‘The easiest bank in the world to deal with’

For Paul Nicholson, CEO of the award-winning Nicholson Group, banking relationships are built on trust, speed and mutual understanding. It’s why, after being introduced to Redwood Bank several years ago, he has never felt the need to look elsewhere.

From the very first transaction, Redwood demonstrated what a strong lender-broker relationship should look like. Paul’s initial funding requirement was turned around with legal completion in just 16 days, enabling the Group to secure its next property ahead of an immovable and demanding deadline. It set the tone for a partnership that has continued to strengthen ever since.

As Nicholson Group now enters a new phase of expansion, Redwood remains firmly at the centre of its funding strategy, not just as a lender, but as a proactive, supportive partner.

A long-standing relationship

Founded in 2008, Nicholson Group specialises in high-quality property renovations and rental accommodation across the North West of England. Over the years, Redwood has developed a deep understanding of the business, its portfolio and Paul’s long-term ambitions.

Most recently, Paul turned to Redwood as his three loans neared the end of their fixed terms. The loans covered residential apartment blocks in St Helens, Merseyside. Thanks to the long-standing relationship with Redwood, particularly with Gary Wilkinson, CEO and Co-Founder, the bank was able to deliver a tailored solution.

Paul’s priority was reducing monthly payments to maximise cash flow while continuing to pay off debt. He explained: “I wanted to secure the best possible terms with minimal interference in our day-to-day operations. Redwood’s pragmatic approach to our current loans to value (LTV), rather than the original 2019 terms, helped us get a more competitive interest rate and continue reducing debt.”

With an aggregate loans balance just under £3.5 million, Redwood was keen to support the Group’s next chapter, working collaboratively to retain the business despite external competition.

Paul said: “We are entering an exciting stage of expansion. By focusing on paying down debt and maximising cash flow, we can invest further in our assets and our people. Our growth is organic, funded by the portfolio itself.”

A collaborative approach

As negotiations reached their final stages, Redwood’s relationship-led approach came into its own. Through careful internal discussions and close collaboration between the Bank’s Relationship Team – Steve Allanson, Rob Bowering and Andrew Doherty – and Gary, Redwood agreed terms ahead of deadlines.

Paul praised Redwood for their pragmatic approach: “Redwood listens. They aren’t a ‘computer says no’ lender. They understand the commercial realities – our rent roll had increased significantly, lowering the LTV on all loans. Without lengthy valuations, they offered a competitive interest rate based on the new LTV, which allowed for almost instantaneous signing.”

Delivering certainty

The refinance moved all three loans to new LTVs, with a three-year fixed rate for a tier-one client. Two blocks had LTVs below 60 per cent, and the third under 50 per cent – positioning the business strongly for its next phase of growth.

For Paul, the real value lies in consistency: “Every transaction with Redwood in the past five to six years has been straightforward and quick. Senior team input is rapid, not being bogged down in endless meetings. They truly deliver on a client-centric approach.”

Redwood’s thoughtful lending approach also impressed Paul: “Many banks claim to be open for business, but Redwood shows real enthusiasm for funding housing investment. The competitive rates, ease of process and speed create tangible value.”

A partnership focused on the future

Looking ahead, both parties are clear that this is a relationship built for the long term.

Gary said: “We’ve built a strong relationship with Paul. These deals reflect our shared values and commitment to agreeing deal terms efficiently. Nicholson Group exemplifies the professionalisation we’re seeing in the property market and we look forward to doing more business together.”

Nicholson Group is already exploring further opportunities with Redwood, including a portfolio of 10 homes and two apartment blocks. Paul said: “Paying down borrowings has allowed us to explore larger projects. We have a block completing in Q1 2026 and plan further large-scale regeneration, with Redwood being our preferred partner for long-term investment funding.”

It’s Redwood’s reliability as a partner that particularly attracts Paul: “They are always easy to reach, understand my objectives and deliver certainty. Every time, they meet my expectations and that’s invaluable. They really are the easiest bank in the world to deal with.”