Hope Capital expands team further after a sustained period of growth

12 December 2017

Hope Capital has had its most successful three months and is growing significantly. It has expanded its team after making two key appointments in the past month and is now about to take on new premises, more than doubling its office space, as part of its long term trajectory of growth and expansion.

The privately funded bridging lender has grown its headcount by 30% in 2017 and is in the process of taking on a much larger and newer office in order to support its ongoing growth. Hope Capital’s loan book, which has at least doubled in size every year since its inception in 2011, is on target to reach its highest level in the company’s history by the end of the year.

Rachel Harkins takes on the role of BDM for Wales and the South West while Gemma Bancroft joins Hope Capital as a case manager. Gemma, who has worked in financial services for 14 years, will liaise with valuers and solicitors, as well as brokers and clients during the application process. She will also work with the internal underwriting department to ensure a smooth and speedy turnaround, keeping all parties up to date at all times.

Rachel specialised in the funding proposals market for nearly five years and is now responsible for developing new business across Wales and the South West. She has a clear understanding of what brokers and clients’ requirements are while her knowledge of the bridging market has allowed her to build and maintain relationships with brokers, clients and packagers alike.

Jonathan Sealey, chief executive officer of Hope Capital says, “2017 has been another exciting year of growth for us, and these two key appointments will be instrumental in the continued development of Hope Capital. We are very much a service-focused lender, so when recruiting we always look for individuals who really understand the need for quick turnaround times, as well as having an extensive knowledge of the market and strong, long-standing relationships.

“We have expanded our team by 30% this year. Our recruitment drive ensures we continue to be the bridging lender of choice, not only for the more specialist bridging cases, but across the board. Being a principal lender means we not only provide an excellent service but have the ability to look at each case on its own merits. It also means that we always keep our lending promises. I believe it is this capability that has ultimately led to our continued to success in the market.”