In an exclusive interview with Bridging & Commercial, Kunal Mehta, managing director at SDKA (pictured above), stated that the specialist bridging finance lender didn’t believe in “separating” the two roles.

He explained that a recently appointed underwriter did “the whole thing, from meeting the client at application all the way to funding the loan and then staying in touch with the clients throughout the term of the loan”.

“So, it's quite different the way we operate here.”

Kunal also stated that the strategy at SDKA was to be “extremely close” with clients.

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“By getting outside [of the office] and in touch with clients throughout, it builds a relationship.”

SDKA recently completed three loans within one week in September: a £760,000 finish and exit loan for a developer, a £150,000 loan for the expansion of a craft gin distillery business in Yorkshire and a £59,000 pre-planning bridging loan for a property in Rossendale Valley, Lancashire.

Commenting on these deals, Kunal added: “SDKA’s volume [was] testament to the dedicated team at SDKA. 

“Our continued focus on building relationships and service allows us to support businesses and property investors.

“Our pragmatic approach to provide solutions to meet our clients’ needs continues to drive our growth.

“We’re delighted that over half of our lending book is now to repeat customers.”