Leadership – Bernicia chief executive John Johnston with executive director of finance Janette Longstaff .
HOUSING BOOST
Bernicia secures £ 75m capital markets funding
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North-East housing association has secured £ 75m of funding to build more homes , support local communities and help deliver regional economic recovery .
Bernicia has won the deal from Legal & General Investment Management ( LGIM ), one of Europe ’ s largest asset managers , and the sole investor in the deal which is a huge vote of confidence in Bernicia ’ s financial strength as well as the wider North-East economy .
The money will be released to Bernicia in three instalments over a two-year period .
The housing association , based in Ashington , Northumberland , has 550 staff and more than 16,000 properties across the entire region and plans to build at least 650 new homes by 2023 .
It turned to the capital markets to allow it to plan more long-term investment into development plans for the business .
Janette Longstaff , Bernicia executive director of finance , said : “ This important investment by Legal & General Investment Management allows us to secure long-term funding at very favourable rates thanks to our strong financial standing and excellent governance .
“ It ’ s a real vote of confidence in Bernicia and the North-East economy as a whole .
“ It allows us not only to meet our corporate strategic objectives but to go much further , enabling us to explore strategic opportunities with our local authority
24 partners , support local supply chains and create more opportunities for the people of the North-East .”
Independent financial services specialist , Centrus , was sole financial advisor to Bernicia on the deal , while international law firm , Trowers and Hamlins , advised on the legal aspects which will underpin the funding .
Steve Bolton , LGIM head of private corporate debt , Europe , said : “ This £ 75m investment in Bernicia marks another significant milestone for Legal & General ’ s investment in the North-East , having recently committed £ 100m and £ 350m to landmark regeneration projects in Sunderland and Newcastle respectively .
“ Legal & General is uniquely placed to invest annuity money into the UK economy , supporting its long-term pension commitments and creating real assets which provide jobs , housing , productivity and wage growth .
“ While we have seen a lot of change over the past few months , the fundamental need for good quality , affordable homes has not changed .
“ If Covid has shown us anything , it ’ s that we all need a safe place to call home . Covid , and the actions taken to mitigate its spread , highlight the central role of the home in people ’ s lives .”
Sam Goldman , director at Centrus , added : “ We are delighted to support Bernicia on this landmark transaction , representing the fundamental strength of their business , long-term strategy and their position in and support for the North-East .
“ The structure provides cost effective deferred funding , with flexible covenants , a foundation that further supports Bernicia in achieving its long-term strategy .”
Bernicia has been providing quality homes and services to people in the North-East for over 50 years , earning a reputation as one of the country ’ s leading housing providers .
John Johnston , Bernicia chief executive , said : “ Bernicia is a major North-East company , employing 550 staff , working with a host of suppliers and partners , and we are keen to use our financial strength and influence to help the North-East recover from the unprecedented challenges that are ahead of us .
“ We are committed to supporting our partners in the North-East by building at least 650 new homes for affordable rent and shared ownership across the region by 2023 , as part of our strategic corporate plan to provide quality houses people are proud to call home , in communities they want to live in .
“ This investment by Legal & General is a resounding vote of confidence in Bernicia , our plans and the region .
“ It ’ s good to know that our confidence in the future growth and success of our business is shared by such an influential asset management firm .”
Find out more about Bernicia at bernicia . com .