With bridging from Bricks, the Highlands Group has been able to accelerate its vision of creating comfortable and friendly homes for Children that really do need them.

The Highlands Group is building a group of children’s homes by purchasing substantial residential buildings, and converting them into Ofsted registered residential care homes for children.

With bridging finance from Bricks, the company was able to fund a property acquisition in Hampshire and to remodel it to meet Ofsted’s considerable regulatory requirements while maintaining the lovely feel of a family home. The home is now successfully registered and accommodates four “looked after children”. Once it was successfully occupied, the company was able to refinance with term funding.

Cofounder Kevin Betts said: “Even though we have been operating care homes for young adults since 2003, traditional banks are still reluctant to fund our new properties until we have regulatory approval and residents in place, but with bridging from Bricks we can accelerate our vision of building and widening our group of children’s homes.

Having completed two successful bridging loans with Bricks, Kevin is on the lookout for his next property and Bricks will be ready to support him.

Clive Banks for Bricks said: “This marks our second loan to a seasoned operator who has a strong track record. With years of industry experience, Kevin has a proven formula in a highly regulated environment that works.

Kevin concluded: “The old story comparing traditional banks to selling umbrellas, but only on sunny days, is absolutely true. There are quite a few in the bridging market but Bricks’ outlook seemed more flexible, realistic, and suited us best. An excellent Business Partner!