NEWS
Martin Farinola joins Arc & Co. as Head of Institutional Capital Advisory
Arc & Co., part of FRP Advisory, is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Farinola as Head of Institutional Capital Advisory.
He joins from Delancey and will play a key leadership role in developing FRP’s strategic expansion and creation of its dedicated Real Estate pillar.
Martin brings 25 years’ experience in real estate finance and investment, having worked with some of the world’s largest fund managers and lenders, including Goldman Sachs, Brookfield and BlackRock. He has deep expertise across equity and debt capital markets, with a strong track record of originating, structuring and executing complex real estate transactions.
Most recently, he was Head of Real Estate Debt Strategies at Delancey, where he led the firm’s real estate debt strategy and oversaw the management of its debt investments across the portfolio. Prior to Delancey, he ran Brookfield’s European commercial real estate credit business, establishing and scaling a leading platform in the region.
His appointment comes at a significant moment for Arc & Co., following its acquisition by FRP. As FRP continues to expand its capabilities, Martin will lead the build-out of the Institutional Capital Advisory function - a cornerstone of the planned Real Estate Advisory proposition.
Andrew Robinson, Partner at FRP, said:
“The demand for expert, integrated advisory has never been greater in the real estate sector.
“Martin’s appointment reflects our intention to broaden our scope and impact in the advisory space, while enhancing the support we can provide to our clients.
“We are very much looking forward to his valuable contribution to this next phase of our growth.”
Martin Farinola, Head of Institutional Capital Advisory, added:
“Arc & Co. and FRP have real momentum, and the team of real estate professionals has the expertise to deliver real end-to-end support on the complex challenges that real estate stakeholders face. I’m excited to work with the team to help clients navigate these issues and deliver long-term, sustainable outcomes.”
Arc & Co. secures £8.2m development loan for luxury Oxfordshire scheme
Arc & Co. has completed an £8,220,000 development facility to fund the construction of five luxury homes in Oxfordshire.
Director Tom Berry was approached in early November 2025 by an experienced developer seeking ground-up finance by the end of January.
This left a narrow window that would span the Christmas period—traditionally one of the most challenging times to progress and close development finance transactions.
With time critical and funding certainty paramount, Tom immediately launched a competitive tender process to identify a lender capable of delivering both market-leading terms and a highly efficient execution.
Given the compressed timeline, lender responsiveness and underwriting certainty were crucial. The client needed confidence not only in the terms offered, but in the lender’s ability to deliver within weeks rather than months.
Following a competitive process, Downing LLP were determined as the most suitable funding partner, where Lending Director Will Powell moved quickly to issue market-leading terms.
From credit approval through to legal completion, the loan was progressed seamlessly, with all parties aligned around the January deadline.
The result: £8,220,000 development facility completed in just three weeks from approval, enabling the client to satisfy the vendor’s time constraint and move forward with the scheme as planned.
Tom Berry, Director, Arc & Co.:
“When the client shared that he must complete by the end of January, we knew that the Christmas period would likely interfere with the time we had to progress the loan and complete. That concern was completely mitigated by Downing. Will Powell and his team made the entire loan process seem effortless—it was a pleasure for both Arc & Co. and the client.”
Will Powell, Lending Director, Downing LLP:
“Downing was delighted to complete on a complex housing scheme of five bespoke units in Oxfordshire. A big thanks goes to Arc & Co. for the introduction and for their assistance in closing the transaction down in three weeks from approval.”
Arc & Co. completes £5.5m refinance of New Bond Street retail asset
Arc & Co. has successfully completed secured a £5.5m commercial facility to refinance a retail and upper parts property on New Bond Street, with the transaction led by Philip Kay, Director at Arc & Co.
The loan was arranged with the commercial real estate division of a private bank at a leverage of 33% LTV, priced at 2.20% over SONIA.
The facility completed as part of a wider refinancing exercise across two assets, with the client engaging Arc & Co. specifically to secure the most competitive pricing and a high level of service from a new funding partner.
The borrower is a multi-generational, buy-and-hold investor with a long-standing exposure to Central London commercial real estate. The client was refinancing away from its existing provider, which had become a less suitable fit following a strategic shift towards a more institutional lending approach.
A key challenge arose during the credit process when it became clear that the lender could not lend to an individual borrower on commercial property under its existing banking permissions. An initial proposal to introduce a new SPV was initially presented but, ultimately, Philip structured a transfer of the property into an LLP, enabling the lender to proceed while preserving the client’s broader objectives.
While the asset benefits from an exceptional New Bond Street location, it is single-let with a relatively weak covenant. Philip’s experience in navigating assets of this nature, combined with the borrower’s low leverage and strong credit profile, was instrumental in moving the deal forward.
Pricing was a critical consideration for the client. Philip’s strategy focused on securing full credit approval before optimising commercial terms, ultimately delivering a highly competitive margin in line with the client’s requirements.
The lender was selected for its relationship-led approach and ability to provide direct access to senior decision-makers—a core client requirement. Leveraging Arc & Co.’s long-standing relationship with the Head of Real Estate, Philip was able to secure support for a sub-£10m transaction, despite this falling below their typical deal size. The funder took a long-term view on the borrower’s profile and future potential, with Arc & Co. one of a small number of broker firms trusted to introduce this type of opportunity.
Commenting on the transaction, Philip Kay said:
“This was a great example of where experience, lender relationships, and structuring creativity all came together. The borrower was high quality, lowly levered, and had owned Central London assets for decades, but the ownership structure initially became a blocker.
“By taking the deal through credit early and working closely with the lender, we were able to find a solution that worked for both sides and then drive pricing down to where the client needed it to be. Access to senior decision-makers was key, and this funder proved to be a strong long-term fit.”
This transaction highlights Arc & Co.’s ability to structure around complex ownership issues, unlock lender appetite through strategic positioning, and deliver tailored funding solutions for experienced, high-quality borrowers.
Arc & Co. arranges £1.2m refinance of complex buy-to-let portfolio
Dieter Kerschbaumer, Asset Finance Advisor at Arc & Co., has successfully completed a complex £1.2m buy-to-let refinance for a portfolio of five residential apartments.
The client’s company structure included a majority shareholding held by foreign nationals, with the property portfolio held within a wider group structure.
Furthermore, two of the properties were within a UK SPV ultimately registered to a Mauritian company.
The five assets being remortgaged were spread across two SPVs with ownership split among five shareholders, the majority of whom (>75%) were based in South Africa.
The transaction involved navigating cross-border shareholdings and restructuring at the SPV level to meet the lender’s KYC requirements and maximise leverage.
The challenges faced included:
A limited market for foreign national buy-to-let mortgages, and the majority of funders supporting these types of clients cap at 65% LTV.
Most funders classify South Africa as a high-risk jurisdiction, and therefore most were unable to support the loan due to their internal funding line restrictions.
Two of the assets were held in a UK SPV with ultimate ownership traced to a Mauritius company. This ruled out funders that needed ultimate ownership in the UK and required enhanced due diligence on the KYC checks.
Most funders require overseas shareholders to sign loan documents. Given the majority of the shareholders were based in South Africa, this requirement could have delayed the refinance process.
Through Arc & Co.’s diverse network of funding partners, Dieter was able to identify a lender who could support the client’s funding requirements based on the proposed restructuring of the corporate structure.
The funder agreed that the two assets in the SPV owned by the Mauritius company could be transferred to the other SPV already held by the UK group, eliminating the need to purchase the asset into the group and the requirement for enhanced due diligence.
The ownership at the SPV level was restructured, with the Holding Co holding a 96% shareholding and the two UK Directors holding a 2% shareholding each. This reduction in the South African shareholders' ownership of the SPV (from 25% to 24%) made the lender comfortable accepting a minority shareholder waiver agreement by the SA directors, a measure that avoided the need for them to complete the full loan documents overseas.
The funder also allowed Lightfoots to act as dual representative on the legal documentation. As Lightfoots had previously acted for the clients on a separate transaction, they had all client information on record, which enhanced the speed of the legal process.
Arc & Co. successfully secured:
£1.2 million refinance facility
Five-year fixed rate from a challenger bank at 5.89%
No loan documents signed by the South African shareholders; minority shareholder agreements used instead.
A company structure that enabled optimised leverage otherwise unavailable to foreign nationals.
This transaction showcased Arc & Co.’s expertise in managing complex transactions that feature international ownership, sophisticated corporate structures, and rigorous KYC requirements.
Dieter commented:
“It was great to structure a solution with the borrowers that enabled a smooth transaction and unlocked leverage that wouldn’t otherwise be available in a limited market for foreign nationals. The borrower’s proficiency and bank’s commercial approach were key to the successful end result”.
Arc & Co. completes a collection of cross-sector transactions worth over £60m
Cameron Hayes, Director at specialist debt and equity advisory Arc & Co. (now part of FRP), has successfully completed a group of deals worth more than £60 million of complex financing and acquisition mandates across the UK in the run-up to the UK Budget and the Christmas period.
The transactions reflect a period of heightened execution pressure, with borrowers seeking certainty of funding and competitive terms while lenders remained highly selective ahead of year-end.
This cluster of completions highlights Arc & Co.’s ability to deliver high-leverage and often bespoke funding solutions under tight timeframes, particularly when income coverage, asset complexity or structuring considerations would traditionally constrain lender appetite.
Transaction details
£21m Office Refinance – Asset Management Plan
Arc & Co. arranged a £21 million refinance of an office asset in the South West, providing the client with time and flexibility to lease up and stabilise the property.
The facility completed within three to four weeks and was structured at 70% LTV, despite the asset’s income being below 1.00x ICR at completion. The lender was comfortable to proceed on the basis of a detailed asset management plan, allowing a ramp-up period to grow income over the term — an approach not typically supported by clearing banks.
£16m Residential Development – Conversion and extension
Arc & Co. also advised on a £16 million prime residential development loan in South East England, funding the conversion and extension of an existing office building in the West End into a prime residential scheme.
The transaction was structured at 68% LTGDV, comprising a part permitted development and part new-build scheme, and was completed for an overseas investor.
£2m–£3m Office Bridge – Permitted Development Acquisition
Arc & Co. advised on a bridging facility of between £2 million and £3 million to acquire an office property in Surrey with permitted development potential in Surrey, securing both a commercial acquisition loan and a VAT facility.
The lender advanced up to 80% LTV against the commercial asset, notwithstanding several complexities including the property’s proximity to a railway line and the requirement for Network Rail consents. The transaction completed within five days—and on the final day of the client’s contractual notice period, following the collapse of a prior B2B sale.
£6.5m London Residential Bridge – Below-Market-Value Acquisition
Arc & Co. arranged a £6.5 million bridging facility to acquire a below-market-value London residential asset at 80% loan-to-purchase price.
The borrower’s private equity ownership, combined with an overseas borrowing structure, resulted in enhanced KYC requirements. Cameron Hayes coordinated the financing and due diligence process to ensure the acquisition completed ahead of year-end, with the BMV nature of the transaction underpinning the higher leverage.
£8m London Mixed-Use Acquisition – Asset Management Strategy
For a value-add London mixed-use property, Arc & Co. secured an £8 million acquisition facility to support a defined asset management strategy, including lease regearing and conversion works.
The facility enables the client to execute their business plan, securing lease surrenders and attracting new tenants. The loan was secured with no recourse to the borrower.
£7m 100% LTPP Residential Bridge – BMV Acquisition
Arc & Co. also advised on a £7 million below-market-value residential acquisition in London, achieving 100% loan-to-purchase price.
The structure allowed the client to complete the transaction without deploying any equity towards the acquisition price, with a Red Book based on the breakup valuation, supporting the leverage and enabling the client to capitalise on an opportunistic acquisition ahead of Christmas.
Cameron Hayes, Director at Arc & Co., commented:
“This cluster of completions ahead of the Budget and Christmas is significant for our clients. Many are navigating changing rate expectations, tighter credit conditions and year-end timing pressure.
“Delivering funding with certainty is paramount in this environment. The ability to structure high-leverage, competitively priced and often highly bespoke facilities under these constraints demonstrates the strength of our lender relationships and the importance of early, proactive engagement on complex deals.”
Arc & Co. completes £2.7m investment loan on industrial asset in Bristol
Arc & Co. is pleased to confirm the successful completion of a complex £2.675m investment loan secured against an industrial site in Bristol, arranged with Habib Bank.
The transaction was led and completed by Sam Beaumont, Asset Finance Advisor at Arc & Co., and presented several notable challenges from both an asset and borrower perspective.
The property was subject to a 6-month rolling lease, which offered almost no covenant or income security and significantly increased risk for the lender. Compounding this, the borrower operated through a complex tax set-up, requiring enhanced due diligence and careful structuring throughout the process.
Despite the complexities and an extended underwriting process, Habib Bank demonstrated a pragmatic and flexible approach.
Sam commented:
“Negotiations between the tenant and borrower were aggressive and took some time, but Habib were patient throughout the process and amended terms to reflect the changing position which gave the borrower comfort but also flexibility on the details of the lease.
“Habib also worked with the client on background income to support the loan in lieu of tenant security.
“They took a cash lien up front to account for a potential vacancy period and were happy to consider other sources of income being accessible in a worst-case scenario.”
Key terms:
Lender: Habib Bank
Loan amount: £2.675m
Pricing: 2.5% over base
LTV: 55%
Term: 3 years
ERCs: None, under the bank’s Islamic finance product
This deal underscores Arc & Co.’s ability to structure and deliver funding solutions for assets and borrowers that fall outside conventional lending criteria, working with lenders willing to engage with complexity and real-world risk.
Arc & Co. structures £1.2m development exit facility for part-built Solihull scheme
Arc & Co. has successfully arranged a £1.193m flexible development exit facility on behalf of a Solihull-based property developer, secured against a part-built residential scheme in Lapworth.
The client was introduced to Arc & Co. via specialist warranty consultancy LBB, as part of a long-standing partnership that collaboratively offers debt and insurance solutions for developers and housebuilders.
The facility was provided by Octane Capital at 40% LTV with a 12-month term at a rate of 0.71%.
The site had been entirely self-funded to date, with no existing debt in place. The borrower required capital both to complete the remaining construction works and to release equity for future investment opportunities.
Despite planning permission expiring in January 2026 and several title complications during the process, Octane Capital was able to take a commercial view, structuring a bespoke facility that delivered both build-completion certainty and post-completion financial flexibility.
The transaction was structured as a split-tranche facility: £500,000 as an initial draw to cover the full cost of remaining works, with a further £500,000 available as development exit capital upon completion. Notably, the borrower incurs no interest on the second tranche unless and until it is drawn, providing liquidity optionality without cost.
During the process, several technical complexities arose—including title split issues causing a 2–3 week delay and a CIL payment clause that required loan documents to be re-drafted. However, Arc & Co. worked closely with Octane Capital to navigate these challenges and maintain momentum towards completion.
Henry Simpson, Asset Finance Advisor at Arc & Co., commented:
"There are many developers whose funding requirements are less than straightforward. Whether that involves a part-built project, tight planning deadlines, or title complexities—it's our job to find the right funding partner and terms.
"Arc & Co. has deep relationships with lenders and an understanding of loan structuring that adds huge value to clients. Throughout the process, Graham Butcher at Octane was instrumental in ensuring a coordinated, smooth journey to completion. He kept in consistent communication with me, the borrower and the legal teams so everyone remained aligned as issues arose and were resolved."
Arc & Co. specialises in arranging tailored development finance, bridging loans, and exit facilities for property professionals across the UK. With access to a comprehensive panel of specialist lenders and deep market expertise, the team is well-positioned to structure creative solutions for complex funding requirements.
FRP acquires Arc & Co.
Specialist business advisory firm FRP has acquired Arc & Co. Structured Finance Limited (Arc & Co) as it continues to expand its national offering.
Headquartered in London, Arc & Co. provides FCA-regulated financial advisory services to UK and international clients in the real estate sector. Since 2008, it has built a reputation as one of the most experienced real estate advisory teams in the UK and Europe, helping structure debt and equity solutions on residential development, commercial development and long-term income-producing assets of all sizes.
As part of the transaction, Arc & Co.’s two directors and co-founders, Andrew Robinson and Edward Horn-Smith, will join FRP as partners, along with all 18 members of the Arc & Co. team.
Following the acquisition, FRP intends to launch a sixth service pillar, FRP Real Estate Advisory. This will combine Arc & Co.’s expertise with the FRP’s existing real estate experience to deliver a comprehensive and integrated offering to help boards, lenders and advisors in the sector create, preserve and realise value and, where necessary, manage risk.
This transaction marks FRP’s fifteenth acquisition since its IPO in March 2020, and closely follows its acquisition of One Advisory Group in May 2025. It further supports FRP’s strategy of generating sustainable profitable growth by broadening its service offering to clients, increasing market share and expanding its geographical footprint.
Geoff Rowley, CEO of FRP, said: “Arc & Co.’s expertise broadens our existing Real Estate capabilities. In launching FRP Real Estate Advisory as a service pillar we bring these specialists together in order to better serve clients with their Real Estate requirements. We consider this acquisition will allow FRP to deepen relationships across the Real Estate sector, with increased opportunities for revenue generation across the Group.
“Andrew, Ed and the team have built a great reputation and we’re pleased to welcome them to FRP. They share our values and will make a strong contribution as we continue to grow.”
Andrew Robinson, co-founder of Arc & Co., said: “We are delighted to be joining FRP and are excited at the opportunities that being part of FRP presents for our team and our clients. We are all immensely proud of what we have achieved as a team at Arc & Co. and being part of FRP will be a strong platform to enable us to offer a broader range of services to our clients and strengthen our reach across the UK through its nationwide office network.
“We are confident that by building upon our shared values of quality and professionalism with FRP we will accelerate our growth.”
Arc & Co. and GB Bank deliver £19.5m in BTL funding across three deals
Nikita Nigai, Head of International at Arc & Co., has completed three buy-to-let transactions with GB Bank over the past three months, totalling £19.5 million across a diverse portfolio of residential properties—demonstrating both Arc & Co.'s capability in structuring solutions for challenging borrower profiles and property types and GB Bank's growing appetite for complex residential finance.
Transaction 1: £13.5m Primrose Hill Refinance
Arc & Co. arranged a £13.5 million facility to refinance a prime residential property in Primrose Hill, London, valued at £20 million.
The client sought to refinance an existing private bank debt of approximately £10 million while releasing additional equity to further enhance their property portfolio. The property was held as a buy-to-let investment by a foreign UHNW client which, created additional complexity in the underwriting process.
Key terms:
Loan Amount: £13,500,000
LTV: 67%
Term: 60 months
The client’s request was to have a hybrid fixed and variable rate over the 5 years. GB Bank’s flexible approach, combined with Arc & Co.'s structuring expertise, enabled the transaction to complete successfully.
Transaction 2: £3.5m for a Multi-Unit BTL in Kent
This £3.5 million BTL facility was for 19 apartments in a newly completed development in Kent, with all units have been leased to the local council on a fixed annual premium basis.
Key terms:
Loan amount: £3,500,000
LTV: 70%
Term: 5 years
The deal highlights GB Bank's willingness to finance larger multi-unit portfolios with secure local authority tenancies.
Transaction 3: £2.5m loan for a Wembley New Build
The third transaction involved a £2.5 million facility for seven apartments, occupying one full floor in a new-build Wembley development.
Key terms:
Loan amount: £2,500,000
LTV:
Term: 3 years
The transaction faced multiple challenges, including an overseas borrower, a property valuation down by more than 10%, reduced expected rental income, and a tight deadline from the developer.
Nikita Nigai commented:
"Each of these deals presented significant hurdles — cross-border complexities, absent tenancy documentation, valuation challenges, and extreme time pressure, and yet completing £19.5 million across the three transactions in as many months demonstrates Arc & Co.'s ability to structure and execute complex residential finance where conventional lending parameters simply don't apply.
"The £13.5m Primrose Hill refinance required 18 months of engagement, including identifying the right lender and navigating intricate underwriting processes to achieve Private Bank rates at high LTV without AUM requirements. The Wembley transaction involved managing a down-valuation, postponed completions, and imminent default risk.
"Our expertise lies in understanding which lenders can accommodate specific complexity and how to structure transactions to align borrower needs with lender appetite. GB Bank's flexibility as a relatively new entrant has been instrumental, and these completions reflect our ability to deliver solutions for clients that high street lenders and traditional private banks cannot serve."
The three transactions bring Arc & Co.'s total loan volume with GB Bank to £19.5 million and reinforce the firm's capability in structuring residential finance solutions where conventional lending parameters do not apply.
Arc & Co. arranges £1.5m Islamic financing facility secured against regional office in Nottingham
Arc & Co. has successfully structured a £1,485,000 Commodity Murabaha (CM) facility on behalf of its established client, secured against an unencumbered regional office building in Nottingham.
The facility was provided by Habib Bank Zurich plc (HBZ) via its Intermediaries Team.
The property, currently occupied by two tenants, was in the process of re-gearing leases at the time of execution. The borrower sought to release equity to support a pipeline of development projects.
Despite the leases being held over, Habib Bank Zurich Intermediaries Team was able to take a commercial and flexible approach, providing terms that recognised the asset’s underlying strength and income profile.
The transaction was structured under an Islamic financing arrangement at a FTV of 55%. As a feature of the Commodity Murabaha facility, there were no early repayment charges (ERCs).
During the process, the Bank expressed a preference for longer-term lease commitments to provide additional security, requesting 3- and 5-year lease terms. However, given the strength of the borrower and the quality of the underlying asset, Philip Kay, Director at Arc & Co., negotiated with HBZ to accommodate the shorter leases—a stance that is relatively rare, particularly for regional office assets.
Philip commented:
“This was a great example of a lender taking a pragmatic view on a strong regional asset and supporting a client with a clear growth strategy. "The Intermediaries team (notably Fahad Khan) at Habib Bank Zurich plc maintained excellent communication and follow-up throughout the process and demonstrated flexibility in providing an Islamic facility where other lenders may have struggled with the short lease terms.”
Fahad Sartaj Khan, Senior Relationship Manager at Habib Bank AG Zurich, commented:
“Philip has conducted himself with exceptional professionalism throughout the transaction, truly embodying the values and ethics of Arc & Co. from case submission to completion. We greatly appreciate his approach and look forward to working with him—and the wider Arc & Co. team—on future opportunities.”
Arc & Co. and Maslow Capital partner on £1.2m finish & exit facility
Arc & Co. Director Tom Berry led on a recent Finish & Exit bridging facility for an experienced London-based developer to complete a residential scheme in Enfield.
The project comprised four residential units, with the facility enabling the borrower to repay their development lender and focus on finishing and selling the scheme. Although construction had run beyond the initial timeline, the facility provided the flexibility and time needed to bring the development to completion.
The £1.2m bridging loan, provided by Maslow Capital—was structured so it met the client’s needs but also provided suitable security for the lender.
Maslow Capital’s Daniel Murray and Dean Duggan worked closely with Arc & Co. throughout the process to deliver a smooth and timely completion.
Tom Berry commented:
“This was a straightforward yet time-sensitive case, where our client needed breathing space to finish the scheme and focus on achieving strong sales. Maslow were proactive and flexible, making the process seamless from start to finish.”
Danuel Murray, Senior Director, Short-Term Finance, at Maslow Capital added:
“We were delighted to work with Arc & Co. on this transaction and to support this developer client in completing their Enfield scheme. The collaboration was efficient and transparent throughout, and we look forward to developing our relationship further with Tom and the team on future deals.”
Arc & Co. and Quantum complete £3.4m buy-to-let facility for converted apartment development
Arc & Co. has successfully arranged a £3.4 million buy-to-let facility from Quantum Mortgages for a developer in Worthing, enabling the retention of a portion of a larger residential conversion while refinancing the existing debt.
The client originally acquired a former office building in Worthing, converting it into a block of 120 residential flats. The acquisition had initially been financed via bridge and mezzanine funding, which now required repayment.
Amid slower market sales, the developer adopted a revised strategy — retaining 16 of the flats as a build-to-let investment to provide ongoing income rather than selling the entire scheme.
Of the retained units, 8 were pre-let, providing immediate rental income and reducing letting risk. The developer subsequently carved out the 16 units into a dedicated SPV through new leases and sought a BTL facility that would refinance the existing debt while maintaining a suitable LTV
Gareth Briggs, Head of Residential UK, Arc & Co. oversaw a revaluation exercise of the retained 16 units, resulting in an updated assessment that supported the required leverage. This was a crucial step in achieving acceptable financing terms given the 74% Net LTV.
With this transaction, the client has fully repaid their former bridge and mezzanine lenders, simplified their capital stack, and now holds a self-contained 16-unit lettable portfolio ready to generate income as market dynamics evolve. The SPV structure isolates exposure and supports efficient long-term management.
“It was a pleasure working with Gareth from start to finish on this deal, whereby the applicant was looking for a guaranteed exit on a large development.
“As is the case with multiple units involved, there were many moving parts but nothing, through the assistance of the broker, valuer and conveyancer, we could not overcome.
“Overall, a great outcome for all parties, and I look forward to Quantum and Arc & Co. doing more business in the immediate future.”
— Zouhair Mihramane, National Account Manager, South East & West, Quantum Mortgages
“This deal underscores how measured structuring and alignment between lender, adviser and sponsor can unlock value even when exit conditions are difficult. Quantum were supportive throughout, and we’re pleased to deliver a solution that balances security and flexibility for our client.”
— Gareth Briggs, Head of Residential UK, Arc & Co.
Arc & Co. and HTB complete £21.5m facility for Nottingham student scheme
Arc & Co. and Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) have completed a £21.5 million development facility to support the delivery of a 210-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in central Nottingham.
The sponsor, an experienced developer, appointed Arc & Co. to structure and arrange the £21.5m facility, with HTB providing the development funding.
Construction has commenced and the scheme is targeting completion ahead of the 2027 student intake.
Nottingham, home to both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is a key regional student market where demand continues to outstrip supply.
The development will deliver 210 new bed spaces in a high-quality scheme designed to meet the needs of a growing student population.
Philip Kay, Director at Arc & Co, said:
“PBSA remains a highly active sector for Arc & Co., and we were very pleased to support the sponsor on this important Nottingham scheme.
“Our role was to structure and arrange a funding solution that aligned with the developer’s requirements, and HTB proved to be an excellent partner throughout the process. Their ability to navigate the complexities of a transaction of this scale and deliver with certainty made them the right lender for this project.”
Andrew Dignum, Lending Director at HTB, said:
“This was a significant opportunity to support a new to bank client on a complex PBSA scheme.
“The £21.5m facility underlines HTB’s capability in structuring and funding large student accommodation developments in key regional markets, and it has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Arc & Co. to deliver this transaction. We look forward to seeing the scheme progress and to building on this new relationship.”
Neil Leitch, Managing Director of Development Finance at HTB, added:
“Student accommodation remains one of the most resilient sectors in regional property markets, with Nottingham a prime example of a location where demand continues to exceed supply. Transactions of this scale and complexity require specialist sector knowledge and certainty of funding.
“At HTB we are building a strong PBSA track record, and this facility reinforces our role as a trusted partner for complex regional development.”
So far in 2025, Arc & Co. has completed a series of £20m+ funding transactions, including a £26m bridging loan for a Prime London residential property; a 111-bed PBSA scheme in London with a £36m GDV; and a £59m loan secured against a hotel portfolio.
Arc & Co. wins Short-term Broker of the Year at the NACFB Commercial Broker Awards
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Arc & Co. has been named Short-term Broker of the Year at the 2025 NACFB Commercial Broker Awards.
Taking to the stage at Emirates Old Trafford in front of a record-breaking audience of 580 industry professionals was a truly unforgettable moment for our entire team.
This prestigious award recognises our expertise in delivering swift, flexible financing solutions when businesses need them most. In a year that saw 357 entries across 24 categories, we are incredibly proud to have stood out in such a competitive field.
"This award is a testament to our team's dedication and expertise," commented CEO Andrew Robinson, "Short-term finance requires a unique blend of speed, precision, and relationship management. Our clients trust us to deliver solutions quickly and efficiently, often in challenging circumstances."
The rigorous judging process, combining insights from expert panels with votes from Patron lenders and Partner suppliers, makes this recognition even more meaningful.
As specialists in short-term commercial finance, we understand the critical role we play in today's fast-paced economy. Whether supporting businesses through cash flow challenges, facilitating property transactions, or enabling rapid expansion opportunities, we consistently deliver the expertise and agility that our clients depend on.
This accolade validates our strategic focus and positions us perfectly for continued growth. Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey – here's to an exciting year ahead.
Arc & Co. and LBB showcase collaborative strength on £1.6m new-build residential project
A repeat LBB client – an SME developer based in Huddersfield – began talks with both Arc & Co. and LBB to support a new ground-up development just outside Manchester, in Ashton.
Finance: structuring for maximum leverage
The client wanted more than a lender introduction. Despite having direct relationships with lenders, he turned to Corey Dennis, Senior Broker at specialist debt and equity advisory Arc & Co., for guidance and expertise on how to structure the facility to maximise the net loan.
The development involved three detached two-storey houses, and technicalities around an additional land parcel meant careful structuring was required.
Corey ensured the legal elements were handled correctly, unlocking the full value of the site. The result was a £1.12m loan against a GDV of £1.6m – representing 70% LTGDV and 84% LTC, stretching the lender’s usual parameters.
Despite the borrower already holding a direct relationship with the lender, this transaction reflected the benefits of broker involvement, which included flexibility on net loan; a more competitive rate; and a smoother process to execution.
With a rate of 9% p.a. over 12 months, and the added advantage of a local BDM able to meet the client on site, the borrower secured a facility that was tailored, efficient, and deliverable.
Warranty: value beyond price
Alongside the finance arrangement, the developer required a new-build structural warranty with a £900,000 sum insured.
Although he had already obtained a direct warranty quote, Oliver Smith, Senior Consultant at LBB, demonstrated the benefit of LBB’s consultative approach.
By negotiating on the client’s behalf, he secured a more competitive premium – below the typical 1% of build costs, payable over 12 months – a structure not usually available when going direct.
The added value was not only financial. Oliver also arranged for the client’s preferred surveyors to be accepted. LBB facilitates the relationship between all parties, working towards a solution that is efficient, communicative, and suitable.
Later, when the lender required multiple indemnity policies as a funding condition, Oliver consolidated four separate covers into a single policy – streamlining administration and reducing the overall cost.
In short, the broker relationship delivered access, flexibility, and efficiency that the developer could not have achieved alone.
This project underlines the tangible value of using specialist brokers. Despite being knowledgeable and connected in their own right, by working with LBB and Arc & Co., the client saved money, gained access to enhanced terms, reduced administrative burden, and unlocked additional borrowing capacity – benefits that simply wouldn’t have been available by going direct. The partnership allowed the developer to focus on building homes, knowing that both the finance and warranty had been optimised on his behalf.
Arc & Co. secures £17.64m development loan from Downing LLP for Brighton office refurbishment
Specialist debt and equity advisory Arc & Co. is pleased to announce the successful completion of a £17.64 million development loan in partnership with Downing LLP.
The funding supports the acquisition and comprehensive refurbishment of an office asset in Brighton by the developer client—marking a strategic investment in one of the UK’s supply-constrained regional office markets.
The property will be refurbished to a CAT-A specification and transformed through upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems to target an EPC A rating and BREEAM score of Excellent.
This initiative supports the reutilisation of existing buildings to achieve best-in-class offices in a market with strong occupational demand and limited new stock coming to the market.
Tenant interest has been high due to the property’s excellent location and ongoing demand for Grade A office space in the area.
Downing was able to add the VAT to the facility, removing the need for a separate VAT loan, which simplified the deal structure—both in terms of timing and intercreditor arrangements.
The transaction was fast-moving, with a site visit completed in March 2025 and tight window required to secure the acquisition.
The deal exemplifies Arc & Co.’s strength in aligning lenders and borrowers across complex opportunities in the alternative lending space.
Arc & Co. Asset Finance Advisor Dieter Kershbaumer comments:
“This was a landmark asset with obvious potential, especially given the shortage of new Grade A stock in the market, so it was important to explore all approaches to get this exceptional deal structured.
“The client is a specialist permitted developer, and this was their first office development.
“My background as a quantity surveyor meant that I was able to communicate to the funders that the scope of works was well within their capability. The developer was extremely versatile, and their proactive approach was instrumental in maintaining momentum.
“Downing were excellent throughout the process; Will Powell played a significant role in getting the deal across the line.”
Downing Investment Director Will Powell commented:
“Having known and worked with the team at Arc & Co. for over 10 years now, it was great to complete on such a specialist transaction for an excellent client in the sector.
“The deal involved a number of complexities not concurrent with a typical funding arrangement and the team involved exhibited first class capability in getting it done.
“Against a backdrop of sustained market challenges, this deal went against the grain, and it is a pleasure to be involved”
Arc & Co. delivers £16.4m development funding for premium care facility
Cameron Hayes, Director at specialist debt and equity advisory firm Arc & Co., has successfully secured a £16.4 million development loan for a 70-bed care home in Fareham.
The deal was structured on a three-year facility to support the full development cycle, with flexibility to extend the term subject to performance once the site becomes operational.
The deal marks a significant milestone, as it represents the first care home development funded by the chosen UK challenger bank, indicating the growing institutional appetite for the care sector as an asset class.
Having identified a lender that understood both the sector fundamentals and the developer's track record, Cameron was able to secure funding to meet the requirements on leverage and term.
The loan was delivered at an LTV of 85% on a turn-key basis, rising to 65% NIV—reflecting the lender's confidence in the project's viability and the sponsor's execution capabilities.
The deal benefits from a pre-let to an established operator for what will be a premium 5-star care offering.
Cameron commented:
"This transaction highlights the increasing institutional interest in the UK care sector, which has lagged behind other markets like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia in terms of investment appetite and the overall quality of care.
“The UK has an ageing population and requires care facilities that are fit for purpose, and which align with the long-term fundamentals of not growing obsolete from an investor perspective. It is great to be part of this process in a growing area of the market."
Arc & Co secures £7.3m acquisition and stabilisation facility for multi-let Glasgow office
Philip Kay, Director at specialist debt and equity advisory firm Arc & Co., has successfully arranged a £7,322,500 acquisition and stabilisation loan for a multi-let office building in central Glasgow.
The three-year facility was expertly structured to support both the initial acquisition and subsequent asset management initiatives.
The deal presented unique challenges due to the property's characteristics— specifically a sub-one-year WAULT. Usually, such short lease structures would attract bridge financing at significantly higher rates until the income has stabilised.
However, Philip recognised that the entry price—reflecting the high net initial yield—provided a sufficient buffer to service the debt even if some tenants exercised break clauses or leases expired.
He ensured that a strong underlying position was established with the lender, combined with a comprehensive asset management strategy, which allowed him to secure long-term stabilisation funding rather than expensive bridging finance.
Philip identified a lender that specialised in competitive stabilisation funding and understood both the building's excellent central Glasgow location and the client's value-add business plan.
In addition, the sponsor’s JV equity partner is a large established New York developer which underlines the return of appetite from US equity investors in the UK regional office market.
The loan was delivered at an LTV of 67.5% with a market-leading margin of 4.25% over three years—a particularly competitive margin considering the short WAULT on a regional office property and the leverage against purchase price.
Philip commented, "This case demonstrates the value of identifying lenders who truly understand both the asset and the borrower's strategy.
“The lender’s appreciation of the building's fundamentals and the sponsor's track record enabled us to secure stabilisation funding where others might have only been able to offer bridging terms."
Arc & Co. continues to actively finance a variety of projects across the UK, leveraging its expertise to deliver bespoke solutions for clients navigating evolving market conditions.
Arc & Co. advises on £3.56m BTL loan for apartment development in Kent
Arc & Co. is pleased to confirm the completion of a £3,562,500 buy-to-let (BTL) loan, secured against 19 newly completed apartments in Kent.
The development, initially conceived as a build-to-sell (BTS) project, successfully pivoted to a build-to-rent (BTR) model after the local council agreed to lease all units under a 5–10-year fixed annual premium agreement, providing the borrower with a stable and predictable income stream.
Key loan info:
Loan Amount: £3,562,500
Loan-to-Value (LTV): 70%
Term: 5 years
The borrower—a UK national originally from outside the country—was seeking a loan against the unencumbered asset to repay investors and release equity for further expansion of their portfolio.
Nikita Nigai, Head of International at Arc & Co. (pictured), originally worked with the borrower in 2022 to support the financing of their first BTL portfolio.
That experience, combined with Arc’s leadership and the international expertise of its team, proved invaluable in navigating this more complex transaction, including access to improved terms.
Nikita encountered challenges with initial prospective banks: higher rates, conservative LTVs, and strict background checks for the first-time developer.
Ultimately, a lending partner was selected on the basis of flexibility and competitive pricing, as well as a willingness to understand the borrower profile and back the project based on the secured council lease.
Commenting on the deal, Nikita said:
“It is vital that we have access to lenders who have the appetite to support complex borrowers and property types, while remaining competitive on price.
“Returning clients feel the benefit of having a specialist adviser in their corner, helping to achieve the best possible terms as they grow and expand.”
“This deal is a great example of how strong lender relationships and market insight can help clients achieve their goals, even in a shifting economic environment
The project, structured under a UK SPV, consists of residential apartments fully leased to the local authority, ensuring legitimacy and secure income from day one.
Arc & Co. continues to actively finance a variety of projects across the UK, leveraging its expertise to deliver bespoke solutions for clients navigating evolving market conditions.
Arc & Co. secures £15.75m facility from HTB for Old Street airspace redevelopment
Andrey Redman, Director at Arc & Co., has arranged a £15.75m facility from Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) to support the acquisition and redevelopment of a former warehouse building near Old Street, London.
The facility will fund the purchase of the property and the delivery of two additional airspace storeys, alongside a full refurbishment of the existing 18 apartments.
The scheme will create new residential units in one of London’s most active regeneration zones, within walking distance of Old Street Station.
The borrower, an experienced private developer, appointed Arc & Co. to structure a capital solution that could be delivered within a tight timeframe.
HTB provided a single facility to fund the acquisition, refurbishment and airspace construction, ensuring the project could progress without the complexity of multiple funding lines.
The deal completed in under two months from receipt of reports.
The development includes two new upper storeys constructed offsite and installed in parallel with refurbishment works. In dense urban locations, this kind of approach offers a practical route to unlocking additional homes and delivering value without requiring new land.
Galloway Hughes and Brechers LLP advised the client and HTB, respectively.
Andrey said:
"This project represents the kind of creative thinking we are proud to support. From day one, we worked closely with the borrower to deliver a funding solution that aligned with both their timeline and vision. HTB were collaborative, pragmatic and delivered with purpose, making them an ideal partner on this transaction."
Rob Syrett, head of origination at HTB, said:
"This is a strong example of the kind of deal we are seeing more of in inner London, where acquisition, refurbishment and vertical development need to be considered together. Structuring these elements within a single facility gives borrowers greater clarity and control. Airspace brings both opportunity and complexity, and it is essential to work with advisers who understand what a scheme needs to succeed. Arc & Co. brought that insight to the table and it was a pleasure to work with them again."
Neil Leitch, managing director of development finance at HTB, commented:
"Airspace development is increasingly important in London, particularly when supported by modern methods of construction and a clear planning strategy. These projects often carry more complexity than ground-up schemes, but they can deliver real value when approached intelligently. Our role as a specialist funder is to bring consistency and confidence to the table so that developers and advisers can focus on execution. It was a pleasure to support this project and work in partnership with Arc & Co."
