Hope Capital - Look back on Q2 2025 by hope-capital

HOPE- FULL

NACFB COMMERCIAL FINANCE EXPO 2025

Thanks to everyone who stopped by

INTRODUCING OUR NEW COMMERCIAL LOAN

70% LTV at 0.92% now with reduced rates

OUR RESI FAST-TRACK JUST GOT EVEN BETTER

Reduced rates and increased dual representation

Editor’s Note

s we reach the halfway mark of 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on an incredible Q2.

It’s been one of our busiest and most exciting quarters yet, from multiple product launches, proudly exhibiting at the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo, and celebrating being highly commended in not one, but two What Mortgage Awards!

We also launched what might be our favourite campaign to date, featuring the stars of the show, Amber and Teddy, aka our Head of Sales, Kim Parker, and CFO, Kate Cowan’s, little ones, as part of our brand-new commercial loan.

A huge well done to the entire team for their continued dedication and drive, and a big thank you to all our brokers and partners for your ongoing support. Here’s to an even stronger second half of the year!

EMILY CROWE Senior Marketing & PR Executive

P4-P5 Did you spot us at the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo 2025

Thanks to everyone who stopped by

P6-P7 Introducing you to our brandnew commercial loan

Turning abandoned commercial buildings into affordable homes and mixed-use spaces

P8 Star of Hope spotlight

Meet this quarter’s winner, chosen by the Hope Capital Senior Leadership team

P9 Welcome Grace!

A warm introduction to our newest team member

P10 Summer party highlights

Celebrating success and summer in style

P11 Supporting women in business Through the Liverpool Ladies Network

P12 Well done to the Sunshine Group! We’re proud to support their incredible work

P13 Recognising dedication

Honouring our longest-serving team members and their milestones

P14-P15 Short-term rentals, big opportunities

Helping borrowers make the most of the STR market

P16-P17 The award success continues

We strike again, taking home highly commended in two award categories

P18-P19 Our resi fast-track just got even better

Now with reduced rates and increased dual representation!

P20-P21 Ending Q2 on a high!

Another quarter filled with fantastic achievements

P22-P23 The inside scoop on work experience at Hope Capital

Hear first-hand from one of our latest participants

P24-P25 A royal moment for the Sunshine Group

A proud day meeting His Majesty The King

P26-P27 A lunch that made a difference

Supporting North West Cancer Research at the Liverpool ’ Lunch

P28-P29 Stepping up for a cause

Our team took on the StepUp challenge this quarter

P30-P31 Out and about Discover what we’ve been up to lately

Did you spot us at the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo 2025

Thanks to everyone who stopped by

On 11th June, we proudly took our place at stand N12 at the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo 2025 - and what a day it was!

Our stand was a HUGE success, and we were especially excited to officially launch our latest commercial product designed for borrowers looking to convert commercial property to residential or semi-commercialsomething we’ve been keeping under wraps until now (more on that on the next page…)

This new offering is set to make a real impact by transforming disused commercial spaces into much-needed affordable homes and

mixed-use spaces.

The event itself was bigger and better than ever before, and we were thrilled to be part of such an energising and forward-thinking day.

A special thank you to Maximum Exhibitions who worked with our marketing team to create a show-stopping stand that truly showcased our latest offering. The team definitely exceeded all expectations!

A heartfelt thank you to all of our brokers - your continued support and enthusiasm helped make the event truly memorable.

David Weir and Ryan Peers

Introducing you to our brand-new commercial loan

Fresh off proudly exhibiting at the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo, we pulled out all the stops for our latest campaign launch. Not only did we launch a brand-new commercial loan, but we were also lucky enough to be joined by two shining stars – Teddy and Amber, aka our CFO, Kate Cowan’s son and our Head of Sales, Kim Parker’s daughter.

This launch holds special significance for us, as it reflects our continued

commitment to promoting sustainable approaches.

The latest launch helps to address the governments housing shortage, by meeting the rising demand for affordable homes, meets the need for mixed-use spaces and provides developers with an opportunity to boost residential property in prime urban areas. Not forgetting repurposing existing commercial buildings is often more ecofriendly and provides cost

savings than tearing down and building from scratch.

Whether our borrowers are looking to take a more sustainable approach to housing development, play their part in creating a better future, or looking for a new opportunity altogether, converting property from commercial to semi-commercial or residential is a win-win situation.

Star of Hope spotlight

Meet this quarter’s winner, chosen by the Hope Capital

Senior Leadership team

Stacey Bradwell

Underwriter

Stacey has transitioned fabulously into the role of underwriter, always keen to learn but always willing to support others as well. Her positive can do attitude shines through and she has built fantastic relationships already with brokers and clients alike, which are evident from the numerous reviews and feedback received. Made up to have her on the team, keep up the great work!

We’re delighted to announce that Stacey Bradwell has been awarded our Q2 Star of Hope as part of our quarterly values recognition scheme - a celebration of team members who consistently demonstrate and live our core values.

This quarter’s winner was carefully selected by the Hope Capital Senior

I don’t work directly with Stacey, but I often hear her on calls and she’s fantastic. She’s professional, efficient, and always handles questions and problems with confidence. Stacey’s respectful and friendly approach really makes a difference for brokers and clients alike, which clearly shows in the positive reviews she’s received.

Leadership Team for their outstanding contribution and commitment. As a token of our appreciation, Stacey will receive a shiny trophy and a monetary gift to treat herself to something special.

Well done, Stacey - and thank you for all that you do!

Welcome Grace

A warm introduction to our newest team member

Grace Richmond Portfolio Case Manager

We’re excited to welcome Grace Richmond to Hope Capital as the newest member of our team!

Bringing fresh energy and a strong skill set, Grace has joined us at an exciting time of continued growth and innovation. Her passion and drive make her a great fit for our values-led culture, and we can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make in her new role.

Welcome aboard, Grace - we’re thrilled to have you with us!

Celebrating success and summer in style Summer party highlights

Summer came a little early to the Hope Capital office this year, with our annual summer party taking place in May. After a fantastic celebration in February to mark a recordbreaking period for the business, the team enjoyed another well-deserved evening out, this time at Pins in Liverpool.

With bowling, beer pong, pool, and more, it was a brilliant opportunity to unwind, have fun, and recognise the continued hard work and dedication of our incredible team.

Supporting women in business

Through the Liverpool Ladies Network

Our Head of Sales, Kim Parker, and Head of Marketing & Communications, Sarah Butler, were delighted to attend the latest Liverpool Ladies Network (LLN) event - a brilliant opportunity to connect with inspiring professional women from across the Liverpool City Region.

LLN is a not-for-profit organisation that hosts five networking lunches each year, offering a warm, inclusive space for women to build meaningful connections, share ideas, and support one another’s

professional growth. With a membership that includes senior leaders and business owners, LLN is a driving force within Liverpool’s dynamic business community.

Run by a dedicated voluntary committee, the network champions economic growth and collaboration - with no membership fees, only event-based attendance.

This event also saw the exciting announcement of LLN’s 2025 charity partner: The Girls’ Network, which provides mentoring for girls

aged 14–19. The goal is to raise £9,000 and recruit 30 mentors from within the network to help empower young women across the Liverpool City Region. For more information, please visit: The Girls’ Network https://www.thegirlsnetwork. org.uk

Thank you to LLN for hosting such a welcoming and empowering event - we’re proud to be part of it.

For more information, please contact: Liverpoolladiesnetwork.com liverpoolladiesnetwork@gmail.com

Well done to the Sunshine Group!

We’re proud to support their incredible work

For the past nine years, Hope Capital has had the privilege of supporting the Sunshine Group - a remarkable support network for breast cancer patients at Aintree University Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

The group’s work is truly invaluable, constantly exploring new ways to support its membersall of whom have been affected by breast cancer in some way. Their compassion, commitment,

Zining Zhang, Ford UK, Jacqui Johnson, Lord Mayor Cllr Barbara Murray, Ann Coffey, and Lynne Killen Wilkinson

and community spirit are nothing short of inspiring.

We’re delighted to share that, thanks to the Ford Motor Group, the Sunshine Group has been selected to trial the SupportBelt - a groundbreaking new product designed specifically for individuals who have undergone a mastectomy or breast tissue removal as part of their treatment.

This innovative device attaches to a standard car seatbelt, providing

enhanced comfort and protection for users while on the road.

Now available for free in the UK, the SupportBelt is being offered in partnership with breast cancer support charities including the Sunshine Group, Flat Friends and Keeping Abreast.

At Hope Capital, we are proud to stand alongside the Sunshine Group in their mission to uplift and support women when they need it most.

Recognising dedication

Honouring our longest-serving

team

The long service awards continued this quarter. First up, we celebrated our fantastic Senior Underwriter, Ryan Peers, who celebrated three years. Starting out as an underwriter, Ryan earned his place as a Senior Underwriter in 2024, and we couldn’t be happier to have him as part of the team.

From deals requiring flexibility and speed to those involving substantial loan amounts, he’s proven his capability time and again, including underwriting our largest deal to date at £5.8 million.

It’s not just our internal

team that values Ryan, the ongoing positive feedback from our partners, brokers, and borrowers highlights just how much of an asset he truly is to Hope Capital.

Congratulations, Ryan!

Next up, we had our brilliant Head of Marketing and Communications, Sarah Butler, also celebrating three years within the business. We couldn’t be more thankful to have Sarah on the team! Nothing’s ever too much trouble and she is always willing to go the extra mile to help anyone in the business.

Over the past three years, Sarah’s made a huge

members and their milestones Sarah Butler Ryan Peers

difference. She’s completely refreshed our marketing and brand, helped launch our internal wellbeing platform, myHOPE, and brought our HOPE-FULL newsletter to life. The list of achievements could go on and on. Not forgetting the amazing work she does for the Sunshine Group breast cancer support network who we have proudly been supporting for several years now.

Sarah consistently puts her team first and brings positivity and dedication to everything she does. We’re truly lucky to have her as part of Hope Capital. Congratulations on 3 amazing years, Sarah!

Helping borrowers make the most of the STR market.

With the Renters’ Rights Bill progressing quickly through Parliament, the landscape for property investors is shifting.

However, that doesn’t mean investment opportunities have to stop. In fact, the wave of interest in the short-term rental space, continues to grow rapidly. Did you know by the end of 2024, Airbnb reported a 9.8% year-on-year increase in bookings, that’s around 438

million nights and experiences booked on Airbnb last year alone. If that’s not a clear sign of growing demand, we don’t know what is.

That’s why this quarter, we launched another educational campaign, designed to equip our brokers with the insights they need to support their clients in capitalising on this trend. And of course, we highlighted how bridging finance can be the ideal solution to help make the most

What Mortgage Awards - Highly commended in the Best Short-term Lender and Best Specialist Lender categories.

The award success continues

We strike again, taking commended in two

Finance Awards North West –Finalist in the Finance Team of the Year category.

Each quarter, we’re proud to highlight our team’s achievements, and Q2 has been another standout period filled with recognition and success.

Firstly, we were awarded highly commended in not one, but two, What Mortgage Awards – Best ShortTerm Lender and Best Specialist Lender. Up against some fantastic competition, including Harpenden Building Society, Quantum Mortgages and Together, this is a fantastic achievement for our team.

The good news didn’t stop there. We also celebrated being finalists in two other award programmes. First up was the Finance Awards North West where our finance team were named a finalist in the Finance Team of the Year category. A special shoutout to

Charlotte Holt, Jemma Wood, clearly left a lasting impression thorough and rigorous interview

Together, they bring over 14 at Hope Capital, have each earned during their time here, and with multiple industry awards, Charlotte, Jemma and Kate Thank you to the guest judges was a pleasure sharing our achievements earlier this year.

Adding to the good news, our also named a finalist in the category at the Financial Reporter

award continues

taking home highly two award categories

Financial Reporter Broker’s Choice Awards – Finalist in the Business Leader of the Year category.

Wood, and Kate Cowan, who impression on the judges after a interview process.

14 years of experience earned promotions have been recognised awards, so it was no surprise impressed the judges. judges at Robert Walters, it achievements with you

our CFO, Kate Cowan, was Business Leader of the Year Reporter Broker’s Choice

Final Stage - Mortgage Introducer Top Mortgage Employer Awards.

Awards in May. Since joining Hope Capital in 2019, Kate has consistently made an exceptional impact, playing a pivotal role in driving a 25% increase in our loan book this year alone. She’s also helped shape our culture and workplace with initiatives like our Wellness Window and Energy Accounting, which continue to make Hope Capital a fantastic place to work.

And finally, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve progressed to the next stage in the Mortgage Introducer Top Mortgage Employer Awards. Having taken home the title for three consecutive years, we’re hoping to make it four…so stay tuned!

Now with reduced rates and increased dual

If you read the last edition of HOPE-FULL, you would have heard the news that to kick start this year, we launched our biggest ever rate drop and also introduced a residential fast-track loan, designed to help our borrowers who were looking to beat the stamp duty deadline.

The response from both launches was incredible, helping us achieve countless records. To keep the momentum going in May we announced a 7bps reduction in our residential fast-track bridging loan rates. In line with the rate reduction, we also raised our dual representation offering to £750,000, up from £500,000, ensuring we are better positioned than before to support our borrowers with more affordable options and quicker turnarounds.

Our focus remains on delivering clarity, speed, and flexibility to our broker partners and their clients, and we’re looking forward to rolling out even more product launches in the near future.

Our resi fast-track got even better

fast-track just better representation!

Ending Q2 on a

Another quarter filled

with fantastic achievements

With the help of our valued partners at Brabners who kindly allowed us to use their fantastic conference space, we ended Q2 in style at their fantastic office in Liverpool City Centre.

The day was jam-packed, including a brilliant strategy update from our CFO, Kate, and the much-anticipated return of our annual LAFTA Awards. We were also delighted to be joined by Kerry Hodgkiss from Mind Development, who hosted a brilliant workshop as we took part in a personality testing exercise, helping us understand how our colleagues best operate and collaborate. Kerry also worked with us on another extremely exciting project, which we will be announcing very soon….

After looking on to the second half of the year during the day, we took the time, in the evening, to celebrate our achievements with some drinks, laughs and friendly competition.

a high!

The inside scoop on work experience at Hope Capital

Hear first-hand from one of our latest participants

Last quarter, we had the pleasure of welcoming Olivia, who is our CFO, Kate’s daughter, for a week of work experience. During her time with us, Olivia had the opportunity to see how each department operates and how they all contribute to the wider business.

It was a great chance to get an outsiders perspective on life at Hope Capital. Here’s a look at what her week involved:

Monday

– Sales

After an introduction to the team, Olivia was given an overview of the sales function and how it fits within both Hope Capital and the wider finance sector. By lunchtime, she was already sending emails to brokers and learning how to create AIPs. Later that day, she stepped out of her comfort zone and made a call to a broker herself. It was a great way to start the week and feel part of the team.

Tuesday

– Marketing

The day began with a team meeting, followed by sitting down to film an interview with Kate about what it’s like growing up with a CFO for a mum, how important is work experience when it comes to figuring out what you want to do in the future and how does Kate find balance between work and family…

Olivia then worked on designing internal marketing materials for an upcoming office celebration using Canva and was shown how the team uses Photoshop to create their visual content. Olivia

enjoyed seeing the creative side of the business and how it supports day-to-day operations.

Wednesday

– Post Completions

Olivia got involved in various tasks throughout the day, including helping to organise and archive files from the previous quarter. This was a great opportunity for Olivia to obtain a clear view of the essential behind-the-scenes responsibilities that help keep the back end of the business running smoothly.

Thursday

– Underwriting

Next up, a schedule was prepared for Olivia to spend time with different members of the underwriting team to learn about their roles and how we underwrite deals.

Throughout the day, she observed how the team assess risk, and how the team get a deal from A to B. It was a jam- packed but insightful day, giving her a broad understanding of how the company operates as a whole.

We’re delighted to have given Olivia an insight into the business and are sure she picked up some valuable skills along the way. We have no doubt that she has a very promising future ahead!

Seeing that my mum has a big fancy job, being the boss at work and at home, is empowering, it makes me feel like I can have an important job too

Olivia Cowan

and Olivia Cowan

Olivia Cowan and Kate Cowan

A royal moment for the Sunshine Group

A proud day meeting His Majesty The King

In our last edition of HOPE-FULL, we proudly shared the exciting news that the Sunshine Group breast cancer support group had been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest honour given to volunteer groups across the UK.

Having worked with Ann Coffey and the team for several years, we know just how deserving they are of this recognition.

As part of the celebrations, Ann Coffey, Karen Crilly, Nicola Hooton, and Tracy Wood made a special trip to London, with Ann and Nicola representing the group at an unforgettable garden party at Buckingham Palace.

We’re so pleased to see their incredible dedication and compassion recognised on such a grand stage.

A lunch that made a difference

Supporting North West Cancer Research at Liverpool Ladies’ Lunch

Hope Capital was delighted to attend North West Cancer Research’s Charity Ladies’ Lunch on 1st May, held in collaboration with Professional Liverpool at the stylish Gaucho Restaurant. The event brought together over 100 guests - including a few distinguished gentlemen, for an afternoon of fine dining, inspiration, and fundraising in support of lifesaving cancer research.

Guests were welcomed with a glass of fizz before enjoying a delicious three-course meal crafted by Gaucho’s renowned chefs. Each attendee

also received a thoughtfully curated goodie bag, generously provided by The Liverpool Beauty Company and Hayes & Finch.

Fundraising highlights included a raffle with fantastic prizes donated by local businesses and a lively "spin the wheel" competition offering the chance to win a stunning Love Letter Pendant, kindly donated by Boodles Liverpool.

The afternoon featured an engaging talk from Dr. Amanda Thomaz of Edge Hill University, who shared her team’s promising research into triple negative breast cancer.

Using PROTACs - innovative molecules that break down cancerdriving proteins - the team has seen encouraging early results, targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.

With continued North West Cancer phase is underway with Professor the University by postdoctoral Turvey and Dr. The aim: to develop targeted treatments limited options.

Every ticket sold contributes to research and that address the challenges faced region.

Hope Capital supporting such thanks North and Professional a memorable

From left to right: Molly Quirke, MSB, Tanya Lemon, CG&Co Naomi Willams, Dutton Gregory, Pauline O’Gorman, Hope Capital, Ella Hunter, JMW, Kate Parrish, Glaisyers, Laura Carr, Hope Capital, Jemma Wood, Hope Capital, Steph Kinsella, Hope Capital, Lauren Swanick, Brabners

the

continued funding from Cancer Research, the next underway in collaboration Professor Sam Butterworth at University of Manchester, led postdoctoral scientists Dr. Sam Dr. Josh Northcote-Smith. develop more effective, treatments for patients with options.

sold for the event to funding critical educational initiatives the unique cancer faced by the North West

is proud to continue such impactful causes and West Cancer Research Professional Liverpool for hosting memorable and meaningful event.

Upcoming events organised by North West Cancer Research:

Lancaster Ladies’ Lunch

Thursday 18th

September 2025

Ashton-With-Stodday, Lancaster

Berlin Marathon

Sunday 21st September 2025

Berlin, Germany

Fire and Lego Walk

Saturday 27th

September 2025

Worsley, Greater Manchester

Cardiff Half Marathon

Sunday 5th

October 2025

Cardiff, Wales

Chicago Marathon

Sunday 12th October 2025

Chicago, USA

Valencia Half Marathon

Sunday 26th October 2025

Valencia, Spain

Dublin Marathon

Sunday 26th October 2025

Dublin, Ireland

Silverstone Half Marathon

Sunday 23rd

November 2025

Towcester, Northamptonshire

Interested in supporting North West Cancer Research?

Take a look at their latest events and find out how you can get involved in making a difference across our region. Every step, donation, and show of support helps fund life-saving research right here in the North West.

Stepping up for a great cause

Our team took on the StepUp challenge this quarter

Throughout the year, our social committee, also known as the Hope Collective, has been busy organising a variety of events and activities to bring our team together. May was no different!

In support of Mental Health Awareness Week, the team at Hope Capital took on a Step Challenge, promoting physical activity and mental wellbeing, not just for the week, but for the entire month of May.

This initiative was a fantastic way to stay active, spark friendly competition, and encourage open conversations

about mental health in the workplace. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Hope Capital event without a bit of fun and rivalry. The Step Challenge inspired everyone to keep moving, even with busy schedules, all while reinforcing the positive link between physical and mental health.

To keep things interesting, we introduced a few light-hearted award categories:

Globe Trotter Award (achieved 629,832 steps in just one month!) – For the person who clocked the