"Education and preparation are key to successful lending relationships, and Rise Up’s structured approach aligns perfectly with Roma’s commitment to responsible growth, transparency, and collaboration"
- Charlotte Rutter - Roma Finance
Specialist lender Roma Finance has formed a partnership with Rise Up Development, becoming the official lending partner for its education programme aimed at helping UK contractors move safely into development. The initiative supports individuals who want to transition from delivering projects to running their own schemes.
Rise Up Development was established by Robin Hayhurst and Dave Symondson. Both are members of the Chartered Institute of Building and have a combined 50 years of experience in residential development. The organisation delivers practical workshops designed to help contractors build the knowledge, structure and networks needed to progress into development leadership.
Course participants will be supported in understanding how to structure deals, access finance, and prepare for engagement with lenders. The collaboration is intended to close the gap between skilled contractors and the funding support required to become profitable developers.
“We’re delighted to partner with Rise Up Development and support contractors who are ready to take the next step into property development,” said Charlotte Rutter, head of marketing and communications at Roma Finance (pictured). “Education and preparation are key to successful lending relationships, and Rise Up’s structured approach aligns perfectly with Roma’s commitment to responsible growth, transparency, and collaboration. Together, we’re helping new developers understand what lenders look for, how to mitigate risk, and how to turn ambition into viable, fundable projects.”
“Our mission is to help ethical, skilled contractors build a stronger future for UK housing by giving them the knowledge and network to succeed,” added Dave Symondson, co-founder of Rise Up Development. “Having Roma Finance as our lending partner brings invaluable expertise to our programme, ensuring that our participants are not only development-ready but lender-ready too. It’s a partnership built on shared values of trust, education, and professionalism.”
The Rise Up programme includes one-day foundation workshops and advanced assessments, offering a structured route from site sourcing and delivery through to development leadership. With Roma Finance now integrated as a lending partner, participants will receive direct insight from an experienced specialist funder that works with SME developers.
