Openwork has added Brightstar and Positive Lending to its specialist panel for residential, buy-to-let, second charge and bridging loans. 

The new panel is being launched following a detailed selection process which looked at more than 20 potential partners.

During the process Openwork considered each firm against 50 different criteria including product range, service performance, technology, regulatory focus and financial strength.

Brightstar and Positive Lending join Openwork’s existing specialist partners, BuildLoan, Enterprise Finance, The Business Mortgage Company and TFC Homeloans. 

Openwork proposition director for mortgages and protection 

 Paul Shearman says: “Our refreshed specialist panel will help us serve clients with more demanding needs such as those with more complex income, employment or credit profiles, clients looking to borrow for the short-term or raise additional funds that cannot be met through re-mortgage and much more.

“We are delighted to strengthen our existing relationships as well as to introduce new options for our clients and advisers. The addition of Brightstar and Positive Lending will offer greater choice to our advisers and their clients, backed up by best in class service. I know the changes will be well received by our advisers”

Brightstar Group chief executive Rob Jupp says: “This is great news for Brightstar but, more importantly, it is great news for members of the Openwork network as it gives them the opportunity to offer a more holistic advice service and means that they never have to turn away a client with specialist circumstances.”

Positive Lending chief executive Paul McGonigle says: “Through Positive, Openwork members can access whole-of-market lender panels for bridging, second charge, complex residential and buy-to-let, including exclusive products and restricted lenders.”