The importance of the developer, funder relationship

Relationship between funder and developer

When consideration is given to the funding of any property development project, there are many vitally important aspects to consider, including the following:

  • Nature of the project
  • Location of the project
  • Developer’s experience
  • Leverage levels
  • Relationship between the developer and the funder.

Key to the ongoing success of any funding is the last point, namely the relationship between the borrower/developer and the funder.

At BLG Development Finance, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our developer borrowers, with the view to an ongoing and mutually beneficial business relationship. We believe that there are many Lenders offering property development finance in its many forms, with the various funding options on offer, being generally similar in basic design. The singular aspect that allows BLG to stand out from the rest of the funders, is the level of service that we strive to provide, without compromising our core lending criteria.

We believe that accessibility to all levels of decision makers and operational staff allows for a high level of transparency through communication, which ultimately leads to a far greater understanding between the various parties. Each and every one of our existing, and future, clients have access to every one of BLG’s highly qualified and experienced staff, from their dedicated New Business Manager to the Chairman.

A “Cradle to Grave” approach

The BLG business model adopts a “Cradle to Grave” approach, where the entire process, from application and credit approval, through funding, to the ultimate loan repayment, is managed from the BLG Head Office in Woking. It therefore stands to reason that our clients have access to the entire service spectrum, at one centralised address.

Openess and honesty

A further aspect which is key in delivering an outstanding service is openness and honesty. It stands to reason that this works in both directions. We expect our clients to be open and honest about their personal and business history, and also the deal specific, and in return, we strive to promote an open and honest debate as to the merits of a deal, and our appetite for funding. It is this open and honest debate, coupled to the alluded-to accessibility to all staff, that allows BLG to tailor-make funding solutions to meet the specific and varied needs of our clients, without losing sight of the company’s core lending criteria.

Dedicated relationship management is a further element in forging a lasting relationship with our developer clients. This ensures that there is an ever-increasing level of understanding of the business, and its requirements and expectations, which ultimately leads to a higher level of trust between funder and developer.

At BLG we believe that we are not only in the business of Funding, but also have a responsibility to our clients to advise on the merits of a proposed project. There are occasions where we as the funder may well become aware of an issue that the Developer may not have considered, or in fact, been ill-advised on, and deem it to be our responsibility to draw this to the attention of our client. This could potentially save the developer from continuing with a project that may well be detrimental to all parties.

We strive to become a developer’s “partner”

In summary, at BLG Development Finance, we believe that it is far more important to strive to become a developer’s “partner” than merely their funder, and to this end we strive to ensure that our Relationship Management is at the highest possible level.

We urge experienced property developers across the UK to speak to us about their upcoming projects. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss your funding requirements, and our funding options, with the view to structuring a bespoke funding solution that satisfies the needs of both parties.

By Paul Marais, BLG’s New Business Manager (and keen golfer and rugby fan)

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US

"A challenging site like no other with every inch of the plot being built on and 12 apartments built-out through a driveway 2.5m wide off of a main high street with limited access rights, not to mention all the complexities associated with 13 Party Wall Agreements. Most lenders would not have had the vision for the scheme or the confidence in Spiller Builders to build out the scheme.  I just wanted to say how helpful the entire BLG team have been during the build. A very approachable and knowledgeable team, with a “can do” approach to lending. We will be looking to do more business with you for sure."

“We have used BLG for development finance for over 8 years. During that time we have found their knowledge and expertise in the property development industry to be second to none. Their loan process, pragmatic and flexible approach to lending and flexibility when required has supported our business needs throughout the period and provided us with support to deliver new homes in Bristol and the surrounding areas.”

“As property developers you never know the curve balls that you may get and a project that is great on paper may prove a bit more tricky.  This happened to us on a project that BLG have funded and throughout they have supported us.  Our business likes to be collaborative and when we hit those tough moments it really felt like we were working as a team with BLG.  If you have a decent project you can get it funded, but what you really need is a business that is there to support and advise you as well.  For us on this project it was BLG.”

“I approached BLG Development finance with an opportunity I had in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, to build 5 new build houses in 2021. My main contact was Anil Bains who is a Director covering Asset Management. Within very quick timescales, BLG provided me with indicative quotes in regards the finance levels they could offer me. Having considered those levels, I requested a valuation to be carried out which again was dealt with swiftly. We proceeded to completion. The build went very smoothly with monthly monitoring being carried out by BLG and monthly drawdown requests dealt with in a very timely manner. Due to a difficult time generally in the market in regards selling, I was in need of a six-month extension to the loan which again was appraised very quickly and granted. Having dealt with numerous funders over the last 20 years, I can only speak highly of my personal experience with BLG and would very confidently work with them again on any future projects. “

"From our side it has also been a pleasure working with BLG and the team there. We have found you easy to deal with, proactive in resolving any minor issues that have arisen through the project and shown great flexibility in working with us as a partner. We will certainly like to work with you on future partners."

“I really appreciate your hard work. We really like the way you communicate & I must say I haven't seen many people who are that approachable.”

“A very efficient processing team, dealing with the DD once deal credit approved, through to completion”

“Many thanks for your efforts on this one and getting it approved and sorted so swiftly, very much appreciated. I am sure I will be speaking to your over the coming months.”

“We had other funding options, but chose to use BLG again, as we work well with the team, who always provide very clear information and advice with a friendly approach throughout the funding process. Very efficient and always very helpful.”

“Many thanks Anil, it’s been a real pleasure working with BLG so far.  We’re lining up the next project too”

“We would recommend all staff we have dealt with at BLG, as we are very satisfied with the team and the initial offer/terms presented, then you and the funding team, through to the draw down team at valuation stage.”

“All documents are clear and the way you keep clients informed, all the way along the funding process, is refreshing for us”

“With regard to what should be improved at BLG, we work with many lenders in our business and we do not get the help and response we have had on the two projects with all at BLG on our funding for our developments.”

“We would particularly mention Dave Edwards and Tom Pitts as being central to having a smooth working relationship and being positive and helpful at all times. Their guidance in helping us navigate the project from inception to completion was invaluable. As was their patience, particularly at the beginning. We look forward to many future projects with the BLG team.”

“We would like to express our appreciation for your support on our development in Bristol. We were very pleased that, from the outset, you shared our vision of the project to convert a dated but classical building, that had outlived its usefulness as a school, into unique luxury apartments with views overlooking the city. We found our dealings practical and streamlined. Monthly payments were processed in an efficient and timely manner.”

“BLG are very good at communicating with clients and all documents are very clear and all at BLG are always happy to help.”

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