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‘Built to Last’ As Property Finance Lender Celebrates 45th Anniversary



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.

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Hampshire-based business ChalkStream Foods has been named the UK’s SME Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year at the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) inaugural MP’s Choice Awards. ChalkStream was nominated for the award by local MP, Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North.


ChalkStream Foods beat stiff competition to be awarded the prize during a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament for its work to bring British trout back to the nation’s menus.


Out of a shortlist of 12 regional finalists, ChalkStream impressed the panel of judges for its commitment to restoring the trout farming industry and Hampshire’s Itchen and Test Rivers, which are some of the world’s best known chalk streams.


ChalkStream has spearheaded support for the extension of Wild Fisheries Protection Zones across these rivers, meaning 90% of the Upper Itchen river has now been converted to wild fishing. Alongside its sustainability credentials, the business has revitalised a traditional rural industry, employing long-standing members of local Hampshire farming families across four supplier trout farms.


The MP’s Choice: Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year Awards recognise the outstanding contributions small and medium-sized food and drink manufacturers bring to communities across the UK. MPs from every constituency were invited to nominate businesses worthy of this recognition with the winner being chosen by a panel of esteemed judges, including Food and Drink All Party Parliamentary Group Chairs, Mike Reader MP and Amanda Hack MP, Editor of The Grocer, Adam Leyland, and Sainsbury’s Commercial Director for Grocery and GM, Rachel Clark.


The food and drink manufacturing sector, which is made up of 97% small and medium sized businesses, contributes over £37 billion to the economy, accounting for almost a quarter (24.2%) of total manufacturing turnover. The sector also provides around 500,000 jobs in every corner of the country.


Karen Betts, Chief Executive, The Food and Drink Federation, said:

“The UK’s small and medium-sized food and drink manufacturers form the backbone of our industry, creating innovative, local products valued by communities. Our award celebrates the entrepreneurialism, creativity, drive and passion of small food businesses, and the sheer hard work they put in to succeed."

"Their ripple effect is immense, building prosperity in their local areas and providing great jobs and longer-term careers in their communities. The finalists were all stand-out businesses, leading the way in their specialisms, and FDF and the judging panel salute their commitment to bringing us delicious, nutritious, and sustainable food and drink."

 

“ChalkStream is an exceptional example of the best the UK’s food sector has to offer. Their products are second to none, and their commitment to sustainability, championing British produce and creating skilled jobs is particularly impressive. I’m delighted to see the Hampshire-based business recognised by MPs as the SME Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year.”


Hugo Hardman, Managing Director, ChalkStream, said:


“We’re honoured to be named winners of the MP’s Choice: Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year awards. Our mission is to champion British trout, support our rivers and farming communities, and produce food we can be truly proud of. This recognition belongs to our team, our partner farms and everyone who believes in the future of British freshwater fish."


Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North

“The Test Valley trout is more than an iconic local symbol, it is a fabulous culinary success story, driven by ChalkStream and recognised all over the world."

“I am so thrilled ChalkStream has won this fantastic award, recognising a brilliant local business that has celebrated our local fish and put it in the finest restaurants and venues. I am very proud that this brilliant Hampshire business has been named SME Food Manufacturer of the Year."


“It was great to visit them last week and see the beautiful rainbow of fish at Greatbridge, thriving in the waters of our local chalk stream, the Test. It is local, healthy produce, enabling us to enjoy great flavour, providing employment, and putting Romsey firmly on the culinary map.”


ChalkStream Foods was crowned the winner at a Parliamentary reception on 14 January 2026, attended by MPs, industry leaders and FDF representatives.




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