Atelier, a prominent development finance lender in the UK, has reached a significant milestone by exceeding £1 billion in gross lending. This achievement reflects the company’s commitment to supporting various sectors, including residential projects, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and the care industry over the past seven years.
Future Lending Goals
As Atelier looks ahead, it has set an ambitious target to generate a further £1 billion in gross lending within the next three years. This goal will be driven by the strategic expansion of its origination team, which is expected to enhance its outreach and effectiveness in securing new projects.
Market Confidence and Demand
Atelier is optimistic, anticipating “improving market confidence and sustained demand” across its key lending sectors. This outlook is particularly pertinent for the PBSA market, where demand continues to rise, driven by the increasing number of students seeking quality accommodation in the UK. Chris Gardner, CEO of Atelier, articulated the significance of reaching this lending milestone, stating, “Reaching £1 billion of lending is a landmark moment for Atelier.”
Commitment to Developers
Gardner further emphasised that Atelier has developed a robust business model that consistently delivers results for developers, even in challenging market conditions. He noted that the firm’s combination of speed and flexibility, alongside rigorous credit discipline, positions it as a preferred lender for experienced developers and their advisers. With a strong pipeline of projects and growing demand for its lending products, Atelier is poised for substantial opportunities in the near future.
Strong Foundations for Growth
Paul Silva, CFO of Atelier, highlighted that the firm’s success extends beyond mere origination. “Our success is built on more than origination alone,” Silva stated, explaining that Atelier has heavily invested in comprehensive risk management, portfolio monitoring, and capital efficiency from the outset. This approach ensures that growth remains sustainable and repeatable over time. With these strong foundations in place, the company is exceptionally well-positioned to scale its operations and support a greater number of high-quality development projects well into 2026 and beyond.
The achievement of surpassing £1 billion in gross lending not only reflects Atelier’s strength in the UK finance landscape but also underscores its vital role in the development of purpose-built student accommodation and other essential sectors. This milestone is a testament to the firm’s dedicated approach and strategic vision in a competitive market.