IN BRIEF
BRIDGING FINANCE
SOLUTIONS LEADS THE
WAY FOR FIRST TIME
DEVELOPERS
W BUSINESS
L
APPRENTICE STAR
LAUNCHES CREATIVE CO-
WORKING SPACE IN WIRRAL
A former star of The Apprentice has launched the first
co-working space in Hoylake.
Alex Finn and business partner Scott Dunroe opened Shiftworks,
on Market Street, in Hoylake, to provide flexible, pay-as-you-go hot
desking as well as private office space.
Bridging Finance Solutions has once again demonstrated
its support for the small, first time developer, having
completed its latest development deal.
The Merseyside-based client had identified a building plot in Wirral
and was looking to secure part of the acquisition cost, as well as 100%
of construction cost. Recognising the urgency of the case, the team
at BFS responded quickly to the enquiry, navigating the applicant
through the administration and application process.
A total of £330,000 was required, £215,000 of that accounting for build
costs and the remainder to be used as part of the purchase of the land.
A plan was agreed including building schedule and draw down, and
the loan was approved and completed within a tight timescale set by
the vendor.
John Hardman, Head of Sales at Bridging Finance Solutions explained:
“This was yet another ‘small’ development deal where the operators
had little experience. This continues to be a sector that has very few
lenders capable of or indeed wanting to understand the needs and
requirements of the applicant.
“BFS remain wholly committed to this end of the market - our belief is
that every single developer has to start somewhere and invariably they
require a finance partner”
Construction of the four-bedroom property will begin imminently
taking some six months to complete. Upon completion the house is
expected to be valued in the region of £500,000.
John added: “More and more first time developers are turning to BFS
to work with us as finance partners for their development schemes. We
are keen to support and collaborate with this part of the market and
recognise the growth and potential in this niche area that undoubtedly
forms an important part of our business moving forward."
88 wirrallife.com
The site, which was a former solicitor's office, has undergone a
complete revamp with distinctive plant walls, fast wi-fi, printing
facilities, a private meeting room and an events space with rooftop
balcony.
Alex, from Heswall, who starred in the 2018 series of The Apprentice,
said: "The way people work is changing and we wanted to create a
space to meet those needs. There are so many local entrepreneurs,
remote workers and freelancers living in this part of Wirral but there
was nowhere for them to work and meet together.
"Hoylake was the perfect location for us, just a few minutes walk from
Hoylake train station with all the local cafes, restaurants, shops and
gyms on our doorstep.
"The workspace offers a creative atmosphere, perfect for impressing
clients or simply to boost your own productivity.”
Freelance PR consultant Emma Gunby, who is a member at
Shiftworks, said: “I was previously the classic cliche, working from my
kitchen table, which was fine but there was no separation between my
work and my life.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that co-working has completely
transformed my working life. When you work from home, it’s hard to
ignore the unmade beds and the piles of dirty laundry but now I just
close the door on all that and head into the office, which makes me so
much more productive.
“Working from home can be pretty isolating, so it’s worth it just for
the office banter and there is always someone on hand to make you a
brew too."
Shiftworks is offering a two day free trial for new customers. For more
information or to arrange a viewing, visit www.shift-works.co.uk or
call 0151 632 6801.