Commercial Property Finance: An untapped opportunity for businesses

One year on from joining the Bathgate Business Finance team, Gary Beggs reflects on his first 12 months with the firm, expansion into North Wales and the untapped opportunities of commercial finance for businesses of all sectors and sizes.

At the end of May 2025, Gary joined the Bathgate team from a Manchester-based commercial finance firm, bringing with him 22 years of industry knowledge and experience. His aim in his new role was to support Bathgate’s geographical expansion across the North West and enhance its breadth of expertise, through his knowledge of innovative property finance solutions.

Speaking of the team, Gary said: “Working with the Bathgate team is very different to any other that I have worked with. All workplaces say they are ‘like a family’ but Bathgate is the only place I have found that to be completely genuine and authentic. The team isn’t pitted against each other; it works as a collaborative and it always supports each other. The relationships they have with peers, professional introducers and clients is also like nothing I have seen before – it’s so refreshing.”

This ethos of collaboration has been demonstrated in Bathgate’s expansion into North Wales, with the launch of its Welsh office at M-SParc on Gaerwen being spearheaded by Gary with the support and advice of director and BDM, Ian Adams.

The expansion led to the completion of a recent deal to secure a £1.5 million loan to assist Adferiad, one of the largest charities in Wales supporting people affected by mental ill health and substance use, to purchase the former Blind Veterans site in Llandudno, for a 40-bed detoxification facility.  The facility will provide safe, structured detox for adults with substance use disorders, including individuals with additional complexities.

Gary explained: “I was able to use my expertise to advise on the best solutions from a property finance perspective, as well as bringing my regional contacts to the table, while Ian shared his experience working with specialist charity finance lenders to provide a more compelling offer than high street options.

“This not only met the need in terms of timescales and terms, but also in alignment with values. The combined knowledge we were able to offer, and our in-person approach allowed us to build up trust with the client and educate them on the various approaches to funding the project, many of which they had not previously been aware of.

“Knowing the outcome of the deal is not just a happy client, but a place of healing and safety that will save and change lives, made it even more rewarding to have led and delivered.”

Gary has also been able to help further increase the team’s knowledge in property finance, as well as expanding its contacts in the sector.

Gary continued: “As well as learning from the team, it’s been rewarding to also share my own expertise to support colleagues. For example, Esther, who is an asset finance and cashflow loan specialist, had a client whose premises were being sold by their owner, with only a short time to complete the purchase if they wanted to buy the property. Esther brought the client’s and its professional network, including their accountants and legal team, together and introduced me to support the development of a solution. We established a property company, which purchased the premises, which was then able to rent it back to the trading company.

“This provided a number of benefits. The asset would be ringfenced if anything happened to the trading company, but the structure also allowed the business to benefit from tax savings, as the rental would go against the trading company’s P&L. By pooling our knowledge, contacts and relationships, we once again were able to quickly find the best solution for the client.”

Bathgate’s ability to bring together its professional network, broad expertise within its team and knowledge of both high street and alternative finance solutions is a strength against the backdrop of an increasingly challenging economic climate for businesses of all sizes and in all sectors.

Gary said: “Right now, commercial property finance is a huge opportunity for all businesses, not just those in the property sector and I see my role, alongside my colleagues, as one where I can educate clients on the benefits of investing in property, particularly where this might not have been considered an option.

“As we build this knowledge across our team and network, it allows us to introduce those solutions up to our clients. For example, investing in your existing commercial premises, or financing to buy new ones can increase security, reduce rents and ensure you’re not exposed to price hikes.  

“It can even create revenue streams through buy-to-let and it opens up tax benefits. What’s more, with the wealth of financial expertise in the team, we can broker deals that also consider insurance and advice on SIPs and pensions. We want to ensure that our clients can benefit from the strength in commercial property right now, to help them navigate the challenges that we are all facing.”

For more information on property and commercial finance, contact Gary Beggs on gary@bathgatebf.co.uk or call 07496423803