Metro Bank

When it started out in 2010, Metro Bank PLC, a retail bank that operates in the United Kingdom, was the first new bank to establish itself on the high streets of the country for more than 150 years.

Now with 48 branches and assets of £7.4billion, it was founded by Vernon Hill, an American businessman and former president, chairman, and CEO of New Jersey's Commerce Bancorp of Cherry Hill, and chairman of Fetch Inc, the US version of Pet Plan pet insurance.

Metro Bank offers ranges of residential and Buy-To-Let mortgages. It claims that its Unique Selling Proposition is that people can visit whenever it suits them, as the bank is open seven days a week. Also people can visit without an appointment and leave with an account including a debit card.

The bank recognises that every industry faces unique challenges, so it has dedicated sector teams, made up of staff with experience specifically in separate business sectors, from professional services to healthcare.

For those in the property sector these teams offer site visits, an expert Relationship Manager and a credit team experienced in property who aim to help customers identify the mortgage, finance or day-to-day banking solutions for them.

Whether it is a standard loan or a bespoke solution, a property development loan, a commercial property loan or a Buy To Let mortgage, when lending Metro takes a personal approach, considering each application on its merits and not by employing a tick box.

Metro aims to help investors and developers by creating bespoke solutions to match ambitions. Metro is open to lending on:

• Residential property, including freeholds with multiple flats
• Commercial property, including retail spaces, offices, light industrial or industrial units 
• Mixed use properties, for example commercial premises with residential space above
• Houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) subject to location and quality.