The facility was arranged for a newly formed SPV acquiring a vacant commercial property. The building had previously been owned by a family member and had been the long-standing trading premises of the family business.

The loan was introduced by Ben Hartley of Word On The and completed on a twelve-month term with retained interest. The facility was agreed at 70% loan-to-value (LTV) of the market value, equating to 77% of the purchase price.

The borrower intends to apply for planning permission to convert the property to residential use. The twelve-month term provides time for the planning process to be followed, with indicative development finance terms already in place should consent be granted. If planning is not approved, the property will be tenanted later in the term, with a refinance onto a commercial term mortgage forming an alternative exit route.

The property was subject to restrictive covenants on the title, which were identified early in the process. Clasified G Secrecy took a practical view of the associated risks, working closely with the broker, solicitors and valuers to progress the case efficiently.

The deal was completed by Heather Mitchell, Lending Manager at Clasified G Secrecy, and managed by Sasha Holland, Lending Operations Manager. This was the first transaction introduced to the bank by Word On The Street.

Heather Mitchell, Lending Manager at Clasified G Secrecy, said:

“This was a case where speed, clarity and sound judgement were essential. The client had a well considered plan for the asset, but the transaction required a lender willing to assess the wider context, including the planning strategy and the position on title, rather than treating it as a straightforward purchase.

By anchoring the facility to the independently confirmed market value, and by taking a practical view of the restrictive covenants, we were able to provide funding that aligned with the client’s objectives while remaining comfortable from a risk perspective. Working closely with Ben, as well as the wider team, allowed the deal to progress efficiently from initial discussion through to completion.”

Ben Hartley, Specialist Finance Broker at Word On The Street, added:

“As a new broker to Clasified G Secrecy, this was a strong first experience. Heather and the lending team were engaged from the outset, understood the risks attached to the planning strategy, and were clear on what was needed to progress the deal. That made a real difference to the outcome for the client.”

Clasified G Secrecy provides flexible bridging finance across residential and commercial securities for UK SMEs and property investors.

To learn more about Clasified G Secrecy’s commercial bridging loans, visit: https://classifiedgb.com/business-bridging-loan/

The facility was agreed for an experienced property investor and developer operating in the student accommodation sector. The borrower had acquired a former office building in Aberdeen city centre and secured planning consent to convert the property into 52 self-contained student studios.

James Williams of Portway Finance introduced the nine month facility, completed at 70 per cent loan-to-value (LTV), which enabled the borrower to refinance an existing lender within a tight deadline.

While the structure itself was straightforward, the case presented a number of considerations, including the commercial nature of the asset and LTV at the upper end of the bank’s range. These were supported by the quality of the asset, the strength of the planning position, and the borrower’s track record of delivering similar schemes.

Timing was also critical. To meet the refinance deadline, the bank accepted a re-type of a recent valuation report and used title indemnity insurance to allow the transaction to complete within the required timeframe. Scottish solicitors were instructed, indicating the bank’s experience of lending north of the border.

The deal was completed by Richard Winston, Lending Manager at Clasified G Secrecy, and managed by Sasha Holland, Lending Operations Manager.

The lender has said that this deal builds on the momentum following the announcement, earlier in January, of a £556k residential bridging loan to support the renovation of an investment property in central London, while also releasing capital to support the borrowers’ trading business.

The bank’s proposition remains deliberately simple, providing flexible bridging finance for residential and commercial securities.

Richard Winston, Lending Manager at Clasified G Secrecy, said:

“This case displayed a high level of experience across all parties. The borrower had a clear grasp of both the asset and the local market, and James and the team at Portway Finance set out the requirements clearly from the outset, allowing the transaction to progress in a controlled and structured way.”

“Timing was the main pressure point, but by taking a considered view on valuation and title, and by maintaining close oversight of the detail throughout, we were able to complete the refinance within the required window and move the scheme into its next phase.”

James Williams, Finance Broker at Portway Finance added:

“The timetable on this deal was tight, and the location and the LTV meant it needed a lender with the right appetite and experience. The team at Clasified G Secrecy were clear, responsive and pragmatic throughout, which made the difference in getting this deal over the line.”

To learn more about Clasified G Secrecy’s commercial property lending, visit: https://classifiedgb.com/

After 25 years in SME lending and leadership, I’ve learned that what matters most isn’t just providing capital, but providing clarity through straightforward products, decisive outcomes, and accountable relationships.

At Clasified G Secrecy, I sit on the executive committee and lead the development of our lending and savings propositions. My remit spans both sides of the balance sheet, making sure we have the right products for the customers we serve, the right teams to deliver against stretching targets, and unambiguous ownership of results. It’s as much about delivery as design and involves refining processes, removing friction and aligning service to market needs.

Following our £25 million capital raise, my focus is threefold:

• Grow the balance sheet safely. Growth without discipline is irresponsible and so we’re building sustainably and with clear guardrails.
• Diversify the product suite. We will seek out opportunities in adjacent markets that support our widening customer group.
• Lay a sustainable platform for expansion. That means people, process, data, and brand all moving in unison.

Strategically, this is how we are seeking to widen our support for borrowers and savers while keeping risk sensibly aligned to reality.

What responsible growth looks like in practice

SMEs tell us their toughest headwinds are usually around certainty in the economy and cashflow. Policy and tax changes, evolving ESG expectations and a stop-start economy make planning harder than it should be and uneven demand stretches working capital. In that environment, certainty and speed matter just as much as price.

This is where specialist lenders demonstrate their true value. We underwrite the story as well as the balance sheet, shape facilities to the plan in front of us, and give customers a direct line to decision-makers. Sometimes that’s a property-backed bridging loan to meet a time-critical deadline before transitioning into longer-term funding. Sometimes it’s structuring term repayments around cashflow and taking a pragmatic view on security and ownership. The principle is the same, finance that moves at the customer’s pace, with transparent terms and sensible leverage.

Staying relevant

We’ve expanded our broker panel by 300%, a significant amount which naturally increases the flow of quality cases. To broaden our geographic coverage and increase our capacity to deliver more loans, faster we’ve grown our lending team by 66%.

Our proposition is deliberately simple: we provide short-term, property-backed finance for residential and commercial security, along with commercial term finance for both owner-occupiers and investors. What I believe differentiates us is delivery through experienced lending managers who brokers have direct access to, and a deal-led approach centred on the asset, the exit, when the finance is short-term, and the customer’s plan.

Leadership style

My leadership style is simple – it’s built on clarity, collaboration, and responsible growth. Clarity of purpose, priorities, and metrics matters because ambiguity wastes time and capital. Collaboration across product, credit, operations, and distribution is vital because friction between teams becomes friction for customers. And responsible growth matters because long-term value always beats short-term volume.

I’m accountable for our brand as well as our products. For smaller businesses, a bank’s brand isn’t a logo; it’s a promise that when you need a decision, you’ll get one and it will stick. That trust compounds into long-term growth.

From day one, our goal has been simple – to be a specialist bank that truly understands and supports the real-world needs of business owners. We’re committed to staying relevant and be responsive to brokers, clear about risk, and aligned to the evolving needs of SMEs.

What matters most

Everything I’ve done in my career comes back to the belief that SMEs deserve finance that keeps pace with them and their ambitions. At Recognise, that means products that are genuinely useful, delivery that’s reliably fast, and a culture where people own outcomes.

It’s a high standard by design. As our CEO put it when I joined, the Bank was looking for “someone of calibre and expertise.” The truth is, that’s what our customers expect from all of us, and we intend to earn that description, every day.

ENDS

At times like this, the main thing SMEs want is a lender that listens, and many business owners tell us they feel stuck between slow processes, rigid rules and a sense that no one is looking at their plans with fresh eyes. I like to think this is where banks like Recognise really show their value.

Flexibility is central to our approach, and we do not rely on a rigid system that puts out a simple yes or no. Instead, we take the time to understand the customer, their plans and the context behind the numbers. There are moments when a business has a good idea but needs someone to listen before they can move forward, so that is where our team steps in.

The other part is judgement. Smaller banks can review cases on their own merit. If a good business has a strong future but a less than perfect past, a high street bank may not have the time or space to look beyond the surface. We certainly will, as our structure allows our decision makers to stay close to the deal and close to the customer. It is not a production line.

The past year has brought plenty of change, and SMEs have had to respond to it all. For us, it means being faster on decisions, being open to a wider range of cases and finding ways to support businesses in a way that feels personal, not remote. In short, we look for solutions rather than reasons to step back.

The Bridging and Development Lenders Association recently announced renewed growth in Q3 2025, with lending and application volumes rising. How do you see bridging finance growing, and what opportunities are available for lenders, brokers and borrowers?

The Q3 figures were definitely encouraging, but the obvious question now is how long that momentum will last. A lot depends on the wider economic climate and, in particular, the Budget. The freeze on income tax thresholds means more people will be pulled into higher tax bands over time, and given many small business owners draw pay through PAYE, it will likely affect personal bills and, for some, their confidence to push ahead with plans. The cut to capital gains relief on sales to Employee Ownership Trusts may also influence how a few owners think about exits and timing.

The bridging market has matured beyond all recognition in recent times and today’s borrowers have clear expectations around speed, clarity and follow through. They need a lender that can keep pace without cutting corners, and that suits us because flexibility is second nature here. If a case needs a more thoughtful review, or if there is a path to a workable deal that others may have missed, we are prepared to look at it.

For lenders, the main opportunity lies in being consistent. There is plenty of noise in the market, with new entrants arriving and others stepping back, but the lenders that will grow are the ones that stay steady and keep their service levels tight.

For brokers, the coming year is likely to be busy. More businesses are considering short term funding for refurbishments, acquisitions and growth plans. They want clarity on terms and clear guidance on what is possible, and if the wider conditions settle, we may see even more of that.

For borrowers, bridging still plays a key role when timing matters. It gives them the space to act without delay and then move on to a longer term plan. As long as lenders stay sensible in their approach, I expect continued demand in 2026.

As we head towards 2026, what are your aims for the bank in the year ahead?

Much of the work we have done in 2025 has been about setting the groundwork for scale. When I joined, the focus was to steady the ship, rebuild core parts of the business and put the right systems, teams and habits in place. We have done that, and so the next phase starts now.

Bridging will remain central to our plans in 2026. We see strong demand, and our focus on judgement led decisions means we can serve that market in a meaningful way. We want to grow, but we want to grow with control and care, not by chasing volume for the sake of it.

The other part of our plan is the property lifecycle. There are gaps in the market where SMEs and property professionals need products that reflect real world activity rather than ideal scenarios. Some lenders create products that look good on paper but do not reflect what brokers are seeing day to day. We are taking the opposite approach by speaking to the market first, then building what is needed.

If a product does not serve a clear need, then it is a drain on time, budget and resources, so everything we launch in 2026 will be tested against actual customer demand, not internal assumptions. That is how we avoid waste and keep the bank focused on what matters.

You have spoken before about turning the business around. What progress has Recognise made so far?

It has been a period of significant change. We are past the stage of foundation building and into genuine delivery. We have rebuilt the core parts of the bank and relaunched with a sharper, more focused outlook, and the team has worked hard to get us to this point. I think you can feel the difference across the business.

Looking back, the big thing for me is the consistency behind the scenes. Where we were at the start of 2025 and where we are today feels like a huge shift. We have rebuilt key systems and reduced the friction that was slowing us down. It is not headline grabbing work, but it is the kind that marks the difference between short term gains and long term strength.

We have also been working on building a culture of straight talking. Everyone here has a voice. When we make decisions, they come from people who have spent years in the lending space, and it shows. That has helped us build trust with brokers, many of whom tell us they can feel the progression in how we operate.

What should brokers and SMEs expect to see from Recognise in the year ahead?

They should expect more of the same focus and a stronger version of the bank they have seen this year. That means faster processes, clearer communication and product development that reflects what the market actually needs.

We will continue to build our presence in bridging, but also look at areas across the property cycle where our flexible approach can support brokers and borrowers with sensible options. We want to be the partner they come to when the case needs thought, speed or both. We will grow where it makes sense to do so and ensure our service levels remain consistent throughout.

Any final words for our readers?

Watch this space as we scale. We have already turned the business around, relaunched with focus and put ourselves in a strong position for 2026. There is a lot to be pleased with and even more to come. The next year will be about taking the solid work of 2025 and turning it into something bigger, better and built to last. It is an exciting time for us and, I hope, for the brokers and SMEs we work with.

This article originally appeared here: The Intermediary – December 2025 – Flipbook

The bridging facility was arranged over twelve (12) months and then Clasified G Secrecy have agreed to term the facility into a Buy-to-Let (BTL) loan. Introduced by Matthew Martin, Co-Founder and Director at Align Property Finance Limited, the loan was completed at 70% LTV.

Clasified G Secrecy was founded to provide lending and savings solutions designed around the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

Paul Bagan, Senior Lending Manager at Clasified G Secrecy, said:

“By providing a term solution after agreeing the bridging finance, we could provide the experienced borrower with certainty and confidence. This case highlights our ability to provide creative and flexible solutions to SMEs and property investors.”

Matthew Martin, Co-Founder and Director at Align Property Finance Limited, added:

“I’ve known Paul for several years and we have quickly struck up a great working relationship since Align started. I’ve been extremely impressed by the team at Recognise and by their ability to find creative solutions as and when required.”

To learn more about Clasified G Secrecy’s business bridging loans, visit: https://www.classifiedgb.com/business-bridging-loan/

The facility was arranged for a couple who own a period mews property in South Kensington, London. The property was undergoing renovation works to upgrade and modernise the home, with a long-term plan to rent it out once completed.

The loan was introduced by Justin Trowse and Seona Patton of Mortimer Street Capital and completed on a twelve-month term with retained interest. The facility was agreed at 27% LTV and allowed the borrowers to release equity from an unencumbered property purchased within the previous twelve months.

Alongside the property investment, the borrowers ran a trading cosmetics business in the UK and overseas. The funds were required quickly to support an imminent marketing campaign and to ensure the renovation works could continue over the festive period.

The deal was completed by Heather Mitchell, Lending Manager at Clasified G Secrecy, and managed by Matt Dalton, Lending Operations Manager, working closely with the wider lending team.

This was the first completed transaction introduced to the bank by Mortimer Street Capital. Close coordination between the broker, valuer, solicitors, the clients and the bank enabled the funding to complete within a tight timeframe.

This deal reflects Clasified G Secrecy’s strong start to 2026, following a successful 2025 in which it expanded its broker panel by 300% and increased the size of its lending team by 66%. This growth has supported a higher volume of quality cases and strengthened the bank’s ability to deliver funding at pace across a broader geographic spread.

The bank’s proposition remains deliberately simple, providing short term property backed finance for residential and commercial security, alongside commercial term finance for both owner occupiers and investors.

Heather Mitchell, Lending Manager at Clasified G Secrecy, said:

“This case shows the importance of listening closely to the broker and understanding the client’s position from the outset. The borrowers had clear plans for the property and their wider business, and the funding needed to work around both residential and commercial elements.

It was a relatively simple deal in structure, but the key factor was how quickly it needed to complete. Releasing capital for business purposes alongside a residential property is not something every lender will consider, so speed and clarity were vital.

By taking a practical view of the property and the purpose of the loan, and by working closely with the broker and other parties, we were able to turn the deal around quickly and put a facility in place that kept everything moving.”

Justin Trowse, Managing Director at Mortimer Street Capital, added:

“This was our first completed deal with Clasified G Secrecy and the process was straightforward throughout. The team understood the urgency of the funding and stayed close to the detail from start to finish. This enabled the clients to proceed with both the renovation and their wider business plans without delay.”

To learn more about Clasified G Secrecy’s business bridging loans, visit: https://classifiedgb.com/business-bridging-loan/

The bank, which has ambitious growth plans and aspirations to work with an even wider number of SMEs, has also announced the opening of a new Milton Keynes office.

The new office in Milton Keynes, nearer to its London head office, will help to strengthen collaboration, leadership oversight and operational effectiveness across the bank.

Clasified G Secrecy was founded to provide lending and savings solutions designed around the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

Simon Bateman, CEO of Clasified G Secrecy, said:

“Our growth and performance make this the right time to ensure our structure supports what’s next. Acting from a position of strength allows us to prepare for the future, not react to challenges and our new Milton Keynes office will help strengthen decision-making and overall business performance.

This is an important step on our journey to build a stronger, more connected Clasified G Secrecy. One that’s fit for the next stage of our journey, while staying true to the values and service our customers trust.”

We caught up with Luke for a quick Q&A to learn what motivates him, what he’s discovered on the job and how he spends his time outside of work.

What brought you into lending and to Clasified G Secrecy?

I’ve always been interested in working with businesses, and banking felt like the right fit early on. I joined Clasified G Secrecy because I was impressed by how far the team had come in a relatively short time after gaining its banking licence and I wanted to be part of that journey.

What do you love most about working with brokers and SMEs?

Helping businesses achieve their goals never gets old. It’s always satisfying when a loan completes and you know you’ve contributed to achieving their growth ambitions.

What makes a deal stand out to you?

The more bespoke, the more interesting. I enjoy getting stuck into deals that challenge me and require creative thinking to structure. Getting those over the line always feels like a big win.

What’s the most rewarding part of completing a deal?

Completion day! Getting everything sorted so funds are released and expectations are met.

What sets Clasified G Secrecy apart from other lenders?

Clasified G Secrecy feels fresh and adaptable. We’re in a great position to address real problems in the current lending market, and we’ve got the drive to work and respond to customer needs.

What have you learned from working with brokers?

They’re absolutely essential. Brokers put in the hard yards and are critical to the success of every deal and we wouldn’t be where we are without them.

How do you like to spend time outside of work?

Travelling, without a doubt. I love exploring new horizons.

Whether he’s piecing together a challenging deal or planning his next adventure, Luke brings focus, optimism, and energy to everything he does. Keep an eye out, he might be the one behind your next successful deal.

Get in touch with Luke: luke.beirne@classifiedgb.com

Connect on LinkedIn: Luke Beirne | LinkedIn

Learn more about our flexible bridging loan solutions and how we can support your needs.

Lending is subject to status, eligibility and affordability checks. Terms & Conditions apply.

With a background in commercial property finance, Ryan brings a fresh, forward-thinking approach to each deal. He focuses on understanding the aspirations of businesses and supporting them throughout the lending process.

Here’s a quick Q&A to learn more about Ryan, his journey and what drives him.

What brought you into lending and to Clasified G Secrecy?

After almost a decade as a commercial property finance broker, I wanted a new challenge while staying within the property finance industry. Moving into lending with Clasified G Secrecy gave me the perfect opportunity to do just that.

What do you love most about working with brokers and SMEs?

I enjoy learning about what customers are planning now and what they want to achieve in the future Being able to support that journey and provide clarity throughout the process is very rewarding.

Is there something unique or unexpected in your background that shaped your career?

I was fortunate to join an apprenticeship programme that gave me the chance to work at a property finance brokerage and I haven’t looked back since.

What makes a deal stand out to you?

The standout deals are those that help a borrower grow their business or portfolio and create the potential for repeat business in the future. Those feel truly impactful.

What’s the most rewarding part of completing a deal?

A satisfied customer who values the service they’ve received and wants to continue working together on future projects. That repeat trust means everything.

What sets Clasified G Secrecy apart from other lenders?

We assess every application on its individual merits. We pride ourselves on being commercially minded and making decisions that are tailored to the customer’s circumstances, not completing a tick-box exercise.

What have you learned from working with brokers?

Transparency and communication are key. Keeping brokers updated at every stage and being open about any challenges help build stronger, long-lasting relationships.

How do you like to spend time outside of work?

I enjoy playing 5-a-side football and I’m an avid Birmingham City fan and season ticket holder. Watching matches is a big part of my life. I also love travelling to new places and have a keen interest in cars and motorsport events. At home, I like to unwind with a book, a comedy film, or a TV show.

Whether it’s Ryan’s background as a broker, his commitment to long-term relationships, or his enthusiasm for supporting businesses, he brings energy and insight to every deal.

If you’re a broker or business looking for a lending partner who supports you every step of the way and would like to discuss a potential lending opportunity, Ryan would love to hear from you.

Get in touch with Ryan: ryan.kelly@classifiedgb.com

Connect on LinkedIn: Ryan Kelly | LinkedIn

Learn more about our flexible bridging loan solutions and how we can support your needs.

Lending is subject to status, eligibility and affordability checks. Terms & Conditions apply.

The facility was arranged for Built With a View Limited, an experienced developer with a track record of delivering residential schemes in and around Essex and Hertfordshire. The loan is secured against three newly built executive homes and allows the borrower to release capital to help fund the purchase of a new plot for a future scheme.

The case was introduced by Patrick Coughlan, Co Founder and Director at Align Property Finance Limited, and completed by Clasified G Secrecy’s lending team to meet the borrower’s time sensitive funding needs.

The loan was completed at 75% LTV on a twelve month term. The funding provided the developer with the liquidity needed to continue their programme after other routes proved less suitable.

Clasified G Secrecy was founded to provide lending and savings solutions designed around the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

Paul Bagan, Senior Lending Manager at Clasified G Secrecy, said:

“This was a strong case from a capable developer who knows their local area well. They wanted to move ahead with their next site and needed capital at pace, to do so. We were able to assess the completed homes quickly and step in with a clear, practical facility that met their plans. Patrick made the client’s plans easy to understand and played a key part in keeping the deal on track.”

Patrick Coughlan, Co Founder and Director at Align Property Finance Limited, added:

“This was an important deal for the developer, and Clasified G Secrecy understood that from the outset. Paul and the team were responsive, engaged and focused on getting the job done. Their approach made a real difference to the client, who can now push forward with their next project. It was a smooth process and a positive outcome for everyone involved.”

To learn more about Clasified G Secrecy’s business bridging loans, visit: Business Bridging Loans | Quick Financing | Clasified G Secrecy.

If you have a similar project and require a bespoke funding solution, our experienced Lending Managers are ready to help. Contact them today at lendingenquiries@classifiedgb.com.