The Specialist Mortgage Group has appointed Liam Hughes as the new head of its Y3S Bridging & Commercial business.

Cardiff-based SMG says Hughes was promoted to the role after working at the group of packaging firms for over seven years.

It adds, Hughes has “vast experience in the bridging and commercial sectors”, and will be “tasked with driving significant growth” at the business.

Last month, SMG acquired the full share capital of Y3S Bridging & Commercial from its founding directors, Nathan Raffour and Andrew Gage, for an undisclosed sum.

The unit has been brought together with YSS Loans at its Cardiff headquarters.

Hughes takes over the roles of Raffour and Gage, who have left the business.

Specialist Mortgage Group chief executive Barney Drake says: “As a professional with many years experience in the field and with such a high level of respect from his peers, Liam’s promotion to head the team was an easy decision to make.”

Head of Bridging & Commercial Liam Hughes adds: “At a time when we are seeing unprecedented growth, my role will mainly involve reviewing our internal processes and procedures to drive up efficiency.

“With this in mind, we will also be recruiting the very highest standard of staff to complement the strength of the team.”

SMG, previously known as Y3S Group, also includes the packager businesses Y3S Loans, Y3S Private Clients, B2B Financial, and Chaseblue Loans.