Real estate lender sets sights on growth with new office and leadership team

Andrew Charnley and Alex Garland

A London-based real estate financial services firm has opened a Manchester office, positioning the North West as the region from which it will spearhead its 2025 plans.

Sancus Lending UK has also appointed Andrew Charnley as its new Managing Director and Alex Garland as its new Commercial Director to align with the office opening.

The lender, which specialises in bridging and development funding, has chosen Manchester as the location for its newest opening to capitalise on the city’s impressive market, professional network and talent pool.

Manchester also remains one of the fastest growing cities in Europe.

Having a combined 50+ years of real estate and commercial lending experience across a wide variety of asset classes, Charnley and Garland knew that the time was right to embark on this venture.

Charnley said: “We are so excited about the opening our new office in Manchester and building out our UK business from the region, alongside our London office.

“Year-on-year, the city grows – being based in the centre of it, surrounded by the professional marketplace and everything else it has to offer is aligned to the relationship-led business of Sancus.”

He added: “This, coupled with the empowerment and support of our shareholder, provides a unique environment from which to create something special.”

Garland said: “In an ever-evolving real estate finance market, clients are looking for a relationship focused lender that delivers.

“Dealing with experienced decision makers, underpinned by the values that Sancus has always been known for, gives them that.

“During our careers to date, we have been lucky enough to work with, and for, some exceptionally talented people. It’s about taking all our learnings and experience and putting it into our own business. Having worked together previously, we know each other well and understand both the market and the needs of our clients.”

Charnley added: “We have a clear road map for our development and growth throughout 2025 and beyond. The only real challenge for us is that we don’t support football teams from the city – there are not many who want to talk about Everton or Blackburn Rovers.”

To support the growth, the business’s London team will soon relocate to a new office in St James’s, which it will occupy with its principal shareholder, The Somerston Group.

With more than 175 years of investment experience, including more than 50 years in real estate across North America, the UK, and Europe, Somerston brings a wealth of expertise to this move.

Sancus Lending UK has offices in London, Jersey and Dublin.

Close