# Bridging & Commercial — Full Content for LLMs > This file provides detailed article content from Bridging & Commercial for AI model indexing and citation. > For a summary version, see: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/llms.txt > Website: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk Bridging & Commercial is the UK's leading specialist finance news publication covering bridging loans, commercial mortgages, development finance, and specialist lending. Founded in 2011. --- ## Warning signs - **Author**: Bridging & Commercial - **Date**: 21 October 2026 - **Section**: magazine - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/warning-signs - **Keywords**: belleveue mortlakes, bridging finance, receiver, receivership, distressed loans, specialist finance, residential finance, commercial property > By the time a Receiver is appointed, the causes of distress often look obvious. Hinesh Varsani explains where the red flags usually appear – and what brokers can do before a transaction reaches that point A receiver sees a loan at the point when optimism has collided with reality. The refinance has not completed, the sale has slipped, rent has stopped reaching the lender or an apparently straightforward asset has proved far more complicated to control and sell. Yet genuine distress rarely arrives without warning. In most cases, the signs were present months earlier. They sat in the gaps between the borrower's account of the transaction, the documents available and what the asset could realistically deliver. While brokers are not expected to predict every default, they are often well placed to identify those gaps before a proposal reaches credit. From the instructions we see across residential, mixed-use and commercial property, these are the 10 questions worth asking. Read the full story in B&C Magazine, here. --- ## In Mint condition - **Author**: Charlotte Ryan - **Date**: 21 October 2026 - **Section**: magazine - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/in-mint-condition - **Keywords**: Mint property finance, bridging finance, bridging lender, bridging loans, irene thomas > Irene Thomas joined Mint as managing director back in March with the remit to ‘take the business to the next level’ Having overhauled staffing, Irene now wants to hire more of the right people and give Mint a bigger voice in the industry What has been your biggest change? The biggest improvement was defining colleagues’ roles and responsibilities. Unless I've got the right people, we haven't got a business, and people need to know their roles and responsibilities: what do they do at work, and do they feel proud of what they've achieved? Prior to doing all of that , some people were doing a bit of underwriting, a bit of portfolio management. That works in a small business but it's not sustainable for growth. It doesn’t stop there. We're now recruiting to grow. That's not about getting hundreds of people because we don’t need that. We’ve got great systems, great technology. It's about building strength and getting the missing parts of the jigsaw to be ready for growth next year. Read the full story in B&C Magazine, here. --- ## Unmortgageable. Says who? - **Author**: Charlotte Ryan - **Date**: 21 October 2026 - **Section**: magazine - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/unmortgageable-says-who - **Keywords**: unmortgageable, together, bridging finance, residential finance, mortgage > Whether it’s an unusual building, a borrower with intricate needs or circumstances that are just plain difficult, specialist finance will step in where the high street steps back. Maeve Ward, head of intermediary sales for personal finance at Together, discusses the extent and variety of opportunities in so-called non-standard deals Across the UK, the number of properties classified as "unmortgageable" is surging, with over 1.5 million residential properties in Britain now falling into this category, according to Together. Such properties are worth between £261-303bn, the firm says. In Scotland, non-standard construction accounts for almost 15% of all homes. However, the issue goes beyond this—these days, many would-be borrowers are also failing to meet mainstream criteria. “The term unmortgageable no longer applies purely to unusual properties, which is what it used to be known for,” says Maeve Ward, head of intermediary sales for personal finance at Together. “Now what we're seeing at Together and more widely across other specialist lenders is that circumstances that fall outside the high street and do not fit their traditional lending model are being referred to as either unmortgageable securities or unmortgageable individuals.” Once reserved for unconventional builds, the term unmortgageable is quietly spreading across the UK housing market, extending to everyday buyers and homes that no longer fit rigid high-street lending criteria. With this growing slice of the market shut out of mainstream banks, buyers and brokers alike are having to be more flexible as they turn to specialist finance to get deals done. Key drivers of the trend on the property side include energy performance certificate (EPC) compliance, complex tenure or property portfolios, flooding risks and planning restrictions, Maeve says. People who may be considered unmortgageable range from individuals with complex income sources such as property portfolios, to older borrowers or those who cannot afford a standard mortgage. Read the full story on B&C, here. --- ## Pulling in the private bank borrowers - **Author**: Bridging & Commercial - **Date**: 21 October 2026 - **Section**: magazine - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/pulling-in-the-private-bank-borrowers - **Keywords**: Aria finance, lucy waters, joe aston, hnw, hnws, high net worth, bridging finance, brokerage > Clients with high net worth often have complex requirements, underpinned by longer-term aims—and usually head for private banks. Aria Finance’s new business aims to attract them, offering more choice through specialist finance High-net-worth clients are increasingly looking beyond traditional private banking when it comes to property finance. Their requirements can extend well beyond a single property transaction, with investment strategies, business interests and wider financial plans often influencing the type of funding they need. For these clients, the starting point is not necessarily identifying a mortgage product but understanding what they are trying to achieve and how property finance can help them get there. One part of the picture The private client market is becoming increasingly diverse. While many high-net-worth individuals continue to use private banks for their wider financial affairs, there is a growing opportunity for specialist property finance advice that offers greater choice and a broader view of the funding market. A client may be looking to buy a home, release equity from a property, fund an investment opportunity, restructure borrowing or support a wider property portfolio. In many cases, the property transaction is one part of a much larger financial picture. The challenge is that there is rarely one obvious funding route. A client’s circumstances, existing assets and wider financial plans can all influence how a transaction should be structured, making access to a broader range of finance options particularly valuable. For high-net-worth borrowers, the assumption that they simply need a larger version of a conventional mortgage can miss the wider opportunity. The starting point is often an objective rather than a product. A client may know what they want to achieve but not understand the most appropriate route, whether this is a residential mortgage, a BTL facility, a second charge, bridging finance or another form of specialist funding. This is where specialist advice can add value. Rather than matching a client with a particular product, the adviser can look across the options and build the funding strategy around the requirement. Lucy Waters, managing director of Aria Finance, believes this is central to the way clients should be approached. Read the full story in B&C Magazine, here. --- ## Flat broke? - **Author**: Charlotte Ryan - **Date**: 21 October 2026 - **Section**: magazine - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/flat-broke - **Keywords**: apartments, flats, brokers, lenders, bridging finance, residential property > With a recent Guardian article proclaiming the market for flats in London ‘dead’, we hear from brokers about what is really affecting values and sales Is the flat market dead? Hiten Ganatra, managing director at Visionary Finance The flat market is not dead but is becoming increasingly split in two. Well-managed flats with long leases, sensible service charges and no outstanding building safety or cladding issues are still selling. Where the market is slowing is on properties with questions around such issues, because buyers and lenders are, understandably, more cautious. There is a strong value argument in favour of flats. The price gap between houses and flats is the widest it has been for around 30 years, with house prices up by roughly 43% since 2016 compared with just 10% for flats—flats now offer some of the best relative value we have seen in a generation. In London and the South East in particular, they remain a main route into homeownership. The market is not disappearing but becoming more selective, and flats that are straightforward to own, finance and sell are likely to stand out even more. Ben Allen, business development manager at E18 Specialist Property Finance I wouldn't describe the whole market as dead, but there is definitely more resistance, particularly where a flat has something that makes a buyer think twice. Service charges are a big one. Buyers aren't looking only at the mortgage payment; they're looking at the total monthly cost of owning. A flat might appear affordable based on the purchase price but, once you add a substantial service charge, ground rent and other costs, the proposition can look very different. There is a significant difference between a good and a difficult flat. A well-located property with a sensible service charge, a long lease and no major building issues can be perfectly marketable. It's those with one or more complications where transactions become much harder. Lucy Waters, managing director at Aria Finance Flats tend to come to market in much greater numbers than houses, so there is more stock competing for buyers. Affordability is an issue for first-time buyers, who are an important part of the flat market. Higher interest rates have reduced borrowing capacity, while the removal of help to buy has taken away another source of support. Buyers are also looking much more closely at service charges, lease lengths and potential major works. At the same time, we’re seeing fewer new-build flats coming through, partly because slower sales and increased building safety requirements have made development more challenging. I think this is a cycle that will correct over time. The market is adjusting rather than flats becoming permanently undesirable. Mark Harris, chief executive at SPF Private Clients First-time buyers still account for the bulk of activity but with prices, particularly of flats, falling in some areas, the urgency to buy is not there. Rates higher than forecast at the start of the year are a further deterrent. Demand for one- and two-bed flats has fallen whereas demand for three- or even four-bed houses by first-time buyers has grown. The cost of buying is so high that first-time buyers are increasingly avoiding the traditional starter home or flat and jumping up the ladder to remove the need to move every few years. Cladding and leasehold issues are making flats less attractive. Smaller flats were often bought by landlords but regulatory changes mean many are selling up, and that usually reliable market for flats is not what it was. Read the full story in B&C Magazine, here. --- ## Masthaven removes upfront legal fees across bridging range - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 21 October 2026 - **Section**: Finance - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/masthaven-removes-upfront-legal-fees-across-bridging-range - **Keywords**: Masthaven Finance, Jim Baker, Michael Cartwright, BuildLoan, bridging finance, bridging loans, legal fees, loan to value > Clients can now add the legal fee to the agreed advance if they wish Masthaven Finance has enhanced its bridging proposition with a new option that removes the need for clients to pay legal fees upfront. Legal fees can now be added to the loan, so clients do not need to fund them at the outset, helping cases move into the legal process more quickly. The legal fee can now be added on top of the agreed advance rather than deducted from it. This enables brokers to secure the full loan amount for their clients, even where a case is at maximum LTV. Jim Baker, sales director for bridging and development at Masthaven Finance, commented: “ Brokers regularly tell us that having to pay legal fees upfront can be a barrier for clients. “ Removing that requirement gives clients greater flexibility and helps speed up the process. “ For cases where an AVM can be used, clients can benefit from even fewer upfront costs. “ This is a practical enhancement to our proposition and reflects our focus on making bridging finance simpler to navigate for brokers and their clients.” Michael Cartwright of BuildLoan commented: “ This option gives brokers greater flexibility when structuring a bridging case and removes a potential barrier at the outset. “ Being able to add the legal fees without reducing the agreed advance is particularly valuable for clients borrowing at maximum LTV.” The new legal fee option is available from 21 October 2026 across Masthaven’s entire bridging range, including cases using AVMs. --- ## TAB founder calls for ‘bazooka Budget’ to revive housing market - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 21 October 2026 - **Section**: Politics - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/tab-founder-calls-for-bazooka-budget-to-revive-housing-market - **Keywords**: Autumn Budget, John Healey, Duncan Kreeger, TAB, housing market crisis, stamp duty holiday, property market, planning reform > Housing, planning and tax changes top Budget wish list Ahead of next week’s Autumn Budget, TAB founder and CEO Duncan Kreeger has called on chancellor John Healey to deliver decisive action on housing and planning to stimulate transactions, boost supply and restore confidence across the property market. Duncan Kreeger, founder and CEO of TAB (pictured above), said: “There are huge structural issues that need fixing in this country, not least the housing market. “We need a bazooka Budget to fix the big stuff. A steady-as-she-goes Budget is not going to cut it. “This is the worst I have seen the property market in 20 years: no one wants to sell; no one wants to buy. Something’s got to give. “If Healey can’t find to money to plough into housing, he should reform planning. If the Cabinet doesn't have the political appetite to help private developers hit housing targets, he should follow in the footsteps of Norman Lamont, Alistair Darling and Rishi Sunak and introduce a stamp duty holiday. That would be a catalyst to get people moving — and the existing housing stock would be used more efficiently as a result. “Or he could deregulate the private rented sector. That would get property investors buying again. No one wants to be a landlord at the moment. Potential first-time buyers might benefit from lower rents if the supply of rental property stopped shrinking. “At the very least, Healey should scrap the planned 'mansion tax' announced at the 2025 Budget . The last thing we need is another disincentive to move. “I want to see some significant announcements. Andy Burnham’s pitch was radical; he was going to shake things up. He was elected on a platform of saying Britain is in crisis — that he was going to rewire the entire system of government. “Burnham and Healey need to sink their teeth into the really big decisions. The Budget is the time to expect the biggest fiscal decisions to be made.” --- ## Lendco closes £455m securitisation as 2026 issuance nears £1bn - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 21 October 2026 - **Section**: Finance - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/lendco-closes-455m-securitisation-as-2026-issuance-nears-1bn - **Keywords**: Lendco, Simon Knight, Adrian Scragg, Atlas securitisation programme, securitisation transaction, mortgage backed securities, loan securitisation, specialist lender > The transaction takes the lender’s Atlas securitisation programme to a £2.9bn total Lendco has completed its eighth securitisation, comprising £455m of loans. The lender said strong investor demand enabled the transaction to be upsized from an initial provisional pool of £ 390m. The latest transaction takes Lendco’s total issuance under its Atlas securitisation programme to £2.9bn. Simon Knight, CEO at Lendco (pictured above), commented: “ With issuance for 2026 now approaching £1bn, the deal marks a record year for the lender and provides further support for its growth ambitions in 2027. “ We very much value the strong investor demand that allowed us to upsize this deal. “ This latest securitisation takes our total issuance this year to close to £1bn, a new record for Lendco, and positions us well for further growth in 2027.” Adrian Scragg, director of treasury and capital markets at Lendco, said: “We ’re delighted to have closed our second issuance this year. “ To achieve such a strong result against a backdrop of macroeconomic headwinds is testament to the quality of the loans Lendco originates and the strength of our approach to lending.” --- ## Charles Street supports £14m Manchester office acquisition - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 21 October 2026 - **Section**: Case Studies - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/charles-street-supports-14m-manchester-office-acquisition - **Keywords**: Charles Street Finance, SiteQuest Group, Manchester International Office Centre, Manchester airport office complex, Will Blackwell, Carl Graham, commercial property finance, office refurbishment > The acquisition is part of SiteQuest’s plan to expand its commercial property portfolio Charles Street Finance has provided a multi-million-pound loan for SiteQuest Group to acquire the Manchester International Office Centre (MIOC), next to Manchester Airport. SiteQuest is now progressing a refurbishment programme to install double glazing and replace outdated gas central heating with a more energy-efficient variable r efrigera nt flow (VRF) system. As part of SiteQuest’s rolling programme to improve the building’s sustainability, it is also refurbishing offices as they become empty, and researching roof-mounted solar panels and other future energy-saving measures. Will Blackwell, director at SiteQuest, said: “ MIOC fits our strategy perfectly. Multi-let estates like this let us work closely with occupiers and accommodate them as their needs change — upsizing or downsizing without them having to leave. “ We are some way through our refurbishment programme already and plan to make the building best in class in terms of energy performance and sustainability. “ The centre has had extensive refurbishment over the years, and we are currently undergoing works that will make it even more attractive for our tenants and will last for years to come.” The building has undergone a complete internal transformation with refurbishment of the reception and common areas, and now includes a fitness centre with changing rooms and showers, plus a café and a business lounge. There is also a tree-lined walk, a large lawn used for regular tenant events such as summer barbecues, and nearly 550 parking spaces, including EV charging points. Charles Street Finance provided a facility for its purchase, supporting SiteQuest’s wider growth strategy, which includes expanding its commercial property portfolio. Earlier this year, the lender also provided a £2m revolving credit facility allowing the group to buy part of Deeside’ s Zone 1 Industrial Estate . Charles Street director Carl Graham said: “We ’re proud to continue supporting SiteQuest as it continue s to grow its already-successful business. “ The MIOC is a fantastic building that still retains that 1950s style while providing modern refurbished offices for its tenants. “ It’s fantastic to be working as finance partners with such an entrepreneurial family and we are excited to see their sustainability plans for the Manchester International Office Centre come to fruition.” --- ## LendInvest strengthens leadership team with sales director appointment - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 21 October 2026 - **Section**: People - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/lendinvest-strengthens-leadership-team-with-sales-director-appointment - **Keywords**: LendInvest Mortgages, Matt Taylor, Darrell Walker, Sales Director appointment, specialist lending market, buy to let mortgages, BTL lending, bridging finance > The appointment comes shortly after the lender hit a £10bn lending milestone LendInvest Mortgages has announced the appointment of Matt Taylor (pictured above) as sales director. Matt brings over 20 years of property finance experience, having started out at The Tipton Building Society before holding roles at InterBay Commercial and most recently as head of sales at Shawbrook. Reporting directly to Darrell Walker, managing director for mortgages, Matt will oversee the company’s mortgage sales division and business development team. In this role, he will be responsible for spearheading LendInvest’s intermediary sales strategy, accelerating distribution, and scaling lending volumes across the lender’s core BTL, bridging and residential propositions. Matt will also focus on expanding the lender’s footprint across regional broker networks, working closely with field-based and internal BDMs to deliver seamless intermediary engagement and support the wider broker-led distribution model. The lender recently announced over £10bn lent to landlords, SME developers and homeowners across the UK. Commenting on the appointment, Darrell said: “ Matt is an outstanding hire for LendInvest and a vital addition to our mortgage leadership team. “ He brings deep industry insight, exceptional commercial drive and an extensive network across the intermediary market. “ As we continue to broaden our product range and enhance our proposition, having a leader of Matt’s calibre heading up our sales force ensures we can translate that momentum into tangible value for brokers.” Matt added: “ LendInvest has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of the specialist lending market by pairing genuine product flexibility with market-leading proprietary technology. “ The opportunity to lead the sales team during this phase of growth is incredibly exciting. “ My immediate priority is to ensure our sales team is working shoulder-to-shoulder with our intermediary partners, showcasing the full potential of our proposition and delivering the certainty that brokers and property investors need to move forward with confidence.” --- ## Gatehouse Capital strengthens Scottish presence with BDM appointment - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 20 October 2026 - **Section**: People - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/gatehouse-capital-strengthens-scottish-presence-with-bdm-appointment - **Keywords**: Gatehouse Capital, Hanif Hussain, Mark Dyason, Scotland BDM, mortgage intermediary relationships, specialist property finance, Scottish mortgage market, broker development manager > He joins from Shawbrook Bank and brings more than 17 years of experience Gatehouse Capital has appointed Hanif Hussain (pictured above) as BDM for Scotland, strengthening its intermediary relationships and supporting growth north of the border. In the role, Hanif will promote the lender’s solutions and develop Gatehouse Capital's relationships with existing and new introducers across Scotland. He joins from Shawbrook Bank, where he was a BDM, and brings more than 17 years of experience in financial services, including almost a decade working with mortgage intermediaries across Scotland and the North East. Prior to joining Shawbrook, Hanif spent more than eight years at The Mortgage Lender (TML) and Bluestone Mortgages, where he held BDM and sales coach roles. He began his career with Lloyds Banking Group, progressing into sales management and team development. Mark Dyason, managing director at Gatehouse Capital, said: “Hanif brings an excellent combination of specialist property finance experience, strong intermediary relationships and a genuine understanding of what brokers need from their finance partners. “ His knowledge of the Scottish market will be particularly valuable as we continue to develop our proposition and increase our presence across the country.” Hanif added: “Having worked with brokers across Scotland for many years, I know how important it is to have finance partners who are accessible, understand the pressures of a transaction and are prepared to work collaboratively to find solutions. “I am looking forward to reconnecting with existing relationships, developing new ones and helping more intermediaries understand the opportunities available through Gatehouse Capital.” --- ## Public calls for stamp duty clarity and housebuilding support ahead of Budget - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 20 October 2026 - **Section**: Politics - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/public-calls-for-stamp-duty-clarity-and-housebuilding-support-ahead-of-budget - **Keywords**: Together, council tax affordability, stamp duty reform, Autumn Budget 2026, UK housing market, social housing funding, housebuilding policy, first time buyer support > Research suggests several measures to rebuild confidence in the property market Ahead of the Autumn Budget, 33% of research respondents are demanding clarity on the government’s plan for stamp duty. According to new research from Together, existing and prospective homeowners want to see action from the government on tax and housebuilding to boost the property market. When asked what the government needs to do to build confidence back into the market, support with council tax ranked highly. Over a third called for better support with council tax payments and a review of tax bands to help affordability. Though the p rime minister has ruled out changes to stamp duty in the Budget, 33% want the government to set out clear intentions on the tax, including whether any reform s are planned and what the timetable will look like. Some 26% of those surveyed want the government to introduce measures to encourage downsizing to free up larger family homes. The research also shows that a large proportion of the public want the government to improve housebuilding and development. 32% want to see councils and housing associations given the funding to deliver social housing at scale, while 25% want the Budget to unlock brownfield land and regenerate existing communities. 23% want the Budget to focus on removing the barriers that prevent consented homes from being built. Just under 20% of respondents want the government not to penalise or stigmatise investing in property. Key details on the ‘Your First Home’ scheme are set to be outlined in the Budget. The equity-loan scheme is expected to support 2.5% deposits for eligible first-time buyers purchasing new-build homes, backed by a 20% government equity loan. The impact of the scheme on the wider housing market is yet to be measured. --- ## New lender launches with £500m lending capital - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 20 October 2026 - **Section**: Finance - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/new-lender-launches-with-500m-lending-capital - **Keywords**: Ignite Funding Partners, Ravi Anand, ThinCats, SME lending UK, business growth finance, mid market lending, corporate refinancing loans, acquisition finance UK > The new firm was founded by former ThinCats MD Ravi Anand Ignite Funding Partners (Ignite) has entered the UK lending market to fund UK businesses with tailored lending facilities of between £1m and £25m to support growth, acquisition, ownership transition and refinancing strategies. To support the launch, £500m of lending capital is being lined up from leading institutional investors. Ignite will focus on the larger end of the SME market, with the new lender’s proprietary analysis estimating a total addressable market of around £12bn a year. Founder Ravi Anand (pictured above) is the former managing director of ThinCats and has recruited a number of senior ThinCats colleagues ahead of the launch. Between them, the team members have provided more than £2.5bn of funding to UK businesses over the last 10 years. Ignite ’s ambition is to be the funding partner of choice for proven UK businesses, along with their investors and advisers. Its lending approach is relationship-led, aiming to provide a consistent appetite, flexibility of funding structures and open communication at every stage. This is empowered through data and purpose-built AI agents that swiftly analyse company information, allowing human judgement to focus on what matters. Ravi commented: “ Strong and growing businesses are vital to the UK economy, and they deserve a lender that understands them and backs them to enable their growth. “ As entrepreneurs ourselves, we know how business founders think and operate and the challenges they face, so we have created a funding platform that helps them by being relationship-focused, flexible and transparent. “ Ignite combines a highly experienced team with AI tools, which together ensure we can provide the right funding to scale businesses. “ We will be a genuine long-term partner to businesses, their advisers and investors in every region of the UK.” --- ## Together appoints new corporate sales director for Yorkshire - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 20 October 2026 - **Section**: People - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/together-appoints-new-corporate-sales-director-for-yorkshire - **Keywords**: Together, Mark Heyes, Mark Eastwood, corporate sales director Yorkshire, property finance Yorkshire, bridging loans Yorkshire, commercial property lending, specialist property finance > The move is the latest step in his 40-year financial career Together has appointed banking and corporate real estate expert Mark Heyes (pictured above) as corporate sales director for Yorkshire. At Together, he will be responsible for promoting the lender’s products to professional sector introducers and direct customers across the region. Mark commented: “ Together’s speed of decision-making, flexibility and broad range of property finance products give me a strong platform to support clients and introducers across Yorkshire. “ There are large numbers of opportunities in the region and beyond, across a wide variety of asset types, including offices, industrial, residential, leisure and agriculture. “ Together has the whole range of products to support; not only short-term bridging loans but longer-term products, development finance and BTL mortgages, and I’m looking forward to helping businesses find the right funding for their needs.” Mark began his career in financial services in 1986 at the former Midland Bank and most recently worked in the private debt market, working on property deals of up to £ 50m. In his new role, he will again team up with Mark Eastwood, the group’s director of corporate sales. Mark Eastwood said: “ I have known Mark for more than 20 years, having worked with him at RBS, and know what a wealth of experience and impressive network of clients and introducers he’s built up throughout his 40-year career, including co-founding and running his own lending business for the past four years. “ Yorkshire is one of our key regional areas of growth as we continue to expand the Together brand across the UK, providing even more customers with the speed, flexibility and certainty they need to complete the larger and more complex property transactions.” --- ## OSB provides £25.9m refinance for Manchester mixed-use scheme - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 20 October 2026 - **Section**: Case Studies - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/osb-provides-259m-refinance-for-manchester-mixed-use-scheme - **Keywords**: OSB Group, Adrian Moloney, Aris Shanti, Barclay House Manchester, Manchester mixed use scheme, property refinance finance, commercial property fit out, high net worth property lending > Funding was delivered within a month to meet a repayment deadline OSB Group has completed a £25.9m refinance for a property developer in support of Barclay House, a mixed-use scheme in Manchester. Barclay House comprises 93 apartments and basement commercial space. Following practical completion of the residential element, the borrower required a short-term facility to refinance away from a development lender, complete fit-out works for the commercial space and establish rental income ahead of a future sale or longer-term refinance. The case progressed from formal offer to completion in 21 days, with funding delivered just over a month after referral. Given the need to repay the existing funder within a tight timeframe, OSB Group’s high net worth and specialist property team worked closely with the borrower and advisers throughout the process. A site visit shortly after the initial enquiry helped shape requirements for credit approval and maintain momentum towards funding. The facility was agreed at 75% LTV, which OSB said reflected the borrower’s extensive track record and the strength of the Manchester rental market. Adrian Moloney, group lending distribution director at OSB Group (pictured above), commented: “ This was a substantial transaction with a challenging timeframe, but by engaging with the borrower at an early stage and visiting the site within days of the initial enquiry, our teams were able to build a clear understanding of both the asset and the client’ s objectives. “ The strength of the development, the borrower’s track record and the resilience of the Manchester rental market gave us confidence in the case, allowing us to deliver a solution in just over a month from first enquiry.” Aris Shanti, partner at A&M Investment Office, said: “ The client needed a lender that could move quickly and take a pragmatic view of a complex refinance while parts of the scheme were still being finalised. “ Although this was our first transaction with OSB Group, the team engaged early, worked collaboratively with the professional advisers and maintained clear communication throughout the process. “ Completing a £25.9m transaction in this timeframe helped the client meet a critical deadline and move forward with their plans for the development.” --- ## StreamBank targets HNW borrowers with new structured finance range - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 20 October 2026 - **Section**: Products - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/streambank-targets-hnw-borrowers-with-new-structured-finance-range - **Keywords**: StreamBank, Richard Armstrong, HNW structured finance, high net worth lending, structured finance loans, bridging finance alternative, long term bridging loans, property finance UK > New proposition offers up to £5m over terms of up to five years StreamBank has launched a new high net worth (HNW) structured finance proposition, offering loans of up to £5m with terms of up to 60 months for borrowers whose repayment strategies require more time than traditional bridging finance allows. Developed in response to the challenges of conventional bridging timescales, the proposition is aimed at wealthy borrowers with credible repayment strategies who need greater flexibility with repayment schedules. The proposition combines the flexibility and individual underwriting associated with short-term lending with terms of up to five years. It can accommodate repayment strategies linked to the sale of higher-value properties, business disposals, share realisations and development completions, where the expected proceeds may not become available within a conventional 12-month bridging term. Loans are available from £350,000 to £5m, with facilities above £3m subject to additional approval. Terms range from 12 to 60 months, with a maximum LTV of 65%, subject to lower limits for larger facilities. The product is available against residential property in England, Wales and Scotland and can be used for property purchases, refinancing and evidenced capital-raising requirements. To qualify, at least one borrower must independently have an annual net income of £300,000 or more, or net assets of £3m or more, excluding their primary residence. The proposition offers fully rolled-up, part-serviced and fully serviced interest options, allowing repayment arrangements to reflect the borrower’s circumstances and available cash flow. Richard Armstrong, CCO at StreamBank (pictured above), commented: “ The reality is that high-value property and business transactions don’t always adhere to a 12-month timeline. “ A borrower can have a perfectly credible exit strategy, but achieving the right commercial outcome can sometimes take longer than originally anticipated. “ Taking longer doesn’t necessarily make the exit less credible. In some circumstances, allowing more time can actually support a better and more commercially sensible outcome. “That thinking is at the heart of this product. “We ’ve developed it to give qualifying borrowers greater flexibility where there is a strong underlying proposition and a clearly evidenced repayment strategy. “ We still apply robust underwriting, but we also recognise that substantial wealth does not necessarily mean immediate liquidity. “ The important thing for us is that the term of the finance reflects a realistic route to repayment, rather than assuming every credible exit can or should be delivered within 12 months.” --- ## M Stars Programme soon to reveal inaugural ratings - **Author**: Beth Fisher - **Date**: 20 October 2026 - **Section**: Finance - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/m-stars-programme-soon-to-reveal-inaugural-ratings - **Keywords**: M Stars Programme, specialist finance lenders, mortgage broker evaluations, lender performance ratings, broker feedback programme, mortgage lender reviews, specialist lending market, M Stars ratings > First M Stars ratings set for release in coming weeks The M Stars Programme has attracted more than 100 broker evaluators since launching in July, with large volumes of case submissions and lender evaluations already recorded. The programme, which was created to give brokers a greater voice in assessing lender performance, has seen strong early engagement from across the specialist finance market. Broker evaluators have been submitting live case experiences and scoring lenders through the programme, building a growing pool of data ahead of the first M Stars being awarded. Brokers that do not regularly submit cases will be removed as Evaluators. The inaugural star ratings are set to be announced at the end of October/early November, marking the first formal results from the programme since its launch. For more information on the process or to register as an Evaluator, visit www.mstars.co.uk --- ## MT Finance broadens commercial offering with owner occupier finance - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 20 October 2026 - **Section**: Products - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/mt-finance-broadens-commercial-offering-with-owner-occupier-finance - **Keywords**: MT Finance, owner occupier finance, commercial mortgage product, owner occupier mortgage, business premises finance, commercial property refinance, commercial property purchase, broker commercial finance > Flexible funding solution designed for business owner clients MT Finance Group has launched owner occupier finance, a new commercial mortgage product designed to help intermediaries support business owners looking to purchase or refinance the premises they trade from or already own. Owner occupier finance offers a five-year fixed rate on loans from £100,000 to £3m at up to 75% LTV across standard commercial sectors, and up to £2.5m at up to 70% LTV for specialist sectors. It is available for both purchase and remortgage. Eligible applicants include individuals, limited companies, LLPs and business partnerships, each with at least two years’ trading experience. Terms range from five to 30 years, with a choice of capital repayment or interest-only options. The standard range covers a broad range of sectors: healthcare, offices, retail, industrial, automotive, hospitality and childcare, as well as holiday lets operated as a business and assessed using holiday-let income. The specialist range extends to sectors such as education, leisure, pubs, gyms, and C3B by referral. Gareth Lewis, deputy CEO at MT Finance (pictured above), said: "The market is evolving and the demand for owner occupier finance has continued to grow as more business owners look to secure or refinance the premises they operate from. “This launch allows brokers to support these ambitions with a straightforward funding solution that can accommodate a wide range of sectors while providing certainty through a five-year fixed rate." Marylen Edwards, director of mortgages at MT Finance, added: "Our broker partners know their clients best and they have consistently highlighted demand for a product that supports business owners looking to purchase or refinance their trading premises. “Owner occupier finance gives them access to a flexible solution. “ We are excited about this launch and looking forward to supporting the intermediary community in this way .” --- ## Property among most indebted sectors in UK - **Author**: Jon Yarker - **Date**: 19 October 2026 - **Section**: Research - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/property-among-most-indebted-sectors-in-uk - **Keywords**: Lowell, Debt, Property, Developer, Economy, Inflation, Tax, Housing > 72% of all self-employed individuals carry business-related debt Property has been revealed as one of the most heavily indebted sectors for professionals, according to new research from debt management firm Lowell. Lowell’s study found that 72% of all self-employed people are in some kind of business debt, whether due to credit cards, unpaid tax bills, overdrafts, or outstanding invoices. Property ranked as the ninth most indebted sector for self-employed workers, with 77% in some kind of business debt. This was based on a survey conducted by The Leadership Factor of 500 self-employed UK residents. Respondents were asked to indicate the extent to which they are in debt and by how much. Among property owners, landlords and letting agents who reported having debt, the estimated average amount owed is at least £33,900 per person, based on the midpoint of each reported debt range. The most common level of debt was between £501 and £1,000, reported by 29.4% of respondents, while 35.3% had debts of less than £2,000. At the other end, 29.4% owed £10,000 or more, and nearly a quarter (23.5%) owed £50,000 or more. "We tend to treat business debt as a sign of operational failure, but for today's self-employed, debt has quietly morphed into essential working capital,” said John Pears, UK CEO at Lowell. “The standard advice to 'build a three-month cash buffer' simply doesn't hold up when relentless inflation continuously erodes profit margins. “Until we address payment terms, reform tax structures like Payment on Account, and recognise that self-employed debt is subsidising the broader supply chain, these workers will keep using personal liabilities to absorb the economy's volatility." --- ## Ortus Secured Finance lends £9.04m for commercial bridging facility - **Author**: Tara Sammons - **Date**: 19 October 2026 - **Section**: Case Studies - **URL**: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/ortus-secured-finance-lends-904m-for-commercial-bridging-facility - **Keywords**: Ortus Secured Finance, commercial bridging loan, Curzon Financial, portfolio refinance, park home sites, Dorset property finance, Gloucestershire property, bridging facility > The portfolio includes two fully occupied residential park home sites Ortus Secured Finance has completed a £9.04m commercial bridging facility, introduced by Curzon Financial, to refinance a portfolio of three freehold assets across southern England. The 12-month facility is secured against assets valued at £18.75m. The portfolio includes two established residential park home sites in Dorset together with a third freehold property in Gloucestershire. The borrower’s existing bank facilities were approaching maturity while the agreed sale of one of the park home sites continued through financial, tax and legal due diligence. The Ortus facility refinanced the bank loans and overdraft facilities, released additional working capital and provided time to complete the disposal in an orderly way. The transaction was structured around a clear disposal-led exit. Proceeds from the agreed sale are expected to deliver a substantial initial reduction in the Ortus facility, with the remaining balance scheduled for repayment shortly afterwards. The two operating parks comprise 327 residential pitches and benefit from full occupancy and recurring pitch fee income. Mel Howard, relationship director at Ortus Secured Finance, commented: “ The borrower had a clear exit through an agreed asset sale, but its timing did not align with the maturity of the existing bank facilities. “ The strength of the portfolio and the performance of the operating parks allowed us to provide the time needed to complete the sale in an orderly way. “ David and the Curzon Financial team were instrumental in coordinating all parties and achieving a smooth completion.” David Brown of Curzon Financial added: “ There were several challenges to work through on this case, and finding the right lender was key. “ We needed a team that understood the complexities and could be flexible in how the funding was structured. Ortus brought both. “ Their knowledge and willingness to work through the detail with us made a real difference in getting the transaction completed for our clients.” --- ## Citation Guidelines When citing Bridging & Commercial articles, please include the article title, author name, publication date, and a direct link to the article on https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk. ## Contact - Website: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk - Editorial: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/contact-us - RSS Feed: https://bridgingandcommercial.co.uk/feed.xml