Theo in Credit Operations Team – BLG Rotation Scheme

Our first Graduate Analyst Theo Athienitis has successfully completed his second rotation under the BLG Rotation Scheme with the Credit Operations team. What has been the most challenging part of the experience? What has been his favourite moment? Read on to find out all the ups and downs along Theo’s four-months journey within the BLG Credit Operations team who are always willing to go the extra mile in customer service.

I have now completed my second rotation, in our Credit Operations department. I spent four months with the team and was exposed to an aspect of property development finance that I had no prior experience with. The Credit Operations team help our borrower customers by guiding them through Credit Approval to Completion – where our customers receive their first drawdown. We aim to make the process of completing the legal process as smooth and as painless as possible. I found that maintaining regular communication and giving clear guidance was key.

My favourite moment in my time with the team was the completion email of the first deal that I had been involved in from the Credit Approval stage. It was satisfying going through all the component parts and becoming immersed in the deal, mitigating potential risks and processing the loan. The most challenging aspect of this role was the process driven nature of this experience.

The experience taught me a lot about the requirements of fulfilling this role to the high standards that we have at BLG. More personally, I learnt that I am well suited to a detail-oriented role in operations and that I take immense pride in playing a key role in the life cycle of a development. I am now moving to the Loan Monitoring team, where I will learn how to: process construction drawdowns, manage our in-term risks and process extensions and redemptions.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lexie and Laura for their support during my rotation with the team, both professionally and personally. They were incredibly generous with their time and took an earnest interest in ensuring that I had a successful learning experience, whilst making me feel like a valued member of the team.

Theo Athienitis
Graduate Analyst

As well as ongoing support from your designated Relationship Manager, our extremely experienced and knowledgeable Credit Operations Team are here to help guide you through the loan process from acceptance of offer to first drawdown. Each development is different and there are often unforeseen issues to resolve. We understand the complexities of building and will work closely with you.

Contact us today to discuss your funding requirements for your next development project.

Our business is helping you build.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US

“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.”

    Quick Enquiry?

    We’re here to help.