NPIF investment helps to build growth for Richard Roberts

A Leeds-based specialist land promoter has received a six-figure funding boost that is helping the firm create new jobs and enjoy significant growth.

Richard Roberts has secured a £500,000 investment from NPIF - FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). Debt Finance advice to Richard Roberts was provided by Azets Corporate Finance Yorkshire , David Streather who made the introduction to FW Capital. The funding has helped to create five new roles and provide working capital to support Richard Roberts’ new project wins which will help to drive the growth of further land developments across the North.

Richard Roberts provides a full-service solution that helps customers  gain planning permission to  sell their property, maximising its value for the seller and facilitating land for further residential development to the market. The team are experts in securing planning permission where there are seen to be potential constraints. 

Ian Preston, Managing Director at Richard Roberts said: “Having access to working capital is essential in our industry because of the capital intensive nature of our work. The investment has been key in helping us to grow our team from one to six to meet the increased demand for our services. We have a high rate of success in seeking planning permission for landowners and in circumstances where there are seen to be potential constraints.  This funding will help us to support more clients across the region and beyond with securing successful land development opportunities. Alex Gent at FW Capital has been very helpful.”

Alex Gent, Senior Investment Executive facilitated the investment for Richard Roberts.

Alex Gent, Senior Investment Executive at FW Capital added: “The skill and experience within Richard Roberts came across clearly throughout the investment process and made working with Ian and the team an interesting and enjoyable experience. This funding will support additional residential developments across the country to plug the ongoing housing gap, bringing well designed plans to the market. ”

FW Capital can provide loans in the NPIF region with a focus on Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and the Tees Valley. 

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.