Meet Alan Laslett from Real Property Finance who introduces business to Reparo

Alan Laslett is a Director at Real Property Finance; he has a wealth of experience in commercial finance and works with Reparo Finance to find lending solutions for his wide range of clients.

Real Property Finance is a well-respected commercial broker and winner of the Cambridge & Counties Bank broker of the year award in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. They have agreed lending terms for over £100m worth of loans in the last six years.

Alongside traditional lenders, they also work closely with high net worth individuals and alternative lenders to offer clients a wide range of financing solutions.

Alan says the business is focused on building strong relationships: “We meet every client that we work with; this helps us understand their business and make a decision on the best finance solution. Alongside clients our focus is on building great relationships with lenders; we work with our lenders over the long-term to understand the type of applications that will pass their due diligence”.

Working with Reparo Finance

Alan initially met Andrew Ward to discuss Reparo Finance providing financing for his pipeline of clients.

Andrew approached Alan because of his excellent reputation: “We knew that Real Property Finance had a similar ethos to Reparo – they build relationships with clients and look at the specific circumstances of each application. We felt that providing solutions to Alan’s client base would continue his excellent personal service and this would deliver a strong client experience”.

“I felt very confident about working with Reparo Finance; they have a large amount of experience and work with clients that fall outside the criteria of the traditional lenders. The flexibility combined with their experience and willingness to meet clients meant I immediately felt comfortable working with Reparo”, said Alan.

He went on to say: “With two or sometimes three sets of solicitors involved plus valuers it can take a long time to complete deals and it’s a huge drain on our time. We really appreciate that Reparo Finance work with excellent solicitors that get deals done – it makes our job so much easier”.

Reparo Finance and Real Property Finance Swing Into Action

When Alan was looking for a finance solution for a startup business that had non-traditional security, he appreciated Reparo’s approach.

Alan says: “I was working with a startup entrepreneur I believed in called Fame Tate, she was an ex-professional golfer and looking to purchase a golf course in Chesterfield. Because it was a startup and the golf course wasn’t typical security my traditional bank lenders wanted to wait six months to see some management accounts before lending”.

It was a tough situation explains Alan: “The bank wanted to do the deal but couldn’t get the deal past the due diligence team; this left Fame in a tight spot because the process had been going on for several months and the seller was understandably frustrated”.

Alan was undeterred: “We felt the entrepreneur just needed a chance and fundamentally the underlying security was good, if a bit unconventional. Reparo Finance were the perfect lender for this situation. Two of their senior team, Andrew and Sharon, travelled to meet Fame at the golf course, and after a few hours they agreed with me that the entrepreneur was strong and the security could support the deal. They made the decision the same day and then started working on the deal”.

A Job Well Done and a New Business Gets the Cash it Needs

Alan was really pleased that Reparo was able to get the deal completed and values the service Reparo offer: “Working with Reparo is effortless; they go the extra mile for my clients and know how to complete deals. When I have clients that fall outside the criteria of my traditional bank lenders, then I will always run the deal by the Reparo team”. The last word goes to Sharon Byrden, a Director at Reparo who worked closely on the loan that helped Fame Tate to buy the golf club: “We enjoy working with Alan – he has excellent relationships with his clients and brings us deals that fit well into our criteria. I look forward to working with Alan again soon”.