intelligence PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE Modern investment for vintage cars


Somerford Mini Limited, an international supplier and restorer of Minis in Wiltshire, has secured a finance package from HSBC UK to revamp its website and modernise the business. Founded by Peter


Hines in 1990, Somerford Mini Ltd is using the funding to update the design of its existing website and to purchase new software which will mean it can be optimised for different platforms and translated into five languages and currencies. The new online functions are expected to increase turnover by 10%. The business has also just hired


its ninth employee and expects to continue growing the team over the next six months as the firm expands its online services. Peter Hines, founder of


Somerford Mini Limited, said: “Having been a Mini enthusiast since I can remember, it was always a dream of mine to own a company which meant I could work with the iconic cars every day. In these digital times, it’s so important for a company like mine to have a strong online presence and a website that’s easy to use, encouraging more sales and a


‘It’s so


important for a company like mine to have a strong online presence’


FINANCE


Somerford Mini Ltd founder Peter Hines with HSBC UK’s Amanda Brown


better reputation. Thanks to my HSBC UK relationship manager, Amanda Brown, we have been able to adapt our business to reach an international audience.” David Butler, area director for


Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire at HSBC UK, said: “Peter is very


passionate about Minis and it was this passion that helped him build his business. HSBC UK is committed to supporting British businesses and Somerford Mini is no exception. We look forward to seeing Peter’s business continue to flourish as it becomes more digitalised.”


Growth secured by re-finance


Bristol property company Urban Creation has secured a £20m re-finance of its property portfolio with Handelsbanken. Urban Creation develops and manages high


quality properties, with a focus on student accommodation and boutique-serviced apartments in the heart of Bristol. The deal will underpin the company's


future growth and reflects the quality of its existing portfolio as well as the success of Urban Creation's first foray into serviced apartments. Jonathan Brecknell (pictured), director of


Urban Creation, said: “We've carved out a niche for ourselves in seeing the potential in unusual, often historic buildings and carefully converting them into high quality, stylish places. “It's fantastic to have this refinance agreed, meaning


we are well placed to build on the recent success we've seen across our business and are now poised for growth.”


26 insight MAY/JUNE 2019 The re-finance covers Urban Creation's entire


property portfolio including student homes at Charlotte's Rise on Charlotte Street, Manor House off St Michael's Hill, Ashington House on Clifton Triangle, and Prince Rupert House on Tyndalls Park Road. Jonathan continued: “We are excited to be


able to take the business to the next stage. Handelsbanken is a great partner for us due to their local expertise which means they are well positioned to understand our Bristol portfolio.” Matt Bevan, who acted for


Handelsbanken, said: “We are delighted to support Urban Creation's continuing growth plans and, as a member of the local business


community, have known the business for over ten years so are familiar with the high quality of product they deliver. As a local relationship bank, we are pleased to be chosen as their funder of choice, and look forward to seeing future projects come through to completion.”


The funding from HSBC UK


comes after Peter secured a six- figure finance facility in 2015 to relocate the business to new premises. This recent deal is part of HSBC UK’s £550m lending fund to support small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises in Bristol.


Beech House exterior


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32