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The importance of regional expertise in development finance



The development sector stands at an exciting juncture. It’s an industry defined by the tangible progress of new projects - the creation of homes and commercial spaces that meet the needs of local communities.


Encouragingly, the conditions are aligning for an increase in activity. For too long, the pace at which cases progressed, particularly for SME developers, has been a source of frustration.

However, with the government’s commitment to ramping up housebuilding and addressing inefficiencies in the planning system, there is cause for optimism.

While progress won’t happen overnight, the direction of travel is encouraging.

Understanding regional differences

It’s tempting to view development as a uniform process, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Each region has its own planning frameworks, infrastructure constraints, and property market drivers that influence development projects in distinct ways.

For example, land values in the South shape the feasibility of projects, with higher costs requiring careful financial planning from the outset.

Meanwhile, in the North, infrastructure considerations often play a more prominent role. What appeals in London may differ significantly from what works in Liverpool, Manchester, or Bristol.

This is why local expertise is invaluable. Specialists with intimate knowledge of a region’s unique challenges and opportunities can mean the difference between a project stalling and succeeding.

Early involvement from these experts not only instils confidence in developer clients but also enhances the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Embedding regional expertise

For development finance lenders, the challenge lies in embedding regional expertise within operations. Some lenders centralise their teams, but the clear benefits of aligning operations with regional insights cannot be overstated.

Local knowledge drives better outcomes, which is why our structure revolves around lending directors.

Each director brings deep, personal insight into their specific region, providing brokers and their clients with the guidance needed to navigate local complexities.

This approach combines the agility and understanding of regional specialists with the strength and resources of a national lender.

Recognising the success of this solution, the team is expanding in 2025 to further support development projects across the country.

The importance of collaboration

Collaboration is integral to any successful development project. Just as a project manager coordinates tradesmen to deliver the build, so too must brokers, developers, and lenders work hand-in-hand to deliver tailored funding solutions.

Regional specialists play a pivotal role in this process, bridging the nuances of the local market with the realities of financing.

This collaboration not only builds confidence but also lays the groundwork for long-term partnerships.

By embedding accessibility and a personalised approach into everything we do, we ensure that brokers and their clients feel supported at every step.

Confidence for the future

After a challenging period for the sector, developer confidence is returning, and with it, a surge in activity. Brokers can expect more clients eager to turn their visions into reality.

Partnering with a lender that prioritises regional expertise and understands the individual nuances of every case ensures that brokers are well-positioned to support their clients’ ambitions, wherever they may be.

As an industry, we have an opportunity to drive meaningful progress in the coming years. With the right partnerships and a shared commitment to excellence, we can help developers bring their projects to life, creating spaces that serve and inspire local communities.



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