Author: Steve Smith, CEO, Greenfield Bridging & Poundland Founder
When Poundland was founded, the vision was simple: make shopping an easy, transparent, and value-driven experience. There were no hidden costs or confusion – just a straightforward experience that customers could trust.
Given the current economic and regulatory challenges, the same can be applied to brokers' bridging loan clients. Property investors and developers, for instance, need speed, clarity, and absolute value from their brokers and lenders.
In a world where interest rates fluctuate, finance can be more complex to secure, and deals can collapse due to slow processes, bridging finance plays a crucial role. Like in retail, success comes down to three key principles: transparency, speed, and real value.
It sounds straightforward, but delivering in practice is far more challenging. Fortunately, most brokers are adept at understanding clients' needs and matching them to the right lender.
Transparency Builds Trust
Poundland’s success was built on a straightforward rule: transparent pricing with no hidden extras. Customers didn’t need to second-guess whether they were getting a fair deal, and that trust kept them returning.
In today’s economic environment, borrowers – property investors, developers, or business owners – need the same clarity and certainty. The last thing an investor wants when trying to close a deal is a loan with unexpected fees or changing terms. Trust isn’t optional – it’s essential.
Speed and Simplicity in a Volatile Market
Retail also thrives on convenience. At Poundland, customers could walk in, grab what they needed, and check out quickly. The easier the process, the more customers returned.
The same is true in bridging finance, but the stakes are much higher. Deals fall through if finance isn’t secured quickly. In today’s market, investors often face competition for properties, tighter lender criteria, and a need for fast-moving capital. A slow process can mean a lost opportunity.
With mainstream lenders pulling back, bridging finance is filling the gap – but it has to be fast and efficient. Brokers who can simplify the process, work with lenders who move quickly, and remove unnecessary obstacles will add value.
Value Isn’t Just About Cost – It’s About Certainty
At Poundland, we weren’t just about being the cheapest – we focused on delivering quality products at a fair price, which built long-term loyalty.
Today, investors face rising costs, tighter margins, and increased uncertainty. The cheapest loan isn’t always the best – it’s about the one that provides certainty and flexibility and gets the deal done. A slightly more expensive but reliable and fast bridging loan is far more valuable than a cheap one that collapses at the last minute.
What Investors Need Today
Investors are navigating a more challenging, high-pressure environment where finance is more complex to secure, and deals are more time-sensitive.
Brokers who focus on finding the right solutions for their clients – not just chasing the lowest rate – will deliver certainty and reliability. In a tightening market, brokers who prioritise efficiency – helping investors secure funding quickly – will stand out. In addition, being upfront and transparent about costs, rates, and repayment structures creates true value.
Like Poundland simplified retail, the best brokers and lenders will simplify finance – giving investors clarity, speed, and certainty when needed. Greenfield Bridging has been founded on the same principles with mandated BDMs who can make a decision in one hour with competitive rates and transparent fee structures and terms.
Send to a friend
