A YOUNG property investment company doing big business in hard times is looking north for fresh opportunities.
Paladin Capital says the crisis in the UK property market is a window of opportunity that makes them the “go-to” guys for developers struggling to raise funds and investors hunting sound returns.
With institutions demanding developers come up with more money for projects - to compensate for plunging property values - Paladin believes they offer a solution that could sow the seeds for recovery in Middlesbrough and nationwide.
This boutique operation says it offers a unique blend of business experience in planning and development, working closely with blue chip advisers to tax-optimise clients’ investments.
With their strategy structured by PricewaterhouseCoopers and property appraisals by Savills, they are already heavily involved in major projects in Staines, Ipswich, Desborough, Chellaston and Risby. Now Paladin Capital has opened offices near Manchester Airport where business development partner Simon Bernard is installed and looking for opportunities all over the North, including Middlesbrough.
He said: “There are developers and projects out there that have been brought to their knees with projects that can’t get off the drawing board because of the recession. They are just crying out for the special blend of expertise that we can provide to get them up and running.
“We offer funding arrangements for developers to progress their planning applications and infrastructure works whilst easing the pressure from third party lenders. Paladin Capital is already involved in the South and Midlands and now we want to offer the same customised service with a personal touch in the North.”
Projects around Britain already progressing include an 85-acre greenfield site in the Midlands for 700 homes, including 10 acres for employment, a mixed-use development opportunity near a Middlesex shopping centre and the transformation of a brewery site in Suffolk.
Paladin is also making headway in the renewable energy sector.
Its first energy from waste project was launched in Desborough, Northamptonshire, last year. It is scheduled to generate enough energy to power around 10,000 homes annually.
In 2012, the company also has its sights on an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant in Norfolk. AD has been actively promoted and supported by the Government as a technology of choice with significant financial incentives.
Paladin Capital is targeting corporate customers and high net worth individuals to trade with them as members of their Property Partnerships, which will provide planning, design and construction services to UK landowners and developers needing a vital cash injection.
Bernard added: “We offer investment in commercial UK property development - a tangible asset - designed to return around 130% to 220% of initial capital contribution in about three to five years.
“With a £9,000 net minimum investment, it is an opportunity suitable for all profitable corporates.
“ It also affords a chance for the housing market to grow through investment in planning and infrastructure finance not currently available from high street banks.”