Mint Property Finance

Office address: Peel House, 30 The Downs, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 2PX 
Website: www.mintpropertyfinance.co.uk 
Year established: 2011 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 40+ 
Expertise: development finance, refurbishment bridge finance, bridging finance, short term finance 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Andrew Lazare (MD), Paul Wertheim (director), Mark Abrahams (director), Richard Showman (head of lending), Karen Shepherd (head of operations), Lewis Pelle ACCA (financial controller), Adam Robson (underwriting team leader) 
Financing status: N/A 

Mint Property Finance is a specialist lender based in Cheshire, offering simplified lending products designed for easy and efficient processing. They ensure smooth enquiry, application, underwriting, completion, and redemption for brokers, professional introducers, and direct borrowers. With over 12 years of service, the company has grown to have over 40 employees and eight underwriters.  

History of Mint Property Finance 

Mint Property Finance, initially known as Mint Bridging, was founded in 2011 by Andrew Lazare from his garage, with a £10 million loan book goal. The company quickly expanded, becoming known for its trusted relationships with introducers and in over a decade introduced specialised underwriting and completions teams. In 2021, the company rebranded to reflect its broader focus on development and refurbishment finance, aiming to grow its loan book to £250 million.  

In that same year, the company entered the Scottish market, broadening its geographic reach and establishing a stronger presence in the UK. Aldermore, a specialist bank, provided a multi-million-pound facility, significantly boosting Mint Property Finance’s funding capacity and enabling further growth. In 2023, they reported a record number of enquiries in Q1, reflecting increased market interest and demand for their financial products. 

Products and Services of Mint Property Finance 

Mint Property Finance offers a diverse range of tailored financial solutions designed to meet the varying needs of property investors and developers. Key offerings include: 

• development finance: provides funding for new property development projects, including ground-up developments and large-scale property transformations  

• refurbishment bridge finance: offers loans specifically designed for property refurbishment projects, covering light, medium, and heavy refurbishments  

• bridging finance: short-term loans designed to bridge the gap between transactions, ideal for property purchases, auctions, and quick turnarounds 

Culture at Mint Property Finance 

Mint Property Finance prioritises employee wellbeing, recognising it as essential for productivity and morale and investing in various health initiatives to support their team. By creating a positive and healthy work environment, they ensure employee satisfaction and long-term success. Specific activities demonstrate their commitment to a healthy workplace: 

• flexible working arrangements 

• regular breakout sessions 

• access to mental health first aiders 

• partnership with health plan provider Medicash 

• scheduled social time for employee interaction 

• encouragement of random acts of kindness 

• complimentary lunch deliveries 

• emphasis on mental health awareness and support 

Mint Property Finance actively engages in charitable activities to give back to the community. They believe in supporting causes that make a meaningful impact, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility. Some of the initiatives they have undertaken include: 

• donating blood at Sale Rugby Club for annual charity initiative 

• sponsoring Preston to Manchester bike ride for Ronald McDonald House Charity 

• supporting Edgware & Kingsbury FC Women’s Development Squad for the season 

• emphasising employee well-being for World Mental Health Day 

• partaking in Marie Curie UK for terminal illness care 

• giving back to The Trussell Trust for emergency food and poverty relief 

About Mint Property Finance Managing Director Andrew Lazare and Key People 

Andrew Lazare serves as Mint Property Finance's managing director. Lazare held significant roles in other companies such as being a director at Urban Logic and a fund manager at Axiomlab. He graduated from the North Cestrian Grammar School. 

Key People who help the managing director in leading the company: 

• Paul Wertheim, as an operations director, oversees daily operations and ensures the company's efficiency and productivity 

• Mark Abrahams, a director, focuses on strategic planning and business development, driving the company's growth 

• Richard Showman, serving as head of lending, manages the lending operations and maintains high standards of service 

• Karen Shepherd, as head of operations, coordinates various departments to streamline processes and improve operational performance 

• Lewis Pelle ACCA, who serves as a financial controller, manages the company's financial activities and ensures regulatory compliance 

• Adam Robson, an underwriting team leader, oversees the underwriting team, ensuring thorough risk assessment and loan approval processes 

The Future at Mint Property Finance 

Mint Property Finance is moving forward to develop its service offerings while integrating new technology into their operations. With strategies aimed at increasing capital and market reach, the company will make use of its strengths to expand significantly. In May 2024, a recent capital raise will fund three stunning new developments, enhancing their project portfolio and market presence.  

The acceptance of OMV valuations, which provide an unbiased market value assessment for mortgage lending decisions, is set to streamline Mint Property Finance’s processes. This will also improve valuation accuracy, benefiting clients and stakeholders. These initiatives will bolster their market position and support future expansion plans.