Often overlooked aspects of lending across the whole of the United Kingdom, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, are the different legal, political, and economic issues in each region.

There are often complexities  when it comes to lending in those areas, because there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Smaller markets may impact how recovery action is implemented which in turn may lead to different lending parameters or increased due diligence. Ortus has always found that having key people on the ground in these areas is critical.

Different laws can create complexity in the Scottish market

Lending in Scotland has been an integral part of our growth plan here at Ortus. We have several longstanding relationships with intermediaries and brokers who we continue to deal with, and colleagues who support our capital deployment north of the border.

The different jurisdictions and laws in Scotland can sometimes create complexities for brokers and their clients as well as extra steps when structuring a loan.

English lending laws typically stress contractual autonomy and lender protection. However, Scottish jurisdiction incorporates unique legal principles like caution. It also places greater emphasis on the borrower’s rights and obligations, particularly in the context of property and security interests.

Scotland is covered by our experienced Relationship Director, Mel Howard, who has deployed numerous loan facilities in Scotland and cemented core relationships with our broker network.

These deals have ranged from lending on a 14-bedroom guesthouse in Pitlochry, to holiday lets on the Isle of Arran.

We have a well-established presence in Northern Ireland

The business community in Northern Ireland confronts several clear challenges, including the well-known issues related to Brexit and the Protocol.

While it is a much smaller and unique market, it creates many opportunities for expansion.

Ortus have an established presence here and have been lending in the Northern Ireland market since 2015.

We have experienced significant growth following the opening of our Belfast office in 2019, and now have a local team of seven supporting all aspects of lending in the province.

Local experience can be invaluable when it comes to commercial lending

Shane Donnelly, who heads up the Belfast office, has vast experience in the sector and detailed local knowledge of the market.

He said: “In my experience, local borrowers always like to deal with lenders who understand the challenges they face within the local economy, particularly in the post-pandemic period.

“We also have a depth of knowledge of the province and utilise this to add real value to our borrowers in their transactions.”

Get in touch 

If you’d like to talk to us about our commercial lending proposition and how we can help you and your clients, speak to the Relationship Director in your local office.