Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has opened a new development finance office in Leeds, supporting SME property developers across the North of England and expanding its regional presence.

The new base at No. 1 Aire Street will serve as the hub for the bank’s Northern Development Finance team. The team comprises Harry Bhogal, Russell Higgins, Josh Swaby, Dan Boswell and Rob McFarlane, all of whom will be based in the city as HTB looks to deepen relationships with local brokers and developers.

HTB has maintained a long-standing presence in the region and is a regular supporter of the Yorkshire Children’s Charity Property Awards, where it will again act as sponsor this October — marking 10 years of continuous involvement.

The bank said the move to Leeds underlines its strategic focus on regional lending and its continuing support for SME developers, particularly those operating outside traditional city centre hotspots. Its development finance offering includes structured facilities of up to £35 million per borrower, with an emphasis on flexibility and local expertise.

Neil Leitch, managing director of development finance at HTB, said the move would enhance the bank’s ability to support clients navigating increasingly complex market conditions.

“Our development finance business has always been built on supporting SME developers in regional markets. These are clients who are creating real homes and shaping local communities, often in places where larger lenders are less active,” he said.

“To do that well, you need experienced people on the ground who understand the market and can provide certainty of funding when it matters. In today’s environment, where developers face planning delays, rising costs and funding uncertainty, flexibility and pragmatic structuring are essential.

“Leeds has always been an important centre for us, and having a dedicated office here strengthens our ability to support brokers and developers across Yorkshire and the wider North. We are committed to being a trusted, long-term partner for our clients as their projects and businesses evolve.”

Michael O’Donnell, head of relationship management at HTB, said the new office would strengthen broker ties and provide a platform for future growth.

“Leeds is a key centre for development and an important hub for our broker relationships across the North,” he said. “Having an office here gives us a strong platform to build even closer partnerships with brokers and their clients.

“Local knowledge, trusted relationships and certainty of funding really matter in this market, and we are committed to providing flexible, specialist support that helps developers manage the real-world challenges they face today.”