Client Guide

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The following process will allow a lender to assess risk, repayment capacity, and asset value. Once reviewed, we can provide the relevant funding documents.

Once we have this initial information, we’ll complete our review and proceed to a formal application.

To give you the best chance of a successful outcome, please take a moment to review the procedures and Client Guide below. It walks you through exactly how to put together your information pack, and following it closely tends to lead to much stronger results.

If anything is unclear, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss it further.

Understanding a borrower’s niche and experience level

• Verifying credit and liquidity upfront
• Matching borrowers with the right products instead of pushing pre-packaged terms
• Starting with trust and transparency before quoting rates.
  

Institutional lenders typically have stringent requirements for borrowers, which may include:

1. Creditworthiness
2. Financial Statements
3. Collateral
4. Debt-to-Income Ratio
5. Business Plan
6. Legal and Compliance Documents
7. Experience and Track Record
8. Covenants

We collaborate with regulated partners in the USA, UK, EU, Canada and Australia

• Secured & Unsecured

• Trade Finance, Growth Capital, BTL, PRS, Bridging, Commercial & Foreign Mortgages

• Senior Debt, Mezzanine, Forward Funding, Development Funding: Debt / Equity & JV Finance

What sets this service apart is access to both Private Lending and Senior Debt/Mezzanine funding, enabling higher LTV/LTC/LTGDV, with close to 100% funding in select cases.

Supported by a network of Private Lenders including Institutions, Family Offices, Sovereign Wealth Funds, and HNWIs.

Our focus

• Understanding a borrower’s niche and experience level
• Verifying credit and liquidity upfront
• Matching borrowers with the right products instead of pushing pre-packaged terms
• Starting with trust and transparency before quoting rates

We offer a consultation service to help you secure faster funding, please ask for help if needed. 

With over 30 years of experience, we can provide comprehensive support.

Preparing a file for a lender is a meticulous process that requires precision to ensure it meets their requirements and avoids potential objections.

Our services include:

* Project Review and Data Modelling

* Research and Planning

* Pitch Development and Underwriting

* Fundraising Process

* Negotiating Terms and Conditions

* Legal Framework

* Post-Funding Criteria and Conditions

If you require assistance with preparing the above please contact us.

Prior to preparing your application for lender engagement. To confirm instruction and allow us to commit our time to fine-tuning your proposal, we ask for the following:

Administration & Consultancy Fee

£495 per application, payable upfront and non-refundable. 

This covers:

• A full review of your circumstances and application

• Recommendations on the best course of action

• Liaising with lenders to identify suitable terms

• Negotiating contracts on your behalf

Underwriting is carried out by the lending institution directly. Institutional lenders typically have stringent requirements involving a significant time investment, which this fee reflects.

Arrangement Fee

On a successful application, a 2% arrangement fee is payable on drawdown, deducted from the loan amount and paid directly by the lender.

Once payment of the administration fee is received, we’ll open your file, issue a case number, and begin work straight away.

We look forward to working with you.

The following process will allow a lender to gain insight into risk, repayment capacity and asset value. Upon review, we can provide the funding documents.  

For Best Results, please send: 

* Email subject title quoting: project name, amount required, type of facility and location.

* Email summary highlighting the key points including historical figures and sponsors’ cash contributions.

* Data link with all supporting evidence due to file sizes.

* It is helpful to understand if and what the main challenge has been for getting terms agreed. For example, rates, speed, term etc.

* Headlines that summarise the essential information for a rapid review. This should include an overview, terms and return on investment (ROI).

Housekeeping:

- How recent is the deal?

- Have you approached any other lenders and if so who?

- Has this project been previously declined and if so for what reason(s)?

- Are other brokers working on this opportunity?

To initiate a funding review, please provide:

* A compelling business plan and use of proceeds

* Historical, current and projected financials

* Balance sheet

* Management team details

* Verifiable asset coverage for funding needs

* Projected annual cash flow of a minimum of £1 million (no upper limit)

* Minimum investment size of £1 million (no upper limit)

* Exist strategy

Early-stage ventures are generally not prioritised but those with firm contracts or purchase orders from established management may be considered.

Once we have this initial information, we can complete our review and proceed to a formal application.

For optimal application results, please see below.

Preferred:

We seek sponsors who demonstrate liquidity, a proven track record and a strong balance sheet history.

A comprehensive CV, assets and liabilities statement and evidence of serviceability.

* Background and net worth of the applicant

* Historical accounts demonstrating a track record

* Progressive EBITDA figures are preferred

* A track record to reassure lenders that the project can be delivered to budget and timeframe

* Cost overruns budget available

* Other businesses or assets/shares available as additional security and proof of serviceability

* We seek proven borrowers who can demonstrate a track record of completing projects and profitable ventures.

Lenders are concerned with:

- Background and net worth of the applicant

- Cash contribution or commitment

- Demonstrating liquidity

- Repayment capability (cash flow is paramount)

- Fallback security or guarantees

- Reliability (credit history and track record)

If cash is low:

Key elements such as a strong track record, an effective exist strategy such as a strong commitment in writing and other assets that can be used as collateral will be crucial in securing an investor.

"We're profitable."

Then the P&L opens.

Adjusted EBITDA enters the chat.

Once we account for the owner's salary, the 3-year one-off expense, and a few creative add-backs, that profit quickly gallops off into the forest.

Add-backs aren't a crime. They can be completely legitimate. But when you're applying for bank funding, clean data matters.

Banks want to see:

• A tidy balance sheet • Clear serviceability • Consistent reporting • Numbers that don't require a two-hour explanation

The deals that get funded are often the boring ones. The numbers make sense. The cash flow supports the repayments. The financial story matches what's happening in the bank account.

Before approaching a lender, clean up your balance sheet and mak sure your serviceability is clear.

A strong business can still receive poor funding outcomes if its financials raise more questions than they answer.

Providing these items will allow us to move forward with the review process as efficiently as possible.

For commercial loans, lenders will want a clear picture of your business performance, affordability, and risk.

The exact documents vary depending on the lender and whether you're a sole trader, partnership, or limited company, but most applications include the following:

The following will provide insight into risk, repayment ability and asset value.

*Historical Accounts Demonstrates Track Record. *Progressive EBITDA figures are preferred.

• Full accounts (usually last 2–3 years)
  Profit & loss, balance sheet, notes
• Management accounts (recent)
  Especially if your last filed accounts are older than 6–12 months
• Cash flow forecast (12–24 months)
  Shows you can afford repayments
• Business bank statements (6–12 months)

*Business plan (especially for new ventures or expansion)
Includes strategy, market, risks, and growth plans, organisation structure.

• Details of the loan purpose
  e.g. property purchase, expansion, refinancing
• Company documents (if limited company):
  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Shareholder details

• ID & proof of address (passport, driving licence, utility bill)
• Personal bank statements (3–6 months)
• Personal tax returns or SA302s (last 2–3 years)
• Statement of assets & liabilities
• Credit history/consent for credit check

• Property details (if secured on property):
  • Purchase details or valuation
  • Lease agreements (if tenanted)
• Asset details (if secured on equipment, vehicles, etc.)
• Existing loan/mortgage statements

Considerations

• Contracts or invoices (to support income)
• Franchise agreement (if applicable)
• Professional qualifications or CV (for new businesses)

*List of assumptions on marketing, labour costs, purchase costs, legal fees etc

*Purchase price

*Valuation

*Rental income

*Vendor loan or vendor deferment details

*Client cash input (minimum 10% in most cases)

*Exit strategy

Preferred equity providers simply needs the information placed within the relevant sections below.

Executive Summary: Deal asks (Pref equity amount, position in cap stack), preferred return/coupon, term, total project cap stack, sponsor's equity check

Sponsor Profile: Track record, past deals/exits, AUM, references this carries much more weight than in an NPL deal since you're relying on their execution

Business Plan: Acquisition, refinance, or development/value-add plan; scope of work, timeline, exit strategy

Capital Stack: Senior debt terms (lender, rate, LTV/LTC), Pref equity position and size, sponsor common equity, any mezz waterfall and where Pref sits

Property/Asset Info: Address, asset type, unit mix/SF, current occupancy, photos, site plan

Financials — Historical & Pro FormaT-12, rent roll, budget, pro forma stabilized NOI, underwriting assumptions (rent growth, exit cap rate)

Market Overview: Submarket fundamentals, comps (sales and rent), supply/demand, absorption

Returns Summary: Preferred return rate, current pay vs. accrual, IRR/equity multiple to Pref holder, coverage ratios (DSCR on senior + Pref)

Legal Structure: LLC operating agreement terms relevant to Pref control rights, remedies on default, conversion/step-in rights, subordination to senior debt

Risk Factors: Construction/lease-up risk, market risk, refinance risk at maturity

Timeline/Closing: Target close date, use of proceeds, any time pressure (e.g., loan maturity being refinanced)

For example:

"Preferred equity or mezzanine funding required to finish off 70 units which are 75% complete and build up 50 houses at slab stage. Current debt $10m. Current valuation $15m. Cost to complete $10m. End valuation will be $35m. Time to complete 12 months. Exit strategy is refinance".

In order to properly assess the case to see what can be offered, we will require our enclosed forms to be completed and returned.

Typically we would like to get an understanding of:

• The deal - type, size, location, costs.
• What the net profit margin is - JV we like to work with 25% net as a minimum.
• Would you profit share if you cannot input enough capital? If so, how much would you offer?
• The experience of the developer with a CV showing similar projects to the one that funding is required.
• The amount of 'cash' deposit that can be submitted - If you have sufficient funds we can avoid profit sharing.
• Is a Site plan or Schedule of Works available?
• Has Planning been granted?
• If a Day 1 Loan is required?
• Exit / how the loan will be paid back.

We require quality sponsors with a proven track record of delivering such projects and a substantial net worth to provide lenders with confidence regarding cost overruns.

• Borrowers CV & list of previous completed projects.
• Confirmation of how much cash the borrower can put in the project (skin in the game).
• Copy Planning Permission.
• Development Appraisal.
• Comment from an estate agent concerning the end valuation of the properties.
• Copy drawings for site layout.
• Exit strategy refined (details of selling agent and amount or details of refinance lender and their reasoning).
• Security details – Historic valuation reports preferred or full spec of the asset i.e. amount of bedrooms, bathrooms, total square footage etc (details and copies of any tenancies where applicable.) Links to asset or sales particulars welcomed.

*10% cash contribution typically required 

Include elements that clearly demonstrate the value proposition, reduce perceived risk, and justify why the JV partner should commit all the funding:

* Executive Summary: Concise overview of the joint venture concept and the funding requirement.

* Problem and Opportunity: Define the market gap or challenge your JV will solve and the size of the opportunity.

* Solution and Offering: What the JV will deliver and how it uniquely addresses the opportunity.

* Market Analysis: Data on target market size, growth potential, trends, and competitive landscape.

* Your Contribution: Intellectual property, expertise, assets, or access you bring to the JV.

* JV Structure and Roles: How the joint venture will be set up, including governance and decision-making.

* Financial Projections: Revenue, profit forecasts, and return on investment for the funding partner.

* Use of Funds: Transparent breakdown of how the partner’s capital will be deployed.

* Risk Management: Key risks and your mitigation strategies.

* Exit Strategy: Potential paths for the investor to realise returns (buyout, sale, dividends).

Focus on showing why your non-cash contribution is indispensable, and why the investor’s capital is well-protected and poised for strong returns.

As a lender for business and property, key questions for borrowers include:

• Business background: What does your business do, and how long have you been operating? Who are your key customers and suppliers?
• Business Plan: A comprehensive plan outlining the business model, growth strategies, and how the loan will be utilised.
• Experience and Track Record: Demonstrated expertise and a successful track record in the relevant industry or sector. Track record of similar developments or activities. 
• Financials: Can you provide recent accounts, cash flow statements, forecasts, full cost breakdown and funding structure. Detailed and audited financial records showing stable income, profitability, and sound cash flow.
• Debt-to-Income Ratio: Low levels of existing debt in relation to income, indicating the borrower can manage additional repayments.
• Obligations: What existing debts or financial obligations does your business have?
• Loan purpose: Is the loan for working capital, expansion, or property acquisition?
• Project details – location, type of development, planning permissions, and expected timelines.
• Property details: Where is the property located, and what is its current use and market value?
• Market analysis – evidence of demand, valuation reports, and potential risks.
• Security: What collateral can you offer, and is there existing debt on it? Personal guarantees?
• Collateral: Assets to secure the loan, such as property, equipment, or accounts receivable.
• Repayment plan: How do you plan to service the loan?
• Legal and Compliance Documents: Proof of legal standing, such as business licences, tax filings, and compliance with industry regulations.
• Credit history: Do you have any outstanding loans or adverse credit events.
• Creditworthiness: A strong credit history and high credit score to demonstrate financial reliability.
• Exit strategy: If the loan is short-term or bridging, what is your plan for full repayment?
• For Developers: They may also request planning documents, builder contracts, and proof of insurance before approval.
• Covenants: Agreement to certain conditions, like maintaining specific financial ratios or restrictions on additional borrowing.