The Brightstar Group has appointed Ian Meadows as senior equity release and protection consultant to lead its later life lending and protection offering.

Meadows brings over 30 years of industry experience, including 26 years at SPF Private Clients.

Commenting on his appointment Meadows said: “There is a great opportunity for the Group to develop its later life lending and protection offering.

“There is still considerable untapped potential in these markets, and brokers are well placed to recognise when clients could benefit from specialist advice.

“Clients may want to raise capital to repay existing mortgages, support retirement income, assist family members, fund home improvements, or purchase a new property. Protection can help people to protect themselves, their families, as well as using it for estate planning.”

He added: “These are individual and often complex conversation, where understanding someone’s  wider circumstances and working alongside their other professional advisers is essential.

“After taking some me out to recharge and be with my family, I’m looking forward to getting back to work and helping the team build this part of the business.”