M&G Real Estate Finance has announced £200 million in prime refinancing deals across the resilient UK logistics and retail warehousing sectors. The company is capitalising on robust tenant and investor demand, driven by constrained supply in key markets. One of the deals includes a £50 million construction loan (72.5% LTV)
A2Dominion has published its Annual Report & Accounts for 2023/24, recording a turnover of £399.6 million (up by 2.7%) and an operating surplus of £48.7 million (up by 12.2%). The housing association recorded an overall deficit of £21.0 million (2023: £12.8 million deficit) for 2023/24, which includes net interest charges
The management team has successfully completed a buyout at leading workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, Blueprint Interiors. Rachel Biddles and Chloe Sproston have taken ownership of the business, which will see chairman and founder Rob Day take a step towards retirement and his passion for community-led projects for
The Crown Estate has announced the acquisition of The Dissington Estate in Northumberland. The estate, located eight miles northwest of Newcastle Upon Tyne, consists of five principal holdings and five residential properties, set across 2,552 acres of largely arable land, pasture and woodland. This marks The Crown Estate’s first acquisition
Legal & General Group Plc (“Legal & General” or “L&G” or the “Group”) yesterday announced that it has agreed the sale of the UK house builder CALA Group (“Cala”) for an enterprise value of £1.35bn, to Ferguson Bidco Limited, an entity owned by funds managed by Sixth Street Partners and
Move takes team to 140 with £10m turnover across 7 locations Engineering design consultancy firm, Independent Design House Group, (IDHG) (https://www.idh-design.co.uk), has acquired Clarkebond (UK) Ltd in a move that significantly upweights its engineering capabilities and locations. The acquisition will take IDHG to seven locations globally, including its offices in
Aldi has announced its largest-ever annual investment, committing £800 million to accelerate its store expansion across the UK. The supermarket giant plans to open 23 new stores by the end of the year, with key locations including Muswell Hill, London, and Caterham, Surrey. This forms part of a broader £1.4
Investing in real estate and property development has long been considered one of the most stable and profitable avenues for growing wealth. Unlike volatile assets like stocks, real estate offers a tangible, long-term investment that can yield multiple forms of return, from rental income to capital appreciation. But how can
British Land has bolstered its leading retail park portfolio with £240 million worth of acquisitions, reflecting a strong blended net equivalent yield of 7.4%. These strategic acquisitions align with the company’s plan to reinvest the £360 million from the sale of its stake in Meadowhall Shopping Centre into expanding its
Maidstone-based housing association Golding Homes has successfully renegotiated changes to agreements with its funders and investors to increase investment into existing homes. This enables the delivery of the Board-approved asset management strategy to spend £60m over the next three years to invest in improving its existing homes and help deliver
M&G Real Estate Finance has announced £200 million in prime refinancing deals across the resilient UK logistics and retail warehousing sectors. The company is capitalising on robust tenant and investor demand, driven by constrained supply in key markets. One of the deals includes a £50 million construction loan (72.5% LTV) to PineBridge Benson Elliot, aimed at developing two prime logistics assets in Woodford and Enfield, North London. Both sites have received planning consent for seven warehouse units, delivering 175,000 sq ft of high-quality speculative space with strong environmental credentials. Completion is expected within 18 months. London continues to experience a shortage of Grade A logistics space, with vacancy rates currently at 5%, highlighting the strong demand for premium assets that meet modern market standards. In a separate deal, M&G is providing MetroBox—a joint venture between Delancey and Tritax—with a £150 million refinancing loan (53% LTV) to replace an existing debt facility. This loan is secured against four prime retail warehouses in Guildford, Crawley, Luton, and Solihull, all of which are fully let to prominent tenants such as Next, B&Q, and Marks & Spencer. The retail warehousing sector is also experiencing record-low vacancy rates, with the current rate at around 4.6% nationwide and 4.4% recorded in July—the lowest since 2017. These deals highlight M&G’s ability to originate large-scale loans independently, without relying on third-party syndication. The assets secured by these loans showcase M&G’s expertise in underwriting investment-grade properties with positive credit profiles and growth potential. Dan Riches, Head of Real Estate Finance at M&G Real Estate, commented: “We remain committed to financing prime logistics and retail warehousing assets in strategic UK and European locations that meet the evolving needs of modern businesses. With e-commerce and manufacturing growth driving demand for Grade A logistics space, we continue to invest on behalf of our clients in well-located, high-quality assets.” George MacKinnon, Managing Director at PineBridge, added: “We are thrilled to have secured this financing with M&G, which enables the development of two sustainable, high-quality urban logistics assets in key London sub-markets where such facilities are in high demand.” A spokesperson from MetroBox also remarked: “Despite uncertainties in the debt market, we saw significant lender interest during this refinancing exercise. It’s been a pleasure working with M&G, whose competitive terms reflect the strong asset management success of our joint venture with Delancey and Tritax.” M&G’s £73 billion Private Markets division, which includes one of the world’s largest real estate investors, manages more than £40 billion in assets. Established in 2009, M&G’s Real Estate Finance team has deployed over £13 billion across the UK and Europe, investing on behalf of over 100 institutional investors globally. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A2Dominion has published its Annual Report & Accounts for 2023/24, recording a turnover of £399.6 million (up by 2.7%) and an operating surplus of £48.7 million (up by 12.2%). The housing association recorded an overall deficit of £21.0 million (2023: £12.8 million deficit) for 2023/24, which includes net interest charges and a reported downward movement in the valuation of investment property totaling £14.5 million. The result reflects the Group’s decision, outlined in its new Corporate Strategy, to refocus finances on improvements to services and customers’ homes, as well as investing in building safety work. The last year saw a continued increase in investment in maintaining and improving properties to ensure customers’ homes are safe and comply with new regulations (£96.8m – 2023: £86.1m). The Group will also be investing approximately £612 million in customers’ homes over the next five years, in line with its 2030 vision to provide homes people love to live in. The Group’s end-of-year performance has also been impacted by impairments on schemes in development and the costs of aborting potential developments as the Group continues to assess schemes’ feasibility. This reflects the Group’s new approach to property development, which focuses on regeneration and redevelopment of existing homes and neighbourhoods, and moves away from its previous emphasis on private sale homes via its FABRICA by A2Dominion brand. In addition, the 38,000-home housing association decided to write-off the costs of a legacy IT programme and introduce a new approach to improving systems for customers and colleagues to drive service improvements and efficiencies that will be more cost effective in the medium term. The change in direction for the London and South-East association is one of several initiatives that is helping to underpin work to improve its services and outcomes for customers, as well as return to a compliant regulatory grading after its regulatory downgrade in January 2024. The Group continues to review its cost base with several initiatives put in place to reduce costs and improve income generation. Operating costs increased by 8.6% (2023: 17.1%) and continued to be affected by the rise in inflation including higher utilities and insurance costs of £4.8 million, with increases in: the costs of housing management including decants (£9.8m); leasehold (by £6.1m) and service charge (by £4.7m). Repairs costs increased by £7.7 million, driven by higher inflation, increased volumes of repairs and the cost of transitioning to a new joint venture repairs partnership. In commercial activities, the Group’s end-of-year results were impacted by the planned reduction of its sales and development programme. Construction costs and delays also increased with some schemes rolling into 2024/25, leading to impairments on some current schemes (£12.6m). A2Dominion’s balance sheet remains strong, with a Fitch A credit rating, more than £3.5bn of fixed assets and investments, and a reserves position of over £1bn. With significant liquidity and a strong asset base, the Group has been taking the tough calls now to reset the business to ensure it is well prepared to meet the significant challenges faced across the wider housing sector in years to come so that we can do more to support customers and alleviate housing needs. Ian Wardle, Chief Executive Officer of the A2Dominion Group, said: “Over the last year we’ve been open and transparent about the need to improve outcomes for our customers, all while dealing with the pressures of financial and regulatory change to the housing sector as a whole. “Since I arrived at A2Dominion in 2022, the Board has been clear we needed to simplify the organisation and return to the roots and beating heart of a housing association, moving away from being a residential property group. “This means we have had to take some tough calls to reset and pivot the organisation. These difficult decisions are being taken for the right reasons to support service improvement, adjust our development focus and write off some historic costs that we don’t believe will deliver what we need for customers and colleagues. “Our strategic priorities outlined in this report look set to help achieve value for money, working first and foremost with – and listening to – customers, as well as other stakeholders to prioritise investment in our core services and communities. “Although the Group’s profitability continued to come under pressure from economic constraints, we’ve already taken action to reduce costs and improve income generation. But there is still work to do. “Our underlying financial strength and potential is strong, and we will return to profitability as part of the improvements we are making.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The management team has successfully completed a buyout at leading workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, Blueprint Interiors. Rachel Biddles and Chloe Sproston have taken ownership of the business, which will see chairman and founder Rob Day take a step towards retirement and his passion for community-led projects for the company. Operations director Rachel Biddles and creative director Chloe Sproston have been with Blueprint Interiors for 22 and 19 years respectively, having played a significant part in its innovation and growth over the years. The new ownership marks a new chapter for the Ashby-based business – as it celebrates a record 12 months of trading and secures significant projects with household names in 2025. Set up by Rob 23 years ago, Blueprint Interiors continue to shape the future of workplace design, meeting the evolving needs of employer and employee. Rachel Biddles, said: “This has been three years in the planning and it’s wonderful to be able to share the news with the industry. While it’s a strategic move, it has felt a natural transition with Chloe and me being in the business for such a long time. “With a very busy order book and some big projects to announce in the coming months, there is plenty for Chloe and me to deliver and celebrate. This new ownership will enable us to continue to drive forward innovation and quality in workplace design, which is what Blueprint is known for.” Chloe Sproston, said: “Rob has passionately created a vibrant company with strong ethics and values. His success is significant and he has been a fantastic mentor to Rachel and me. “We have always had a clear sense of who we are at Blueprint, our expertise, and our desire to provide the best experience for our clients. We love this company and have always treated it as our own, so to now be a co-owner is incredibly rewarding. “I want to thank Rob for putting his trust in us to take things forward, and the dedicated team who Rachel and I will be working alongside in this next phase of organic growth and expansion.” Rob Day, said “As we celebrate 23 years in business and a number of recent talent acquisitions, we now also celebrate this exciting new chapter for Blueprint. “This has been a long time in the planning and I feel grateful and proud that Chloe and Rachel will now take the business forward. They have been instrumental in creating the company we have today so it couldn’t be in better hands. “Their commitment to Blueprint along with their ambition, vision and sheer talent, ensure the ongoing success of the company, providing clients with our unique services and nurturing the best team in the business. “Now is the perfect time to hand the reins over, whilst I’ll remain in my role as chairman and founder, as well as continuing to help drive our community and social value activities. There may also be some sailing on the horizon for me as I relish a little more free time! I wish Chloe, Rachel and the team the very best for the future and look forward to seeing their continued success.” Blueprint Interiors follow the WELL Building Standard; a universally recognised benchmark which puts mental wellbeing and emotional health as key considerations when creating productive workplaces. The Standard helps organisations to optimise their workplaces around the health and wellbeing of their people, which allows teams to be their very best selves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Crown Estate has announced the acquisition of The Dissington Estate in Northumberland. The estate, located eight miles northwest of Newcastle Upon Tyne, consists of five principal holdings and five residential properties, set across 2,552 acres of largely arable land, pasture and woodland. This marks The Crown Estate’s first acquisition of a rural estate since 2014, as it begins to put into practice its ambitious new rural strategy, creating long-term value for the industry and wider nation, while delivering on its aims around nature recovery, sustainable food production, net zero and the economy. The organisation’s rural portfolio extends to around 200,000 acres spread across 28 estates throughout England and Wales, including the Windsor Estate. Under its new rural strategy, The Crown estate aims to develop closer relationships with its farmers to work together to navigate the challenges facing the industry today, including the UK’s journey to net zero, the need to produce food sustainably and profitably, and the nature and biodiversity crisis. Paul Sedgwick LVO, Managing Director of Windsor & Rural at The Crown Estate said: “The acquisition of The Dissington Estate marks a key moment in the delivery of our new rural strategy. We are in a unique position to help our farmers prosper in a challenging environment and make a tangible, positive impact on the sustainable future of the sector in the UK. We hope this will be the first in a series of strategic acquisitions, allowing us to work in partnership with more farmers across the country.” Middleton Advisors, Carter Jonas and Burges Salmon acted on behalf of The Crown Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legal & General Group Plc (“Legal & General” or “L&G” or the “Group”) yesterday announced that it has agreed the sale of the UK house builder CALA Group (“Cala”) for an enterprise value of £1.35bn, to Ferguson Bidco Limited, an entity owned by funds managed by Sixth Street Partners and Patron Capital. The consideration for the sale will result in cash proceeds of £1.16bn (after adjustment for net debt), of which c£500m will be paid at closing with the remaining consideration being paid over the next five years on a deferred non-contingent basis. As at HY24, Cala had a Net Asset Value of £1.15bn and generated operating profits of £42m. The disposal reflects L&G’s disciplined approach to capital allocation and follows the Group’s decision to create a Corporate Investments Unit as outlined at the Capital Markets Event (“CME”) in June 2024. Disposal proceeds from the sale will primarily be used, as they become available, to reinvest in the Group in line with our strategy and the capital allocation framework set out at the CME. The Board will also consider the proceeds as part of the Group’s announced intention to increase returns to shareholders through ongoing buybacks. As signalled, the sale of Cala reduces the Group’s Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) by c£100m after diversification. The transaction is expected to complete in Q4 2024. António Simões, Group Chief Executive Officer of Legal & General said: “This transaction demonstrates continued momentum in executing our strategy, simplifying our portfolio to enable a sharper focus on our core, synergistic businesses. Cala has been an important part of L&G for over a decade, with profits increasing ten-fold since our initial investment in 20131. The sale announced today will provide capital to deliver our strategic goals of sustainable growth alongside enhanced returns for shareholders. I would like to thank the whole Cala team for their contribution to the Group and wish them every success in the future.” Kevin Whitaker, CEO of Cala said: “Today’s announcement is excellent news for Cala. The acquisition by Sixth Street Partners and Patron Capital demonstrates confidence in Cala’s business plan and growth potential, as our talented team continues to build high quality, sustainable new homes throughout the UK. L&G has been a great support to Cala throughout its investment and ownership. Since 2013, we have grown revenues and profits five- and ten-fold respectively, and tripled the number of homes we build each year.” Julian Salisbury, Co-Chief Investment Officer of Sixth Street, said: “Cala has a bright future and we are proud to be entering this new chapter as stewards of a company with such a deep history and long track record of sustainable growth. We, together with Patron Capital, look forward to continuing to support Cala and its management team, not only with capital but also with the significant resources of our London-based real estate investment team led by Giulio Passanisi.” Keith Breslauer, Managing Director of Patron Capital, said: “We are pleased to be able to back the Cala business once again. Cala is one of the UK’s leading housebuilders with a best-in-class landbank and a focus on building high-quality homes, being consistently ranked five-star for customer service. Furthermore, Cala is also a people business with a strong corporate culture and a business we know well, and we look forward to working closely with Cala’s impressive management team and our partner, Sixth Street, to further build the business and help tackle the undersupply of homes in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Move takes team to 140 with £10m turnover across 7 locations Engineering design consultancy firm, Independent Design House Group, (IDHG) (https://www.idh-design.co.uk), has acquired Clarkebond (UK) Ltd in a move that significantly upweights its engineering capabilities and locations. The acquisition will take IDHG to seven locations globally, including its offices in Bristol, London, Ireland and Poland, and an estimated annual turnover of over £10m. Tim Burt will remain CEO of IDHG following the move, and its headquarters will be in Bristol. Making up the senior management team are Wojciech Wisnowski (partner), Ian Fernandes-Johnson (UK managing director) and Michal Rzaski (IDHG Poland director). Neil Marks will be commercial director and Brian Davis, head of finance. Established in engineering as a specialist in the field of temporary works design, IDHG was founded by CEO, Tim Burt, and Wojciech Wisniowski, in 2011 in Rochester, Kent. Expansion into Poland and Bristol followed, along with more engineering disciplines, with managing director, Ian Fernandes-Johnson, joining in 2020. The acquisition of Clarkebond Ltd, a seasoned multi-disciplined consultancy which operates in the UK and global markets, further cements its growth into the field of permanent works design. Now employing over 140 people, IDHG will have offices in Bristol, London, Ireland, Maidstone, Poland, and Exeter. Positioning itself as the complete design partner for any project requirements, IDHG will consist of IDH Ltd, IDH SP Zoo and Clarkebond Ltd and will offer a full range of engineering disciplines across multiple sectors. Tim Burt, IDHG CEO, commented: “We are extremely pleased with the acquisition of Clarkebond and look forward to all parties collaborating and contributing to the way forward. This is all about the mutual development and growth of the companies involved for the benefit of all of our customers, employees and the wider IDH Group.” Ian Fernandes-Johnson, IDHG managing director, added: “Adding the skills and strengths of Clarkebond to our existing capabilities will be a game changer. The move transitions IDHG to a multi-disciplined engineering consultancy, providing services from concept through to construction on site. In my very first meeting with the Clarkebond team, my overriding impression was how much they care about the work they deliver, which resonated with me and the IDH approach. Exciting times indeed.” Neil Marks, Clarkebond Commercial Director, added: “The opportunities that this deal provides for our staff, the additional services that both companies can now offer and the additional infrastructure that IDH brings to the Company aligns with our vision to provide outstanding engineering for communities and place. It will increase our competitiveness so that Clarkebond can continue in pursuit of that vision and grow to be a stronger and more resilient company.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi has announced its largest-ever annual investment, committing £800 million to accelerate its store expansion across the UK. The supermarket giant plans to open 23 new stores by the end of the year, with key locations including Muswell Hill, London, and Caterham, Surrey. This forms part of a broader £1.4 billion two-year growth plan. In addition to expanding its footprint, Aldi is refurbishing 100 of its existing stores as part of the investment push. The announcement coincides with the release of Aldi’s 2023 annual results, revealing a remarkable £2.4 billion increase in sales, reaching a total of £17.9 billion—the retailer’s highest-ever growth period. Aldi’s pre-tax profit also saw a substantial rise, jumping to £536.7 million from £152.6 million in 2022. This boost in profitability was driven by record sales and enhanced operational efficiencies across its store network and central operations. Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland, commented: “British shoppers are voting with their feet and choosing Aldi as their first-choice supermarket. We’re responding with our biggest ever annual investment in Britain. For every £1 of profit generated last year, we’re investing £2 this year – opening more stores and building the supply infrastructure to bring high-quality, affordable groceries to millions more families across the country.” Hurley continued: “We’re also investing at record levels to cut prices, reward our amazing colleagues, and support more local causes. All while creating thousands of jobs and providing even more opportunities for our growing base of British suppliers and farmers.” With over 1,000 stores currently in the UK, Aldi is aiming for a long-term goal of reaching 1,500 locations, solidifying its position as one of Britain’s most rapidly expanding supermarket chains. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Investing in real estate and property development has long been considered one of the most stable and profitable avenues for growing wealth. Unlike volatile assets like stocks, real estate offers a tangible, long-term investment that can yield multiple forms of return, from rental income to capital appreciation. But how can an investor successfully navigate this landscape, particularly when considering international real estate markets or real estate-related stocks? Let’s explore the key factors that make real estate a valuable investment, along with how stock market strategies such as short squeezes can enhance profitability in this sector. Key Factors to Consider in Real Estate Investments When buying property, whether domestically or abroad, it’s essential to evaluate several key indicators that can significantly impact your potential returns. Two of the most critical are supply and demand and market growth. A market with low supply and high demand will naturally drive up property values, allowing investors to capitalize through resale or rental income. Countries experiencing rapid urbanization, population growth, and infrastructure development offer prime opportunities. In these markets, properties often appreciate quickly, allowing for high-margin returns, sometimes without even the need for major renovations. Additionally, investors should consider political and economic stability, tax regimes, and interest rates in the region. Favorable conditions in these areas can make your real estate investment much more lucrative, while unfavorable conditions, such as political instability, could jeopardize the value of your asset. Countries like Greece, Spain, and Portugal have become increasingly attractive due to their growing real estate markets and favorable conditions for foreign investors. Diversification and Stock Market Alternatives Real estate is not just limited to physical property. You can also diversify your portfolio by investing in real estate exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). These stock market instruments allow you to gain exposure to real estate without the complexities of property management. ETFs can be traded like stocks, providing liquidity and flexibility, while mutual funds offer a more managed approach, with trades occurring at the end of the trading day. A relatively advanced strategy within the stock market is to capitalize on short squeeze within real estate-related stocks or REITs. In a short squeeze, when many investors bet against a stock by “shorting” it, an unexpected rise in the stock price can force these investors to buy back shares, further driving up the price. Skilled traders can profit by anticipating these movements, particularly in volatile real estate markets or REITs tied to speculative development projects. International Real Estate Investment: Key Markets For those looking to invest internationally, countries like the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Caribbean Islands offer unique opportunities. These regions have dynamic real estate markets driven by high tourism and expatriate demand. The UAE, for instance, offers strong rental yields, with Dubai’s real estate market growing by over 20% annually in some sectors. Additionally, several countries offer residency or even citizenship through investment programs, which can provide not only financial returns but also lifestyle and legal benefits. For example, purchasing a property in countries like Malta or Portugal can open the door to obtaining a second passport, enhancing global mobility. Risks to Consider Despite its many advantages, investing in real estate—particularly in foreign markets—can come with risks. Cultural and legal barriers may complicate the buying process, while currency fluctuations or economic downturns can affect profitability. Moreover, natural disasters or unforeseen political changes can jeopardize your property’s value. However, with the right research and planning, these risks can often be mitigated. Many successful investors partner with local experts to navigate these complexities and secure profitable deals. Conclusion: Maximizing Returns in Real Estate and the Stock Market Real estate remains a versatile and lucrative investment, offering multiple avenues for returns, whether through direct property ownership, rental income, or stock market investments like REITs and ETFs. By combining traditional real estate investing with stock market strategies such as short squeezes, savvy investors can maximize their returns and mitigate risk. For beginners entering the world of trading for beginners, starting with diversified instruments like REITs or ETFs can be a stepping stone before moving into more advanced strategies like short squeezes. With careful planning and strategic investment, real estate can be a cornerstone of a robust, diversified portfolio.
British Land has bolstered its leading retail park portfolio with £240 million worth of acquisitions, reflecting a strong blended net equivalent yield of 7.4%. These strategic acquisitions align with the company’s plan to reinvest the £360 million from the sale of its stake in Meadowhall Shopping Centre into expanding its retail park footprint. These acquisitions are set to enhance British Land’s earnings, with projections indicating an increase in FY26 earnings per share by 0.7p, fully offsetting the dilution from the Meadowhall sale. Pro forma leverage, following the Meadowhall disposal, was 34.6% for FY24, with the new acquisitions raising this by 1.8%. The six retail parks acquired since April feature an impressive weighted average unexpired lease term of five years. They are let to strong multi-channel and essential retailers, known for their stable financial performance: Simon Carter, Chief Executive of British Land, commented on the acquisitions:“We’re seeing great opportunities to invest in retail parks, and we’ve quickly delivered on our plan to fully offset the earnings dilution from the £360 million Meadowhall sale with the acquisition of £240 million in high-quality retail parks at attractive yields. With low capital expenditure requirements and 99% occupancy, our retail parks portfolio is generating strong rental growth and offers attractive cash returns.” British Land’s investment in these prime retail parks highlights its commitment to capitalising on opportunities within the retail sector, ensuring strong returns while continuing to grow its portfolio across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maidstone-based housing association Golding Homes has successfully renegotiated changes to agreements with its funders and investors to increase investment into existing homes. This enables the delivery of the Board-approved asset management strategy to spend £60m over the next three years to invest in improving its existing homes and help deliver significant benefits to its customers. Finance Director David Hart said: “Getting these deals over the line is a fantastic achievement which will deliver our robust asset management strategy so that we can make a real and lasting difference to our customers. “Some of this work is already underway; homes are getting new roofs, kitchens, bathrooms, and replacement doors and windows. These improvements will transform the environmental performance of these homes and help reduce energy use and costs for customers. “Successfully securing these revised agreements with Barclays, Lloyds Bank, NatWest, and Santander UK is a wonderful achievement and we’re thrilled. It’s a testament to the strong, positive partnerships we have with our funders, and I’d like to thank everyone who’s worked so hard for many months to make it happen, including our solicitors Anthony Collins and my inhouse team.” Kathrin Nash, Relationship Director, Barclays, said: “As always, it has been an absolute pleasure to work with the Finance team at Golding Homes on this strategic covenant relaxation to enable the association to undertake its important asset management strategy over the next few years. Barclays enjoys a strong relationship with Golding Homes and is proud to be a strategic partner of the association. This is another example of our renewed focus on supporting and lending to more businesses across the UK.” Chris Yau, Relationship Director Lloyds Bank, said: “Everyone deserves access to a safe, energy efficient and lasting home and so we are proud to support Golding Homes – as one of the largest landlords in Kent – in its efforts to provide good quality social housing to the local community.” Dean Holleyman, Director of Housing Finance, Commercial and Institutional, at NatWest said: “We’re pleased to offer Golding Homes a structure that allows for greater investment in its properties. We’re committed to supporting the creation of more affordable homes while ensuring that existing houses become more sustainable. It’s great news that Golding will deliver new homes, while people currently living in their properties will be able to enjoy more environmentally friendly homes.” Aradhna Lawson, Senior Relationship Director at Santander UK, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support Golding Homes through this process which will unlock additional capacity to invest in their homes for residents. We look forward to continuing to work together in the future.” Golding customer Steve said this about his new roof: “I moved in six months ago and am really happy here. I’m really pleased that the roof’s being done. They always let me know what’s going on and I hope it’ll make the house warmer come winter.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
