GRE Finance, a specialist lender within the UK property sector, has announced the strategic appointments of Clare Grimes and Archie Dickinson as associate directors.
Grimes joins GRE Finance from Octopus Real Estate, bringing extensive experience in commercial real estate debt transactions.
Her diverse client work and leadership roles, such as chairing the Association of Real Estate Funds’ Future Generation Committee and membership in AREF’s management committee, alongside her qualifications as a chartered surveyor and a master’s degree holder in Real Estate, Investment and Finance from Henley Business School.
Archie Dickinson, with over a decade of experience in real estate finance, comes from Hilltop Credit Partners. His expertise in origination, underwriting, and execution of development loans complements GRE Finance’s objectives. Dickinson’s career, marked by significant transactions totaling over £750m, aligns with the firm’s strategic direction.
Since its foundation in 2020 by Michael Mirelman and Daniel Benton, GRE Finance has maintained an active stance in the market, navigating through economic uncertainties and concluding notable transactions, including loans for various residential and commercial projects.
Daniel Benton, director at GRE Finance, said: “The opportunities in the UK’s real estate debt markets today are vast, and the appointments of Clare and Archie to kick-off this year put us in prime position to seize what could be a once in a decade opportunity.
“We remained active through 2023, focusing on strategic asset management in the first half of the year before identifying market opportunities in the latter half and agreeing more than £30m in real estate financing.
“Our opportunistic and value-add approach, depth of expertise in property development and management as well as financing, and willingness to take on projects involving planning risk means that we are very well placed to support a range of transactions taking place in the market.”
Clare Grimes shared her perspective on joining GRE Finance: “Because of GRE Finance’s unique approach to real estate debt, taking on risk profiles that other lenders don’t have the expertise to support, it’s one of the most interesting firms out there.
“Given the economic climate we’re in, this is one of the most exciting times to join such an agile team.
“I’m really looking forward to leading origination efforts and working with Daniel, Michael, Archie and the rest of the team to navigate the choppy waters to drive real and attractive returns for all parties.”
