Close Brothers Property Finance
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Our team

Our specialist team are committed to helping experienced developers and investors grow and thrive in the UK property market. We work closely together to offer you a fast and transparent service.

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Get in touch to get your project funded

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Development finance Commercial finance Bridging finance

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Leadership

Phil Hooper

Phil Hooper

Chief Executive Officer, Property
Phil joined the Property Finance division of Close Brothers as CEO in December 2023. Phil joined the Bank from Pluto Finance where he was Head of Lending, he previously spent 36 years at Nat West Bank, latterly as Head of Real Estate where he managed the UK loan book of £30bn.
    Supported by

    Sarah Bone

    Sarah.bone@closebrothers.com

    0203 857 6260

    0203 857 6260
    Rowland Thomas

    Rowland Thomas

    Managing Director, Property
    Rowland joined Close Brothers in 1999 with the company’s acquisition of specialist property lender, Granville Bank. Prior to Granville, Rowland had worked at Dunbar Bank and NatWest, where he started his career in general banking before focusing on property finance.
    Contact Rowland Thomas
    Simon Powell

    Simon Powell

    Director, Property
    Simon has worked across the banking sector during his career, giving him a broad range of experience, however he has specialized in property finance for over 20 years. He joined Close Brothers in 2003 from Anglo Irish Bank and was appointed as a Director in 2012.
    Contact Simon Powell
    Daniel Joyce

    Daniel Joyce

    Deputy Managing Director, Property
    Daniel has been at Close Brothers Property Finance since 2000, joining the organisation after a short spell at a clearing bank. He became a relationship manager in 2006 and, after successfully growing a portfolio of residential development and commercial investment loans, he was promoted to Director in 2015.
    Contact Daniel Joyce
    James McHugh

    James McHugh

    Director, Property Scotland and Northern Ireland
    Following London-based stints in banking and private equity, James joined Close Brothers Property Finance in 2009, shortly after the opening of our Edinburgh office. He has been regional Director for Scotland since 2016 and in 2018 this was expanded to include Northern Ireland.
    Contact James McHugh
    Joanne Parr

    Joanne Parr

    Director, Bridging Finance Manchester
    Joanne joined Close Brothers Bridging Finance in 2019 to head up the new business based in Manchester. She has over 29 years of experience in finance, having worked at a high-street bank and specialist short-term bridging and development lender, as well as founding her own business as a commercial finance broker.
    Contact Joanne Parr
    Richard Murkin

    Richard Murkin

    Director, Credit & Risk, Property
    Richard joined Close Brothers in 2010 and is Risk Director for the Property Division. He has worked in banking for 30 years and prior to 2010 held positions in Credit at Leopold Joseph & Sons Limited, Butterfield Private Bank and Heritable Bank. He is also a director of Commercial Acceptances Limited.
    Annabelle Charman

    Annabelle Charman

    Chief Operating Officer, Property
    Annabelle has spent the majority of her career in the banking industry, both at high-street and specialist property banks. She joined the Close Brothers Property Finance in January 2011 and was appointed as Chief Operating Officer and part of the property directorate team in April 2016. Annabelle is also a proud trustee of charity Dogs for Good.

    Lending team

    Two people at desk

    Our specialist property lending team are always available to take your call, make sure your project runs smoothly and your funds are never held up.

    They provide support and robust industry knowledge from your initial enquiry through to the completion of your project.

    Contact your Lending team

    Credit and risk

    Person working at computer

    Our credit and risk team are the engine powering the lending team. They are responsible for making sure all due diligence is completed effectively and efficiently, so we can provide you with the best level of service. Their extensive experience in the property industry allows them to take a commercial yet prudent and risk-based approach to their work. That means they can approve the release of your funds quickly, providing you with ready cash to keep you project moving forward.

    Operations and marketing

    Two people working at computer

    The rest of our team is made up of operations and marketing professionals, as well as admin support. who support both the lending and credit and risk teams as well as our customers. Whether it’s processing anti-money laundering checks, putting together our latest newsletter or providing account statements, every member of our team provides support and assistance throughout the cycle of your loan and beyond.

    Meet the team

    Leadership Lending team Credit and risk Operations and marketing