West One Loans has become the first specialist lender to join the Society for Mortgage Professionals, reflecting its expanded mortgage product offering.

The Borehamwood-based firm revamped its business last month, expanding its property lending from bridging loans, to development finance, buy-to-let and second charge mortgages.

It also opened its proposition to the whole market, including networks and clubs.

The specialist lender, founded in 2005, says its associate SMP membership demonstrates its commitment the professional body’s code of ethics, which includes acting in the best interests of clients, ongoing staff development and adhering to transparent governance.

West One Loans managing director of second charges Marie Grundy says: “As part of West One’s expansion into both short and longer-term lending last year, we felt it was important to show that we work to high professional standards. Our associate firm membership with the SMP is another way we can demonstrate to brokers and clients our commitment to quality service, integrity, trust and fairness.”

The SMP, which is part of the Chartered Insurance Institute, aims to raise professional standards among brokers in the mortgage and protection sector.

It launched its associate firm status last August, which is aimed at supporting firms and brokers such as mortgage lenders.

SMP chief membership officer Keith Richards says: “West One is the first specialist lender to become an associate firm of the SMP and we would encourage other forward-looking lenders to consider the benefits of promoting associating and becoming part of a united mortgage profession.”

Richards adds: “The more high-quality firms who join the society, the more united we can be in ensuring standards in the mortgage advice sector are trusted and improved upon.”