MSP Capital has marked its 45th anniversary by hosting an industry event in Poole, bringing together more than 100 clients, brokers, suppliers and property professionals as the lender continues to pursue national growth.
The Dorset-based property finance lender held the event at Scaplen’s Court in Poole, close to its head office, with attendees including clients, suppliers, partners, team members and prospective contacts.
The anniversary celebration was held under the theme “Built to Last”, intended to reflect long-term business strategy and the role of strong foundations in property development.
It is the latest in-person event hosted by the lender since chief executive Leigh Bartlett set out a target last year of growing its loan book to £750 million by 2030.
Bartlett said: “Bringing together so many valued contacts in such a relaxed and enjoyable setting was a real pleasure.
“Forty-five years is quite a milestone. Events like these are about celebrating the connections that drive our business forward.
“All the suppliers who came along were local and we thank them for helping to make the day such a success.
“We look forward to many more events like this in the future as we continue to grow the strong relationships that underpin what we do best.”
Commercial director Adam Tovey, MSP Capital’s longest-serving current employee, having joined in 2010, said the business had remained focused on supporting developers who may struggle to secure funding elsewhere.
Tovey said: “The original purpose of our firm was to help property developers access funds when they faced challenges raising capital elsewhere, from high street banks or other lenders.
“45 years on, our blend of flexibility, agility, property insight and customer focus continues to help us grow.
“We work closely with developers, housebuilders, brokers and other property professionals and we’re increasingly operating on a national basis.”
Among those attending was Duncan McCarthy of developer Nord Homes, who has worked with MSP Capital since 2007. He said he first became a customer when he was struggling to source finance for a five-home development in Wimborne.
McCarthy said: “MSP Capital are easy to work with, and it is very helpful over the longer term when you see familiar faces who understand what you are trying to do and can help. They offer flexible terms and always find a way of making it work when banks are being more rigid.”
Nigel Price, chairman of estate agent Goadsby Residential, also attended the event.
Price said: “MSP Capital are straightforward to work with, very professional and approachable.”
Entertainment at the gathering included music from jazz band The Gershwin Gang, while caterer Molecular Magic served canapes and desserts designed to resemble materials associated with the property sector.
Guests were also offered personalised leather coasters made on site by saddler James Edwards of North Devon-based Acorn Saddlery, using offcut leather and embossing tools in a further reference to the “Built to Last” theme.
Founded in Poole in 1981, MSP Capital now employs 60 people and said further appointments are due this year.
The lender sold a controlling interest to Cabot Square Capital in 2018. Its funding partners also include Pollen Street Capital, Shawbrook Bank and JP Morgan, supporting its development and bridging lending activity.
MSP Capital is due to host a further anniversary event later this month at Lockes Bar in Covent Garden for around 50 London-based brokers.
