L-R: Sarah & Gareth
Access to funding for property development, and business finance to help with stock or equipment purchase – to meet the needs of businesses and developers both large and small – has been bolstered with the re-launch of Worcester-based Inksmoor Capital to Acuity Finance.
The firm is underpinned by almost two decades of financial services expertise. As the local property market becomes awash with opportunity, and the uplift in the economy paves the way for business growth, Acuity’s solutions are perfectly tailored to this evolving landscape.
The Severn Street-based firm is headed up by Sarah Radley, who has accrued a wealth of experience in finance. Acuity Finance is a re-brand of Inksmoor Capital, a specialist in the fast turnaround property finance space. Acuity Finance will bring a fresh approach to lending with a new funding source and products that will help a myriad of businesses. The firm can help developers looking for loans for refurbishments and new developments, and businesses looking to solve cash flow issues or buy stock or equipment.
Acuity Finance Managing Director Sarah Radley explained: “The bridging market has remained buoyant throughout the pandemic and continues to gather pace, with the developer profile becoming more diverse. There is an influx of people who have exited businesses during the pandemic and have some investment funds, and also those using pension pots to explore development potential for a better return on their money.
Locally, there is a huge amount of development going on, and there is much room for these smaller developers. However, it’s a group that is sometimes overlooked and not adequately catered for in the finance space, with the onus being on the bigger players. At the same time, there are many businesses that have survived pandemic-induced challenges and now may need funding to either help with cash flow, or to capitalise on opportunities.
“With a real need for finance solutions provision for these growing groups, at competitive rates, but more importantly, with the required speed of funding provision, Acuity is well placed to help. Every deal is looked at by an owner rather than an underwriter, negating multiple touchpoints on the deal, and increasing speed. As an owner-managed business, we can provide quick decisions. When it comes to bridging loans, we have an enviable professional support network comprising valuers and legal teams with specialist knowledge of the bridging market and a strong understanding of the acute importance of speed. We can get a deal on the table in as little as five working days,” she added.
Acuity’s long-established relationships with the broker market increases access to these services, and with new funding lines, Acuity can offer competitive rates. Acuity also understands the needs of businesses looking for fast cash flow solutions or liquidity for business growth. The firm has new pricing and products, but offers the same established team and high level of service.
Acuity Director Gareth Fawke said: “Our services are perfect for small developers and property portfolio owners, who want to leverage equity from their existing portfolio, and may need some fast additional funds. Similarly, we can help businesses with owned premises who want to leverage this to access cash for their business. Many lenders in this market work with developers and businesses which require a minimum of 500k loan, whereas we can help those looking for in the region of 100-500k.”
The Acuity Finance offering is nationwide, including across Scotland and Northern Ireland, where this type of offering isn’t common. The firm’s head office is based in Worcester, with a North-based office in Beverley, East Yorkshire.
Sarah concluded: “Our whole business is based on relationships and trust, and with this new venture in a thriving market, our expansion plans are ambitious. We look forward to the next part of the journey and bringing a unique offering to a client type which is largely under-catered for.”
