Meet the Property Development Finance team

Flexible property finance depends on people who understand the pace and complexity of development.

Through our Meet the Property Team series, we’re introducing the colleagues who turn that understanding into quick decisions, carefully structured solutions and lasting client relationships. They’ll share their roles, career journeys and market perspectives, how these shape their work with clients and partners, and a little about the people behind the job titles.

First up, we speak to Patrick Marshall, Associate Director.

Tell us a little about your role at Triple Point? I joined Triple Point seven years ago as a Portfolio Manager and moved into origination four years ago. I now source development finance opportunities and build relationships with borrowers and brokers. Since making the move, I’ve developed a strong network of clients and introducers, with repeat borrowers accounting for a growing share of new business.

What first attracted you to the property industry? When I realised I wasn’t going to make it as a box-to-box midfield general for Watford FC, banking seemed like the next best option! I began my career at HSBC before moving into property finance with Dunbar Bank in 2002. I spent 14 years there, including working through the development loan book run-off following the financial crisis. It was a valuable education in property lending and taught me the importance of understanding both the deal and the people behind it. More than 20 years later, and with a few grey hairs probably from watching Watford, I’m still enjoying it.

What do you enjoy most about your role? The people and the relationships. It’s also a very sociable role, which suits me. I enjoy meeting developers and brokers, hearing about their plans and understanding what they’re trying to achieve. There’s something particularly satisfying about an initial conversation turning into a first deal and then, hopefully, a long-term relationship where you go on to work on several projects together. I’m also fortunate to work alongside a really strong team of experienced people at Triple Point, so there’s always someone to bounce an idea off, offer a different perspective or provide helpful advice.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone starting a new development project? Build plenty of contingency into both your budget and your programme. However well you plan a development, something unexpected will invariably come along. I’d also say engage with your lender early and be open about the potential challenges. The earlier we understand a project and the issues that might arise, the more constructive we can be in helping to find a solution.

What’s the first thing you want to understand when meeting a new borrower? Experience. Have they delivered similar schemes before? What was the outcome, what challenges did they face along the way, and how did they overcome them? Property development rarely runs smoothly, so understanding how someone has dealt with problems previously tells you a lot and is very important.