Why we started Broadoak Private Finance
Jamie: I’ve worked in bridging since 2000, when there were only a handful of lenders. I’ve had experience across all the facets of the business – underwriting, property management, fundraising. I’ve seen the market in good times and bad. And I’ve seen good working practices and bad ones. In 2014, I decided that I could put together what I’ve learned, and do things a little better by building my own company.
The core principle at the heart of what Broadoak does is transparency. We are clear about what we will fund, and give customers quick decisions. We stick to the rates that we quote customers, rather than making changes at the last moment. We make our pricing straightforward, and don’t bulk out low headline rates with hidden and opaque charges. And we give clear information about what customers can expect from us at each stage of the funding process. I want Broadoak to be seen as the fairest and most open company in the bridging market.
Ben: I got to know Jamie when I discovered peer-to-peer lending and started making property-backed loans with the bridging company he was working for. I liked his no-nonsense approach and the breadth of knowledge he showed when I asked him questions in order to get more comfortable with his approach to lending. When he told me about his plans to start his own company, and introduced me to the team of professionals he had enlisted, I decided that I wanted to play a part in developing that company.
In my view, bridging nance done right is both a great chance for borrowers to unlock value in property in ways that banks can’t deliver on, and a great place for investors to get a return on their money with the security of immovable property. I want to make Broadoak a top-rated lender built on principles of exibility, prudence and integrity.