Our Story So Far
From a bold vision in 2012 to becoming a leading name arranging successful property development funding around the UK.
Focus Commercial has built a reputation for delivering innovative funding solutions.
Starting in Liverpool, we quickly established ourselves as a trusted partner for property developers at each stage of their journey and experience, facilitating major deals and ambitious projects across the UK.
As we’ve grown, we’ve embraced digital transformation, expanded our reach to Manchester and beyond, and navigated challenges with resilience, always staying true to our core values.
Our journey is one of continuous evolution, driven by expertise, innovation, and a commitment to shaping the future of real estate finance.
2012
The Focus Journey Begins
Focus Commercial is founded in Liverpool.
Focus joins NACFB (National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers).
2013
Focus reputation starts to get traction in Liverpool property sector
Focus becomes established by completing numerous bridging and commercial mortgage property loans for new and established property developers in Liverpool.
2014
Focus starts to complete million pounds plus completions across Liverpool
Focus completes million-pound refinance of children’s nursery group Waverton Children’s Nursery for their aggressive expansion plan.
Focus completes its first major property loan for the purchase and refurbishment of a prominent Liverpool City Centre hotel close to the Met Quarter Shopping Centre.
2015
Focus completes major refurbishment loans in hospitality sector
Focus completes a multi-million pound property deal to purchase and refurbish the famous 30 James Street Hotel, former head office of the famous White Star Line home of the iconic Titanic liner.
Focus completes another multi-million pound deal to purchase and refurbish the former Liverpool City Council office building Millennium House into the Liverpool FC themed Shankly Hotel.
Focus sources, arranges, co-ordinates and completes a multi-million pound bridging loan in seven days to purchase executive property in Lancashire.
2016
Focus completes many multi-million-pound property loan completions in Residential and PBSA sector in Northwest
Focus brand is now well established in the Liverpool property market, gaining more new developer clients.
Focus completes a major development loan for over £10 million to develop the Herculaneum Quay on Liverpool Waterfront.
Focus completes a £4m development exit loan for PBSA completed project in Stoke on Trent.
2017
Focus commences phase 1 of digital transformation revolution
Focus growth continues, leading to a decision to cope with enhanced demand by commissioning a unique, bespoke fintech loan sourcing & processing platform named “Focus Flow.”
Focus commences the development of their agile loan sourcing & processing platform, which was needed to integrate all the different systems into one place and make it suitable for the future of the business as it continues to grow.
2018
Focus starts using “Focus Flow” their Fintech “Focus Flow” platform
This Fintech platform allows Focus to deliver their leading industry recognised credit paper with API integration from numerous sources.
The fintech platform built by Focus, enables the loan processing to be far quicker, with customised services which has led to client benefits from longer term relationships.
2019
Focus relocates head office to Manchester Spinningfields
Having been established in the centre of Liverpool for 7 years, Focus moves its head office base to Spinningfields in Manchester to offer services to the whole of the Northwest.
Focus completes multi-million pound refinance project near Manchester City Centre.
2020
Focus thrives in adversity during global pandemic
Despite the global pandemic challenges, Focus stuck to their values and rode the waves with this new challenge.
Focus’ valued relationships with lenders really kicked in.
Focus shifted gears with their dynamic capabilities guided by their leadership team.
Lenders who closed their doors to the majority of the public and brokers, kept them open for Focus for trading.
Focus serviced their existing client base and current loans by extending the loans with no extra costs with current lenders.
Focus assisted new clients needing funding requirements, as they had no access to funding during lockdown.
2021
Focus sets up property development company arm of group
Focus starts own development journey by commencing the planning and construction of 29 new build apartments in Liverpool City Centre under a new SPV ltd company.
2022
Focus strengthens leadership team
Focus appoints Nick Hawkins as Director of Strategy and Corporate Governance to strengthen the Focus leadership team. Nick brings a range of Director and senior level experience to the team.
2023
Focus CEO completes Executive Education at Harvard Business School in US
Focus Chief Executive Officer, and Head of Real Estate Development Finance, John McNamara, completes the Harvard Business School, Boston USA, Executive Education Leadership Programme for Venture Capital & Private Equity under Professor Josh Levy, a globally recognised finance expert and former advisor to the World Bank.
Focus successfully completes its development journey with the practical completion of the 29 new build apartments constructed in Liverpool City Centre under a new SPV ltd company.
2024
Focus commences final stage phase 2 of digital transformation revolution
Focus continues the Phase 2 of its digital transformation in January 2024 by implementing a new customer experience based digital website, which integrates all their social media and communication channels. This facilitates the real time needs of the 21st Century developer community.
2025
Focus Opens London Office
16 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0AF by Euston Station.
Focus is proud to announce the opening of this office in the heart of the capital. This forms part of an expansion plan by us to bring our exceptional mix of knowledge, technology, and outstanding customer service to clients throughout the country. We expect that this office will greatly increase our presence in London and the South.