The programme was developed in conjunction with the Association of Short-Term Lenders (ASTL) and Financial Intermediaries and Brokers Association (FIBA). It is designed to build skills and knowledge of the specialist property finance sector, including bridging finance, buy to let lending, commercial mortgage lending, and development finance. Key Skills Include: Ability to apply understanding and identify most suitable product for customers Understanding of exit strategies of financial products Understanding of regulatory and processing requirements, and how each of them is underwritten Understanding of the benefits and risks of different specialist finance products, to customers and lenders Understanding of the different types of specialist property finance options.

We were able to provide a commercial mortgage to a North Yorkshire landlord who had previously taken a two year bridging loan to secure the purchase of a pub. The landlord was a new entrant to the leisure industry two years ago, having retired from his previous profession 12 months earlier. Therefore, The client had less than the 3 years of minimum experience required by commercial mortgage lenders operating in this sector at the time. On this basis Equinox Commercial Finance were able to provide a 2 year Commercial Bridging Loan to the client, which enabled him to purchase the property. At the end of the 2 year term the client had enough experience to be able to re-finance onto a long-term commercial mortgage, although given the current climate most lenders had withdrawn their appetite to lend to the sector. The client had implemented some impressive growth plans including increasing the size of the rear bar area, further decorative improvements and development of the outside areas. He had also made significant cost reductions, which helped his cash flow position. On this basis Equinox Commercial Finance were able to provide a mid term Commercial Mortgage product to the client, with a view to refinancing again when the current turbulence in the lending market subsides and mainstream lenders are open to the leisure sector once again.