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
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