More than 100 property professionals gathered to help an expanding finance lender in the sector celebrate its 45th anniversary.

MSP Capital invited clients, suppliers, partners, team members and prospects to an afternoon party at Scaplen’s Court in Poole, Dorset, near to its head office.

The theme was ‘Built to Last’, reflecting the importance of strong foundations and solid long-term strategy for both property development and overall business success. It was the latest in-person industry event hosted by the principal lender since Chief Executive Leigh Bartlett last year set a new loan book target of reaching £750 million by 2030.

Leigh said:

“Bringing together so many valued contacts in such a relaxed and enjoyable setting was a real pleasure. Forty-five years is quite a milestone. Events like these are about celebrating the connections that drive our business forward."

“All the suppliers who came along were local and we thank them for helping to make the day such a success. We look forward to many more events like this in the future as we continue to grow the strong relationships that underpin what we do best.”

MSP Capital’s longest-serving current employee, Commercial Director Adam Tovey, who joined in 2010, said:

“The original purpose of our firm was to help property developers access funds when they faced challenges raising capital elsewhere, from high street banks or other lenders."

“Forty-five years on, our blend of flexibility, agility, property insight and customer focus continues to help us grow. We work closely with developers, housebuilders, brokers and other property professionals and we’re increasingly operating on a national basis.”

Among the guests at the celebration was Duncan McCarthy of developer Nord Homes who has been an MSP Capital customer since 2007 when he was having difficulties sourcing funding elsewhere for a five-home development in Wimborne.

Duncan said:

“MSP Capital are easy to work with, and it is very helpful over the longer term when you see familiar faces who understand what you are trying to do and can help. They offer flexible terms and always find a way of making it work when banks are being more rigid.”

Also there was Nigel Price, Chairman of estate agent Goadsby Residential, who said: “MSP Capital are straightforward to work with, very professional and approachable.”

Guests were entertained by music from jazz band The Gershwin Gang and fun facts shared by compere Paul Kinvig.

Reflecting the ‘Built to Last’ theme, caterer Molecular Magic served canapes and desserts decorated inventively to resemble materials from the property sector such as concrete and wood. And in a further ‘Built to Last’ touch, saddler James Edwards from North Devon firm Acorn Saddlery was on hand to make offcut leather into coasters personalised for each guest with their initials using embossing tools.

Founded in Poole in 1981, MSP Capital has grown to employ a 60-strong team, all ‘property people’ irrespective of their department, with further appointments due this year. Having caught the attention of institutional investors, a controlling interest in the firm was sold to Cabot Square Capital in 2018.

Pollen Street Capital, Shawbrook Bank and the world’s largest bank, JP Morgan, are also funding partners, adding capacity to enable highly competitive lending rates across both development and bridging loan products.

MSP Capital is hosting a further anniversary celebration this month at Lockes Bar in Covent Garden, London, for around 50 brokers based in the Capital.

Photo: Chief Executive Leigh Bartlett addresses the audience at MSP Capital’s 45th anniversary celebration in Poole.