoted to Credit & Risk Operations Director, providing leadership continuity.(bridgingandcommercial.co.uk)
- Leadership emphasises investment in people to support rapid scaling, strong standards and market growth.(Financial Reporter)