Seaford Finance launches SME division

David Thomas will lead the Manchester-based broker’s new service line, which will provide loans of between £1m and £5m and is targeting up to £150m of debt origination in year one.

Seaford Finance is a recognised player in the mid-market, brokering loans of £15m and above to clients across the property sector and has identified a need to service demand at a smaller entry point for SMEs seeking debt.

The new division will launch in mid-April and will be led by Thomas, who has been with Seaford for more than 20 years. Seaford expects to make a series of hires over the coming months to support the venture.

Seaford SME will primarily support professional landlords and developers across residential portfolios, offices, retail, industrial and logistics, PBSA, and mixed-use schemes, the company said.

Over the last year, Seaford brokered more than £900m of debt deals across the office and residential sectors nationally. The firm works with 75 lenders from challenger banks through to pension funds.

“Our reputation is built on high-level execution for major mid-market transactions, yet our roots remain with the clients who have grown alongside us,” said Morris Rothbart, managing partner at Seaford Finance.

“The launch of Seaford SME under David’s leadership allows us to divide our expertise: providing dedicated, senior-level attention to the £1m – £5m space, while our core partners continue to drive the high-value £15m+ mandates that are the bedrock of our firm.”