Bridging lenders have become more confident about the long-term economic prospects for the UK, despite remaining uncertain about the outlook for the short term lending market, according to a survey...

Manchester based lender, Praetura Asset Finance Group, has closed a £75m securitisation facility with NatWest Markets, enabling growth in its loan book to provide up to £200m to SMEs across the UK.

ASTL members wrote over £4bn of bridging loans in 2018, an increase of 14.8% on 2017.

Starling Bank has raised a total of £75 million to support increased investment in its financial products in retail and SME banking.

SME lender Redwood Bank has expanded its team with the appointment of Leon Marklew as its new director of strategy, products and marketing.

The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers has launched an online portal, findsmefinance, which gives UK businesses access to the trade body’s membership of independent finance brokers.

Magnet Capital has reported £100m of new development enquiries in the first four months since its hard launch.

Ultimate Finance has appointed Josh Levy as its new chief executive officer.

Shawbrook Commercial has added Sirius Property Finance to its Strategic Partner panel.

Crystal Specialist Finance has appointed Harriet Smith as head of bridging finance.