Annual lending for the year topped the £1bn mark for the first time, up 39.5% on prior year, whilst the loan book grew by £377.2m, currently standing at more than £1.8bn; an increase of 26.5%.
The results showed the consistent low loan-to-value across the group, with the weighted average now standing at 52.6%, highlighting the group’s prudent and individual approach to lending.
Mike McTighe, group chairman at Together, said: “These record results affirm the positive position the business is in. Trading has remained strong; both in terms of financial performance and new origination levels, with credit quality remaining robust. We have also made good progress against our strategic priorities in governance, including a number of key senior management appointments, IT and reporting. We believe we have a strong competitive advantage and are excited about the future. We are confident about the opportunities in the specialist finance sector and we have the financial capability to support our ambitious growth plans.”
As it looks to the future, Together has confirmed that minority shareholder, Equistone, is intending to exit the business, with a preferred option identified whereby the Moser family would increase their current majority interest to become the sole shareholder, other than a continued small non-voting shareholding interest held by other members of the senior management team.
The business, with over 42 years of successful trading, has established itself as a serious contender in the specialist lending market, thanks to its common sense approach to lending, and is reaping the benefits of the growing demand for alternative finance.