United Trust Bank (UTB) has made two appointments to its growing property development division.

Keeley Hawkes has joined as manager to support senior director of property development Daniel Carlisle.

Hawkes brings experience in the real estate finance and construction sectors gained from roles with RBS, NatWest, mezzanine lender Assured Property Finance, and property developer Aitch Group.

In her new role, she will use her expertise to support housebuilders and developers across London and the South-East.

Abigail Argue has also joined as manager to support director of property development Luke Benton-Drury.

Argue brings more than 20 years of experience in banking and real estate finance, including 17 years with Close Brothers Property Finance where she most recently served as senior portfolio manager.

She will focus on supporting housebuilders operating across the South-East of England.

This comes as the bank continues to expand its lending capacity and support for SME housebuilders and developers across England and Wales.

It also follows Orla Costello’s recent appointment as deputy head of originations in property development, David Masters’ appointment as associate director of intermediaries, and Ashley Collier’s promotion to associate director of property development.

United Trust Bank head of property development Adam Bovingdon says: “Keeley and Abigail joined the team at an exciting time for UTB as we continue to grow our development finance business and broaden the support we provide to SME housebuilders and developers.”

“They each bring a wealth of experience and insight from across the property finance sector, and they’re already making a great contribution to the team. Together, they strengthen our ability to deliver the flexible funding solutions, consistency and excellent service that our customers and broker partners value so highly.”