Ward Hadaway has become the latest organisation to join the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA), further expanding the trade body’s professional network as it approaches 100 lender and associate members.
The UK Top 100 law firm, with offices in Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle, brings with it a longstanding reputation in real estate and property finance. Its work with bridging and development lenders spans the full transaction cycle, including acquisition funding, development finance, loan management, exit planning and enforcement.
Its admission as an associate member comes as the BDLA continues to grow its presence as the UK’s only trade association dedicated to the bridging and development lending sector. The association’s current members collectively support a loan book in excess of £10.3 billion.
Vic Jannels, chief executive of the BDLA, welcomed the appointment, describing Ward Hadaway as “a well-established firm in property finance” with a clear understanding of the sector’s “unique requirements”.
He said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Ward Hadaway as the latest associate member of the BDLA. It’s a well-established firm in property finance, with an understanding of the bridging sector’s unique requirements, and will be a strong addition to our growing network of professional partners.
“The BDLA continues to go from strength to strength, we are approaching almost 100 lender and associate members now part of our community and this momentum is a testament to the value that members see in working collaboratively to raise standards, shape regulation, and drive innovation across the sector. As our membership grows, so too does our influence in championing the interests of short-term property lenders and the professionals who support them.”
The BDLA, formed to represent the interests of bridging and development lenders, has played an increasingly active role in engaging with regulators and policymakers on behalf of its members, many of whom are at the forefront of innovation in alternative property finance.
Owen Ormond, partner at Ward Hadaway, said the firm looked forward to supporting the association’s aims and strengthening its ties to the sector.
“We are delighted to be joining the BDLA at a time of great momentum in this specialist corner of the market,” he said. “The BDLA plays a vital role in shaping the future of short-term property finance, and we look forward to contributing to the association’s goals of raising standards, supporting its member lenders, and encouraging sustainable growth in the market.”
