Atelier

The time between Christmas and the New Year is perfect for reflecting on the past 12 months and looking ahead to what the new year might bring. In our latest blog: 2024 in Review: Building Ambition for the UK Housing Market, we discuss how 2024 has been a transformative year for the UK housing market, marked by a new Government with bold ambitions. From the Bank of England’s first interest rate cut in four years to ongoing struggles with planning reform and housebuilding targets, 2024 has set the stage for a pivotal year ahead. Blog highlights include: * The need for urgent planning reform to accelerate housing delivery. * Interest rates on a downward trajectory and equity returning to the market. * Navigating the Future Homes Standard and its implications for developers. * Opportunities and challenges for borrowers as the market begins to shift. In the first quarter of 2025, we’ll be delivering a series of actions designed to address the needs of the development finance community - because you’ve told us they’re what you need. We can’t wait to share more with you soon. 👉 Read the full blog for CEO Chris Gardner’s insights and predictions for the year ahead. #DevelopmentFinance #RealEstateInsights #UKHousingMarket #NewYear #NewOpportunities

As we close out 2024, it's a great time to reflect on the challenges and achievements in the market this year. Despite a subdued market and uncertainty in the lending landscape, we have been proud to support developers with lending across many residential, care, and PBSA projects.   Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited about the opportunities the new year will bring. We believe the housing market will regain momentum - deals will get done, projects will break ground, and optimism will return. At Atelier, we know that it’s the actions we take, not just the words we say, that will get this market back on track. In the first quarter of next year, we’ll be delivering a series of actions designed to address the needs of the development finance community - because you’ve told us they’re what you need. We can’t wait to share more with you soon.   To every borrower we have had the pleasure of working with this year, and to every professional in our valued network - thank you.   From all of us at Atelier, we wish you a restful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Here's to success, stability, and new opportunities in 2025.   #DevelopmentFinance #NewYearNewOpportunities #PropertyDevelopment

Turning the Page on 2024: Time to Ramp Up UK Housebuilding Our CEO Chris Gardner was delighted to share his insights and views on the development finance market with PropertyEU. In his article, Chris reflects on the challenges faced by the UK housing market in 2024 and looks ahead to what 2025 holds for housebuilding and development. Key takeaways include: * The impact of falling interest rates and the Labour Government’s ambitious target of 1.5 million homes over five years. * Ongoing challenges with the UK planning system and Atelier’s 8-point manifesto for reform to accelerate housing delivery. * The importance of preparing for the Future Homes Standard—the biggest regulatory shift in a generation, with sustainability at its core. Chris shared "We are committed to supporting developers and investors as they navigate the evolving landscape, tackle barriers, and unlock opportunities for growth." The full article is available in PropertyEU (subscription required). #UKHousing #Housebuilding #DevelopmentFinance #Planning #FutureHomesStandard

This week, Atelier proudly supported the NACFB Funding Future Growth event in Newcastle; a fantastic gathering of brokers and finance professionals focused on driving property development in the North East. The event provided a valuable platform to connect with brokers, explore funding opportunities, and deepen our understanding of the market. Simon Joseph, Relationship Manager at Atelier, commented: "It was great to meet brokers who share our enthusiasm for supporting property development in the North East and what a vibrant marketplace it is. Our discussions covered a range of asset classes which very much aligned with our credit appetite, demonstrating the opportunities available across the region. A big thank you to the NACFB for hosting the event, and to everyone who joined us on the day. We look forward to building on the connections made in the coming months.” #DevelopmentFinance #PropertyDevelopment #NorthEastEngland

We are very pleased to welcome Zane McEwan-King, CA, as a Management Accountant in our Finance Team. Zane has ownership of our management reporting function, preparing financials and analysis for the Board and Executive Team. He also manages the relationship with external auditors and tax advisors. Reflecting on his time at Atelier so far, Zane shared: “I’m so pleased to be part of the Atelier team. It’s refreshing to work in a culture where collaboration and individual contributions really matter and to work with such a knowledgeable and friendly team. It’s exciting to be working on an ambitious and innovative strategy focused on growth and shaping the industry.” Nik Mills, Finance Director commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Zane to the team. His experience at PwC brings valuable expertise as we navigate the next phase of our company’s growth. Zane has settled in quickly and is already making a noticeable impact.” #DevelopmentFinance #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #WelcomeToTheTeam

Our Credit & Portfolio Management team, Patrick Briffa, Development Monitor and Max Pritchard, Portfolio Manager, recently visited a completed development of nine premium two and three-bedroom apartments in Magna Carta Park, Egham.   We provided a £7.5m, 31-month development loan, to transform this prime site into a desirable residential offering. Now on the market, these apartments provide an attractive alternative to neighbouring townhouses, with generous communal amenities and excellent road and rail connectivity just outside the M25.   At Atelier, site visits are an integral part of our approach. They allow us to: * Ensure the scheme aligns with the original vision and timelines. * Spot potential challenges and work collaboratively to overcome them. * Strengthen relationships with developers and discuss future funding opportunities.   We’re pleased to have provided tailored development finance for this project, which has enabled our borrower to deliver this outstanding residential scheme to market. #DevelopmentFinance #ResidentialDevelopment #Property #NewHomes

We’re looking forward to heading to Newcastle for the NACFB Future Growth event next week. On Tuesday, 10th December, Simon Joseph, Relationship Manager at Atelier, will be attending this event. The day promises speaker sessions, panel discussions, and, of course, plenty of opportunities to network. Having provided finance for a range of developments across the North East of England we are looking forward to exploring new opportunities in the region.  We’ll be there to discuss how we work with brokers and developers to structure tailored development finance solutions. If you’re attending and would like to meet Simon, feel free to get in touch in advance or visit our stand — we’d be pleased to connect. #NACFB #FutureGrowth #Networking #DevelopmentFinance

Last week, Peter Messenger, our Senior Development Monitor, visited a new residential development just a mile from Penzance town centre. This ground-up project will deliver five beautiful family homes using modular construction techniques, each with extensive sea views and generous outdoor spaces. Site visits like these are a vital part of how we work, giving us the chance to see progress firsthand, address any challenges early, and collaborate closely with our borrowers to keep projects on track. Despite the weather - Pete even managed to squeeze in a surf - brave! Development: Five family homes with sea views Loan Facility: £3.3m ground-up development loan Location: Penzance, Cornwall #DevelopmentFinance #ResidentialDevelopment #SiteVisit #PropertyDevelopment #ModularConstruction

We’re pleased to welcome Max Pritchard to our Credit and Portfolio Management team. In his role as Portfolio Manager, Max works closely with our borrowers as well as collaborating with teams across the business to ensure a seamless borrower experience and expert management of our diverse loan portfolio. Reflecting on his first few weeks, Max shared: “It’s been great to dive into an exciting portfolio of loan facilities, supporting innovative developments throughout their loan lifecycle, with the help of Atelier’s fantastic team of experts.” Alan MacLeod, Chief Credit Officer, added: “We’re delighted to have Max on board. Our Portfolio Managers play a vital role in the loan lifecycle, ensuring fast and reliable drawdowns for borrowers whilst working closely with our Credit Managers and internal Development Monitors within a single team.” #DevelopmentFinance #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #PortfolioManagement #WelcomeToTheTeam

We were pleased to host Knight Frank this week, who provided a tailored market update on the UK real estate sector. Their respected research and insights offered valuable perspectives on the trends shaping the markets that we’re actively supporting.   Key themes from their presentation included: * The current macroeconomic environment and its implications * Trends in property and land values, supply and purchaser demand * Updates on development starts and future supply * Sector-specific insights into PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation), BTR (Build-to-Rent), Single Family Housing, Co-Living, and Senior Living   It was a fantastic opportunity to bring our teams together, exchange experiences, and deepen our understanding of market trends. A big thank you to Oliver Knight, George Tsielepis MRICS, Neil Armstrong; Laurence Unwin MRICS and Serena Mitchell MRICS for their expertise and time.   #DevelopmentFinance #PropertyMarket #MarketInsights #Collaboration #CPD