Hope Capital

Office address: Alaska House, No.1 Atlantic Park, Dunnings Bridge Road, Liverpool L30 4AB 
Website: www.hope-capital.co.uk  
Year established: 2011 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 30+ 
Expertise: bridging finance, investments, specialist lending, property finance, short term loans, residential bridging loan, semi-commercial bridging loan, commercial bridging loan, auction finance, refurbishment loans 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Jonathan Sealey (CEO), Steve Sealey (chairman), Kate Cowan (CFO), Kim Parker (head of sales), Laura Carr (head of underwriting), Jemma Wood (head of portfolio management), Sarah Butler (head of marketing and communications) 
Financing status: N/A 

Hope Capital is a short-term lender from Liverpool that specialises in bridging finance solutions to property investors, developers, and brokers. With over 13 years of service, the firm has expanded its staff to more than 30 employees. The company has operations across England, Scotland, and Wales and a network of over 28 industry partners. 

History of Hope Capital 

Hope Capital is a privately-run bridging company that was founded in 2011 by Jonathan Sealey. They pride themselves on exceptional customer service, helping brokers and clients find tailored solutions. Offering loans from £100k to £5m with fixed rates starting at 0.85%, the company secures financing for residential, semi-commercial, and commercial properties. 

In 2023, Hope Capital recorded its best-ever period in business, marking a significant achievement in the company's growth trajectory. The firm also announced a rate drop on all deals over £1 million, enhancing its competitive edge in the market in that same year. It expanded its lending capabilities to include a range of valuation types, broadening its service offerings. 

Products and Services of Hope Capital 

Hope Capital offers a range of tailored bridging finance solutions, providing quick and flexible funding options. Key offerings include: 

• residential bridging loan: short-term loans for residential property purchases, refurbishments, and development projects, tailored for quick completions 

• semi-commercial bridging loan: financing solutions for properties with mixed residential and commercial use, ideal for investors looking to maximise their portfolio's potential 

• commercial bridging loan: loans designed for commercial property acquisitions and developments, offering flexible terms to meet business needs 

• refurbishment loans: financial support for property renovations, helping investors enhance property value and marketability 

• auction finance: fast and reliable financing solutions for property purchases at auctions, ensuring timely access to funds 

• development exit loans: short-term loans that provide developers with the necessary capital to complete their projects or transition to long-term financing 

• business bridging loans: tailored bridging finance options for businesses needing quick access to capital for various operational needs 

Culture at Hope Capital 

Hope Capital engages with charitable initiatives, emphasising the importance of corporate social responsibility. Supporting charities is important to the company, reflecting their dedication to community impact. They support various charities and community programs including: 

• Alder Hey Children's Hospital 

• The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre 

• Claire House Children's Hospice 

• The Brain Tumour Charity 

• Cash for Kids 

• Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust 

Hope Capital celebrates women in finance, promoting gender equality and inclusion across the industry. They believe in supporting women's career advancement and leadership to foster a diverse and dynamic workplace. Initiatives and achievements include: 

• signing the Women in Finance Charter 

• recognising employees through the Elite Women Awards 

• celebrating International Women's Day 

• hosting women-focused networking events 

• encouraging female leadership roles 

• conducting diversity training 

• education and mentorship programs for women 

Hope Capital follows an ESG framework to promote sustainability and ethical practices in their operations. They do this to ensure a long-term positive impact on society and the environment. Initiatives and achievements include: 

• introduced a Cycle to Work scheme 

• proudly supported the Sunshine Group, a local breast cancer charity, since 2016 

• established an environmental and social committee 

• invested in local talent, from football teams to professional MMA fighters 

• implemented a robust employee benefit scheme, myHope 

• trained numerous Mental Health First Aiders within the company 

Hope Capital integrates their operations with core values including collaboration, flexibility, integrity, customer-centricity, and continuous improvement. With the help of its employees, the company aims to be the UK's leading specialist lender, providing innovative, flexible, tailored solutions with exceptional service. To achieve this, they provide their staff with employee benefits and support, including: 

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays 

• option to buy or sell annual leave 

• workplace pension scheme 

• flexible working with a hybrid model 

• life assurance, income protection, and health cash plan 

• discretionary annual bonus and sales commission 

• modern office with complimentary parking 

• learning and development opportunities 

• quarterly employee recognition scheme 

• regular employee surveys and feedback sessions 

• open door policy with executive team 

About Hope Capital CEO Jonathan Sealey and Key People 

Jonathan Sealey serves as Hope Capital's CEO and founder. His work history includes being an investor development manager at Aquarius Equity Partners and a development surveyor at Maghull Development. He attended Sheffield Hallam University, with a focus on property planning, development, and surveying. 

Key People helping the CEO in leading the company include: 

• Steve Sealey, as chairman, provides strategic oversight and guidance for the company's direction 

• Kate Cowan, serving as CFO, manages the financial operations and ensures fiscal responsibility 

• Kim Parker, as head of sales, drives the company’s sales strategy and client acquisition efforts 

• Laura Carr, head of underwriting, oversees the underwriting process to ensure sound lending decisions 

• Jemma Wood, as head of portfolio management, manages and optimises the company’s loan portfolio 

• Sarah Butler, head of marketing and communications, leads the company's branding and communication initiatives 

The Future at Hope Capital 

Hope Capital is working towards continuous growth and innovation in the bridging finance sector. The company aims to expand its product offerings and enter new markets, strengthening its position as a leading lender. Recent team expansions and promotions highlight their commitment to maintaining a skilled and dynamic workforce.  

Their record-breaking business period in 2023 underscores their success and potential for future achievements. Moving forward, Hope Capital will focus on sustainable growth, leveraging their expertise and market knowledge to meet the diverse needs of their clients and industry.