Assetz Capital is targeting the delivery of more than 1,000 homes across the South West and South Wales by the end of 2028 as it expands its regional development finance team.
The specialist property development lender has appointed Robin Bruce (main picture) as senior relationship manager for the region, bringing six years of development finance experience to the role.
Assetz has so far provided funding supporting 702 homes across the South West and South Wales, meaning it is targeting at least another 298 homes over the next two years.
Its lending in the region includes a recently completed five-home development in Plymouth, supported by a £2.5m development finance facility.
REGIONAL EXPANSION
Bruce joins Assetz from Lakeshield, where he worked as business development manager and developed new accounts across the South West.
His experience covers lending, specialist broking and property development, and he has originated, structured and completed transactions across bridging, development and commercial finance.
Assetz says the appointment will increase its capacity to pursue development opportunities across the South West and South Wales, with a particular focus on SME housebuilders.
The lender is planning a further addition to its South West team in September as part of a wider investment in its regional presence.
Bruce says: “Having spent the last few years of my career working across different sides of development finance, I understand both what SME housebuilders need when bringing schemes to site and what lenders must do to support them effectively.
“My experience has been rooted in the South West and South Wales, so the opportunity to help more SME developers across the region through Assetz is hugely exciting.
“Assetz stood out because of its specialism in the SME market, its genuine commitment to every region across the UK and its focus on providing certainty to developers. There is plenty of appetite and opportunity here, and I’m looking forward to building new relationships and helping more housebuilders bring their schemes forward.”
2028 AMBITION
Andrew Fraser, chief commercial officer at Assetz Capital, says: “Robin’s background puts him in a unique position. He understands development finance from all sides of the table, and that experience will be a real asset as we pursue further growth across the South West and South Wales.
“We have already supported the delivery of 702 homes across the two regions. Our ambition is to surpass 1,000 homes by the end of 2028, with Robin playing an important role in identifying new opportunities and supporting more SME developers.
“At Assetz, we have built a strong national network with people embedded in individual regions. This enables our team to understand the local market dynamics affecting SME housebuilders while drawing on the national expertise and funding capability needed to get deals over the line.
“Robin’s appointment, and the further expansion of the team planned for September, demonstrates our commitment to the South West and South Wales and ensures local developers can continue to access the funding and expertise they need.”
