With 16 years of financial services experience, the last 13 spent specialising in mortgage and protection, Mr Cumming will head up the McCrea Mortgages team in his role.

Mr Cumming will help clients looking for a mortgage or remortgage as well as providing advice and assistance reviewing and recommending protection and insurance plans. He has previously worked for national brands including First Direct, Nationwide and Mortgage Advice Bureau.

Speaking of his appointment, Mr Cumming said: “One of the aspects I’m particularly looking forward to as part of the advisory team at McCrea is working for a company who can help clients with their financial future by looking at the full picture and not just their mortgage or retirement plans in isolation. I feel this allows much deeper relationships to be forged.

“I am delighted to be part of a company that is able to provide different services under one roof and help continue to build the firm’s first-class reputation with the help and advice the mortgage team can offer.”

The appointment kicks off a phase of wider growth and expansion of the business, with McCrea FS currently seeking a further five new recruits – a financial adviser, two trainee financial advisers and two new support staff.

Douglas McCrea, McCrea FS managing director, added: “Despite the obvious challenges the last 18 months have brought, the business has responded well and is in a strong position to grow including the expansion of our talented team. Ged will be a fantastic addition to head up McCrea Mortgages with the years of experience he has dealing in this specialist area of advice.

“I was particularly impressed when we met how his priority is the client and going the extra mile to provide the type of service that we all would like to receive and that we look to deliver to clients on both our financial planning side and McCrea Mortgages.”