Commercial finance rarely follows a straight line. A developer may begin with pre-development, roll into construction, hold residual stock, and eventually refinance. An SME borrower may need a short-term bridge today and a growth facility tomorrow. For brokers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

If you can’t meet a client’s funding needs at every stage, you risk losing the relationship. But with the right support, one client relationship can generate multiple transactions, building loyalty, trust, and long-term value for your business.

A life cycle approach

We fund the whole commercial life cycle. We can step in at pre-development, provide construction facilities, assist with residual stock, and help with refinance or equity release when the timing is right.

For brokers, this continuity allows them to lay strong foundations with their clients, rather than handing them off when their needs fall outside traditional boxes.

As George Lyall, head of origination at Millbrook, explains: “What really matters to brokers is being able to give their clients confidence. Speed, clarity, and flexibility, that’s what brokers tell us makes the difference.”

Common-sense assessment, flexible solutions

We assess every deal using common sense, believing that business growth shouldn’t be stalled by outdated models or one-size-fits-all assessments. Our flexible approach considers each client’s full story through holistic credit reviews and faster turnaround times, giving brokers the clarity and agility to seize opportunities as they arise. That’s why, over the past five years, 𝟗𝟖 per cent of brokers who’ve worked with us have returned for more.

What’s in it for brokers?

A life cycle approach isn’t just convenient – it’s a business advantage.

  • Retention: Supporting clients across multiple stages keeps the relationship firmly with you, not the competition.

  • Maximised value: A single client can translate into multiple deals, boosting your revenue per relationship.

  • Stronger reputation: Delivering solutions consistently builds trust. You become the broker who always finds a way.

Lyall adds: “The brokers we see succeed most aren’t just focused on volume, they’re focused on building strong, lasting relationships. By uncovering multiple opportunities with each client, lifecycle funding helps them do exactly that.”

Real outcomes

In recent months, Millbrook has:

  • Funded land acquisitions that later converted to construction loans.

  • Delivered bridging facilities that allowed clients to transact quickly, while setting up longer-term solutions.

  • Provided residual stock facilities that give developers the breathing room to sell down.

Each of these transactions didn’t just solve a borrower’s need – they helped brokers lay strong foundations to strengthen their client relationships and uncover additional opportunities.

Backing brokers to grow

At Millbrook, we focus on supporting brokers. Our flexible life cycle solutions enable them to serve clients effectively, while building meaningful, long-term relationships.

As Lyall sums it up: “The brokers who thrive in today’s market are the ones who stay close to their clients, no matter how their funding needs evolve. We’ve seen a client go from funding a single duplex to delivering 1,000 apartments in just seven years. Our role is to make sure brokers can always deliver at every stage of that journey.”

In a competitive market, the brokers who thrive will be those who can stay with their clients for the long haul. As your lending partner, each transaction builds the foundations for long-term growth and success, allowing brokers to deliver flexible, tailored solutions.


George Lyall
Head of origination, Millbrook