People: Signature Property Finance; mfg Solicitors

Signature Property Finance, a Birmingham-based short-term property finance provider, has appointed Michael Clifford as the firm’s first commercial director.

Clifford joins following senior business development, product and strategy roles at Santander, Hodge Bank, Glenhawk and most recently OakNorth Bank, building expertise across a 17-year career.

Signature CEO Tony Gilbertson said: “We have recorded year-on-year growth in the last four years, but refuse to rest on our laurels. We have set ambitious targets and recruiting talented individuals of Michael’s calibre, will help us realise our commercial objectives.

“Michael is an innovator, with a unique talent for product delivery, strategic planning, risk management, and team leadership, all aspects of our business we recognise will be key to achieving our long-term goals. Whilst his arrival might reduce the average age of our team, he brings the financial sector expertise and experience that will make a difference not only to the service we deliver to our clients but also to the team that provides that service.

“Michael will not be dealing directly with clients in the first instance, but working hard as a member of the senior management team, to shape our product offering and service experience to better reflect the changing needs of the market.”

Clifford said: “At this stage in my career, it was important to find a role and an employer that reflected my ambition and with Signature, I immediately felt a connection. In recent years their performance has attracted attention and it has been obvious they are offering what brokers and their clients want. With so much change in the industry, finding a business that knows what it is and is comfortable in that role is refreshing.

“As a well-managed business with an experienced senior team, I believe I can be the difference that takes Signature to the next level in support of property developers across the UK, who value certainty of funding and speed of execution.”

Midlands Law firm mfg Solicitors has appointed property litigation solicitor Kevin Morgan as a partner at the firm’s Worcester office.

Morgan, who has spent three decades as a solicitor, will provide specialist advice on all contentious property-related matters for the firm’s clients both regionally and nationally.

He will work closely with partner and head of department, Kirsten Bridgewater.

Kevin Morgan with Kirsten Bridgewater

Bridgewater said: “Kevin is a first-class addition to our team and the firm. With decades of experience, he is well respected for his expertise in a variety of property and civil litigation-related matters, particularly possession proceedings, and
all aspects of neighbour disputes and professional negligence.

“He also has a particular interest in insurance matters which is already adding a new dimension to the team. I look forward to Kevin contributing to our success in the months and years ahead.”

Morgan said: “It’s a great opportunity to join mfg Solicitors and I was attracted to the firm due to its longstanding reputation across the Midlands and beyond. Working with Kirsten and the team, I want to expand the breadth of our property litigation services but also ensure our clients get the best possible service.

“Overall, I hope to add even more experience to an already well-established team and further contribute to developing the firm’s credentials.”