The Property
Our security comprised of two linked modern former offices over two floors in Guildford, Surrey. The property is close to the A3, which provides access to M25 junction 10 and access towards the South-East. The premises are a short distance from London Road train station and approximately 20 minutes’ walk from Guildford train station, which in turn provides a good service to London and the South East, with the fastest train taking 35 minutes to London Waterloo.
Planning consent has been granted for the conversion of the office building within its existing building footprint to provide for 23 self-contained 1-bedroom flats ranging in size from 398sqft to 463sqft.
The Borrower
The borrowing entity is a special purpose vehicle (“SPV”) established for this development. The principle of the SPV is an experienced developer with a strong track record in conversions and refurbishments all around England.
The business plan and exit strategy was well considered and supported by achievable assumptions, as the borrower has a strong track record in schemes that retain the finished units as part of a wider investment portfolio.
The Solution
Momenta Finance provided a £4.294m facility over an 18-month term, with £2.184m being a day-one draw to refinance the borrowers existing bridge facility, with a further £2.11m being the costs to complete the conversion from commercial to residential apartments. The full facility was below Momenta’s maximum of 70%LTGDV. This allowed the borrower to comfortably exit their existing facility, whilst helping to provide the costs to complete the conversion in a timeframe that suited the borrower.
By both refinancing and having the funds to convert the property into apartments, the borrower was able to have control over the development process, and the following sales period through a competitively structured product.
This transaction demonstrated Momenta’s ability to deliver structured finance solutions that helps developers undergo and complete their projects, without undue time pressures from existing lenders requiring their facility to be exited.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak to our highly experienced real estate finance team, please contact:
The Property
Our security comprised of the former rear gardens of the development site. The Borrower owns and rent out the existing houses. Upon acquisition of the existing houses, the Borrower severed the rear gardens to create the development site.
The borrower has planning permission for the erection of 4 detached dwellings and a detached double garage.
Borrowashis a village in the Erewash district of Derbyshire, and is a busy commuter centre for Nottingham and Derby and lies on the busy old road between the two cities.
The Borrower
The borrowing entity is a special purpose vehicle (“SPV”) established for this development. The principle of the SPV is an experienced developer and landlord with a strong record in renovations and extensions.
The borrower demonstrated the experience and credibility required for this type of structured facility, with previous developments by the borrower having shown a strong track-record, a robust build schedule, and a clear exit via the sales of each unit.
The Solution
Momenta Financer provided a £1.467m facility over an 18-month term, with a day-one draw of £200,000 to start the works on the ground-up development, with a further £1.267m being drawn in tranches to complete the build. The facility was within Momenta’s maximum of 70% LTGDV, with the day-one being comfortably within Momenta’s maximum leverage offering.
This transaction showcases Momenta’s ability to deliver structured finance solutions for ground-up development, helping maximise developer’s projects and complete these projects without undue time pressures.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak to our highly experienced real estate finance team, please contact:
The client
The client is a long-established metal roofing and cladding business specialising in copper, zinc, stainless steel, coated steel and aluminium systems for commercial and residential projects. With extensive experience across the sector, the team provides practical guidance to architects and contractors, helping to develop design concepts through to final project delivery. Their reputation is built on technical expertise, a collaborative approach and the ability to deliver tailored solutions across a wide range of schemes.
The opportunity
The business was seeking additional funding to support continued growth and to strengthen its working capital position. A portion of the facility was required to fund new machinery, with the balance supporting the completion of contracts already secured over the next six months. The aim was to provide the headroom needed to take on confirmed work, manage increased activity and maintain momentum without placing pressure on day-to-day cash flow.
Momenta Finance’s solution
Introduced by Jack Mansfield of Bothwick Finance and led by Momenta Finance BDMs, Ayesha Butt and Ronan Carter, Momenta Finance provided a £300,000 unsecured business loan over a 60-month term. The facility was structured to give the business the flexibility to invest in machinery while also supporting contract delivery and broader working capital requirements. This approach will help the company improve operational capacity, meet upcoming workload efficiently and continue progressing its growth plans with confidence.
- £150,000 to invest in new machinery and equipment.
- The balance to support the completion of contracts is confirmed over the next six months.
The Introducer’s Perspective
Jack Mansfield, Bothwick Finance, commented:
“Ayesha and Ronan from Momenta Finance understood the business straight away and were able to structure a facility that worked for both the machinery investment and the contract delivery side of the plan. The process was straightforward, the communication was excellent, and the funding gives the client the flexibility they need to keep growing with confidence.”
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The Property
The security comprises a four-storey building originally constructed as a detached office building in the mid-1990s. Following acquisition in 2024, the borrower successfully secured planning permission and completed a full conversion of the building into 20 self-contained one-bedroom apartments.
The development is well-located within commuting distance of Central London, with excellent transport links, motorway access, and proximity to a major university, all of which underpin strong and sustained residential demand in the area.
The Borrower
The borrowing entity is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) established specifically for this development, backed by experienced principals with a strong track record in UK property development. The sponsoring group includes both UK-based and international investors, adding a degree of complexity to navigate in a short period.
The borrowers demonstrated the experience and credibility required for this type of structured facility, and Momenta Finance was satisfied that the combination of the completed asset, robust sponsorship, and clear exit via unit sales provided a sound basis for the loan.
The Challenge
With the conversion works fully complete, the borrower’s existing development finance facility had served its purpose but was approaching maturity. The borrower needed to refinance swiftly onto a product that would give them the breathing room to market and sell the apartments at their own pace, without being constrained by the tighter timelines associated with a construction or development loan. Momenta Finance worked closely with the borrower to design a solution that was clean and commercially effective across both facilities.
The Solution
Momenta Finance provided a £3.3 million development exit bridging facility.
The loan was structured on a 9-month term with interest rolled up at 1% per month (12% fixed), providing the borrower with a clear and manageable cost structure throughout the sales period. An upfront arrangement fee of 1% was applied, with no exit fees or early repayment charges, giving the borrower maximum flexibility to repay as sales completed.
Momenta takes a holistic view of real estate transactions and can leverage development exit loans up to 75% of the open market value.
The Outcome
By refinancing onto a development exit facility with Momenta Finance, the borrower was able to:
• Exit their existing development loan in an orderly and cost-effective manner
• Retain full control over the sales process and marketing timeline
• Access a competitively structured product with no pressure to sell in a distressed timeframe
This case illustrates Momenta Finance’s ability to deliver tailored, structured solutions for experienced developers navigating the post-completion phase of a residential conversion: combining speed, flexibility and institutional funding capability to support a successful and well-managed exit.
Get in touch
For introducers looking to connect with a seasoned professional who understands the nuances of the property industry, Andrew Gagan is the go-to person. Connect with him now here: andrew.gagan@momentafinance.co.uk.
James joins from Funding Circle, where he held a number of roles working with brokerages of varying sizes across the UK. During his time there, he was promoted to a senior position within the business development team, reflecting his strong performance in originating and supporting SME funding opportunities through intermediary partners.
Across his career, James developed a comprehensive understanding of the commercial finance market and the breadth of funding solutions available to SMEs. He built an extensive network within the UK commercial finance broker community, working closely with introducers to structure appropriate funding options for their clients.
James is known for his solution-oriented approach, focusing on understanding each SME’s specific requirements and tailoring funding structures accordingly. His style is collaborative and relationship-driven, aiming to provide brokers and their clients with clarity, responsiveness and consistently high service levels.
In his new role at Momenta Finance, James will work with brokers nationwide to support a wide range of SME clients, from early-stage businesses to more established firms. He will focus on delivering tailored funding solutions that help businesses access the capital they need to invest, grow and achieve their strategic objectives.
Commenting on the appointment, Chris Forrest, Chief Commercial Officer at Momenta Finance, said:
“James brings a strong track record of working with brokers across the UK commercial finance market, combined with a genuinely solution-led approach to supporting SMEs. His experience and network will play an important role in helping us broaden our reach, deepen our broker relationships and deliver flexible funding solutions to even more businesses.”
Connect with James today: james.sharpe@momentafinance.co.uk
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a range of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, as well as bridging. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank and upholds the highest industry standards.
Rather than signalling weakness, this shift reflects a natural evolution of the market. Lenders, brokers and borrowers are increasingly prioritising discipline, transparency and long-term capital stability when selecting finance partners.
For brokers and their clients, the implication is clear. Capital remains available, but it is increasingly concentrated among lenders that demonstrate institutional underwriting standards, strong governance and stable funding relationships.
A return to fundamentals
Over the past decade, the specialist real estate lending market has expanded rapidly. Strong investor demand, abundant liquidity and favourable conditions enabled new lending platforms to emerge and scale quickly to meet borrower demand.
As market conditions have evolved, greater scrutiny is now being applied to the structural foundations of lending platforms. This includes:
- The policies that underpin lending decisions
- Transparency around lending frameworks and covenants
- The quality of security being financed
- Consistency in underwriting discipline
Institutional capital providers are reinforcing these standards across the sector. As a result, lenders are increasingly expected to operate with governance and risk management frameworks aligned with long-term capital stewardship.
A market beginning to separate
As these expectations strengthen, the specialist lending market is beginning to separate into two distinct groups.
One group consists of institutionally disciplined platforms. These lenders operate with robust governance structures, conservative underwriting frameworks and stable capital partnerships.
The other group includes platforms that have historically relied more heavily on rapid origination growth, narrow funding arbitrage or less developed operating frameworks.
During periods of market adjustment, capital providers naturally gravitate towards lenders with stronger structural foundations. For borrowers and brokers, this distinction matters. Working with institutionally structured platforms provides greater certainty of execution and confidence that funding relationships will remain stable throughout market cycles.
Why this matters for brokers
For finance brokers, reputation and client confidence are central to long-term success. The reliability of a lending partner is often as important as the pricing of a transaction.
In the current environment, selecting the right lender can deliver several advantages.
Execution certainty improves when lenders have diversified funding relationships and robust governance structures that allow them to maintain consistent lending activity through changing conditions.
Client protection is strengthened through disciplined underwriting that reduces the risk of distressed outcomes and supports more resilient capital structures.
Relationship value increases when brokers work with lenders that prioritise long-term partnership and responsible capital deployment.
The Momenta approach
Momenta Finance was built on the principle that sustainable real estate lending requires both disciplined underwriting and strong capital alignment.
Our model is designed to operate across market cycles, not only during periods of expansion.
Every transaction is assessed through a rigorous underwriting process that reflects institutional lending standards. This includes independent valuation, detailed borrower financial analysis and stress testing, careful assessment of market dynamics and exit strategies, and covenant structures designed to protect both lender and borrower.
Momenta also operate with governance frameworks designed to support long-term, responsible lending. These include clear separation between origination, capital deployment and asset management functions, strong risk management and compliance processes, prudent leverage criteria and diversified funding relationships.
This disciplined approach is reflected in our credit performance. By prioritising underwriting quality over origination volume, we maintain a portfolio built around experienced borrowers and resilient structures.
Looking ahead
The specialist real estate lending market is not contracting. It is maturing.
Periods of adjustment reinforce the importance of strong governance, disciplined underwriting and stable capital partnerships. As weaker structures exit the market, institutionally disciplined platforms are likely to play an increasingly important role in supporting borrowers and brokers.
Momenta Finance remains committed to providing stable, responsible capital and building long-term partnerships with the clients and intermediaries we support.
– Steven Oliver, Head of Real Estate
Steven’s career spans a wide range of senior roles in debt and real estate. Prior to joining Momenta Finance, he was Chief Operating Officer at a well-known brokerage, where he built finance platforms for a Top 10 property services company and a leading UK private bank. In these roles, he focused on creating scalable, customer-centric platforms that improved access to real estate finance for a broad range of clients.
His background also includes senior positions with mezzanine lenders and serving as Deputy Managing Director at Close Brothers’ property fund management platform, which later became Alpha Real Capital/Time Investments in 2011. This experience has given Steven a deep understanding of the full real estate capital stack and investor requirements across market cycles.
Steven has set up and built several successful lending platforms during his career. He is known in the market for being highly solutions focused, with a strong reputation for delivering excellent service supported by first-class market knowledge and a pragmatic, deal-focused approach.
In his new role at Momenta Finance, Steven will lead the real estate strategy, working closely with brokers, borrowers and partners to structure tailored funding solutions. His focus will be on combining fast, flexible decision-making with institutional-quality structuring, to support transactions across the real estate spectrum.
Chris Forrest, CCO of Momenta Finance, commented:
“Steven brings exactly the kind of experience and pace that drives our business forward. He understands how to build platforms that actually work for brokers and borrowers, and he has a real track record of getting deals done. His arrival strengthens our real estate capability at a time when clients need fast, flexible and well‑structured funding more than ever.”
Connect with Steven today: steven.oliver@momentafinance.co.uk
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a range of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, as well as bridging. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank and upholds the highest industry standards.
The client
This opportunity was introduced to Momenta Finance by Rio Ball of Finance For Business. It was led by Business Development Manager, Ronan Carter, who worked closely with Rio to ensure a smooth process from initial enquiry through to drawdown.
The client was a specialist recruitment business providing permanent and contract solutions to the UK manufacturing engineering sector. With a proven track record across a wide range of engineering disciplines, they place real importance on building long-term relationships with both clients and candidates, with a clear goal of becoming the recruiter of choice for the UK manufacturing engineering industry.
The opportunity
The business is in a strong growth phase, driven by increasing demand from new and existing clients across its core engineering markets. To maintain service quality while supporting higher activity levels, the company required funding to invest in additional staff and infrastructure. The objective was to secure a facility that would enable the business to scale operations, take on larger opportunities and grow revenue, without placing pressure on day-to-day cash flow.
Momenta Finance’s Solution
Momenta Finance provided a £250,000 Growth Guarantee Scheme facility over a 48-month term. The funding has been structured to support the company’s expansion plans while keeping repayments affordable and predictable. This will allow the business to recruit additional consultants and support staff, and invest in the systems and infrastructure needed to manage higher volumes of roles and candidates effectively.
Speed of delivery was a key feature of this transaction. Terms were issued at 17:35 on 15 January and the facility was fully funded by 17:48 the next day, 3 hours after the client signed, enabling them to proceed with its hiring and investment plans without delay.
The Outcome
With the new facility in place, the business is well-positioned to scale sustainably, increase consultant headcount and support higher levels of client activity. The funding provides the headroom needed to pursue larger mandates and broaden its client base, while protecting working capital and avoiding cash flow strain as the business grows. This leaves the company strongly placed to further enhance its reputation as a trusted, long-term recruitment partner to the UK manufacturing engineering sector.
The Introducer’s Perspective
“Working with Ronan and Momenta Finance on this deal meant we could match our client’s growth plans with a facility that was both flexible and fast. From terms being issued to funds in the client’s account in just over 24 hours, the process was smooth and efficient, allowing the business to press ahead with hiring and investment at a critical point in their expansion.”
– Rio Ball, Finance For Business
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We understand that navigating the world of finance can be overwhelming and complex. That’s why our experienced team finance brokers is here to simplify the process for you.
With years of industry knowledge and expertise, we have helped countless businesses secure the finance they need to achieve their goals. Whether you’re looking for machinery finance, a business loan, through to a commercial mortgage or cash injection, we have the skills and connections to find the best solution for you.
Our team works closely with a wide network of lenders and financial institutions to ensure that we can offer you a comprehensive range of options. By carefully evaluating your financial situation and goals, we can match you with the most suitable lenders with competitive rates, flexible terms, and favourable conditions.
The client is a specialist provider of cashless payment and machine management solutions to the UK land-based gaming industry, supporting operators with technology that improves control, efficiency, and player experience. The business services venues across the country. It offers integrated systems that help streamline operations and revenue management.
The Opportunity
This opportunity was introduced to Momenta Finance by broker Jack Weston of Portman Finance Group and was led by Sales Director, Tom Shave.
The company is entering a new phase of growth, with a pipeline of upcoming projects aimed at enhancing its platform, broadening its service offering, and deepening relationships with existing and new gaming operators. To capitalise on these growth opportunities and strengthen its market position, the business required additional capital. This was to invest in these projects while maintaining day-to-day working capital headroom.
Momenta Finance’s Solution: Leveraging our £125m Forward Flow Facility
Following the recent announcement of our £125m forward flow facility with a leading global investment bank, Momenta Finance has significantly enhanced its capacity to support SMEs. We are now offering interest rates starting from 7% per annum, alongside extended loan tenors. This institutional backing allowed us to assess this client under our newly launched tiered structure. It is designed to bridge the gap from high-street banks to alternative lenders. By utilising our streamlined single-application workflow, we were able to offer the client the most competitive terms. There is no need for the broker to pre-judge eligibility.
The terms provided:
- Loan amount: £125,000
- Loan term: 72 months
- Pricing: Secured at a competitive Tier 1 rate
- Loan type: Unsecured business loan
- Special feature: No early or over repayment fees
The funding is structured to provide the borrower certainty over repayments across a six-year term, without needing tangible security. This approach enables the business to commit to its project roadmap. At the same time, the company can retain flexibility to respond to further opportunities in a dynamic market.
The Outcome
By securing growth capital on an unsecured basis via Momenta’s new Tier 1 structure, the company is well-positioned to scale its footprint in the UK land-based gaming sector. It can strengthen existing partnerships and continue investing in technology that supports long-term, sustainable growth.
The Introducer’s Perspective
“Tom Shave and Momenta Finance were quick to understand the client’s business model and the growth potential in their niche market. The unsecured structure and competitive terms gave my client the confidence to press ahead with their expansion plans immediately.”
– Jack Weston, Portman Finance Group
Portman Finance Group is a specialist commercial finance provider supporting UK businesses with access to a broad range of funding solutions. As a hybrid broker and lender, Portman works with a wide panel of funding partners as well as providing its own facilities, helping clients secure asset finance, lease and hire purchase arrangements, and business loans tailored to their needs. The team focuses on personal service, with dedicated account managers who take time to understand each business, structure appropriate facilities and move quickly from proposal to approval. This means that clients can execute their plans without delay.
This landmark transaction will enable Momenta to launch an innovative, streamlined tiered loan structure designed to scale origination across its core SME lending offering. The new structure complements Momenta’s existing product mix and helps bridge the gap left by high-street banks.
Momenta will now be able to offer loans with interest rates starting from just 7% per annum, alongside extended tenors. With this enhanced suite of products, the company is well positioned to compete more effectively with industry leaders in the SME lending space and to continue fulfilling its mission of being a leading provider of capital to the sector.
New Leadership Driving Growth
This major strategic milestone is delivered under the guidance of Momenta’s recently appointed executive leadership team, who are steering the company on its ambitious growth journey.
Tim Boag, who assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2025, brings over 35 years of financial services experience. His career includes senior positions at RBS and NatWest, and most recently, he served as Group Managing Director of Business Finance at Aldermore Bank.
His vision to scale the platform is supported by Chris Forrest, the recently appointed Chief Commercial Officer. Formerly Head of SME at Barclays UK, Chris’s deep expertise in funding SMEs is central to Momenta’s strategy of strengthening intermediary relationships and expanding distribution.
“This is a pivotal moment for Momenta Finance and, more importantly, for the brokers and SMEs we serve. We are delivering institutional power with the agility of an alternative lender, ensuring that UK businesses can access the right capital, at the right price, exactly when they need it.”
– Tim Boag, CEO of Momenta Finance
Additionally, Jonathan Stern, Chief Financial Officer at Momenta Finance, said:
“This new facility represents an important step forward in Momenta’s growth journey and directly supports our strategic ambition to become an alternative lender across multiple SME-focused products with an exceptional roster of institutional funding partners.”
Streamlined Operations for Brokers
The launch reinforces Momenta’s position as a broker-centric lender. The new structure utilises a single-application workflow, removing the need for brokers to pre-judge a client’s eligibility. Momenta will assess the application and offer the most competitive tier available based on the trading history and asset profile.
The new tiered pricing and extended terms are effective immediately for all new business loan applications.
About Momenta Finance
Headquartered in London, Momenta Finance is a leading provider of alternative business and property finance, offering borrowers and brokers fast access to tailored solutions across the UK. With funding lines from respected banking partners and a proven track record since 2013, Momenta Finance is committed to transparency, agility, and client-focused service.
