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Norfolk-based RQ Capital is celebrating its tenth year of lending – in the last ten years, the firm has completed over 200 loans with a total value of £151m. This has funded the development of 750 homes and assisted in planning permission for a further 1,000 homes.

RQ Capital lends money to developers across England and Wales from its headquarters in East Anglia, helping smaller property developers to secure the funding they need to build and complete projects.

Founded by Robert Gurney in 2012, the firm has created an excellent niche of providing bespoke property finance for smaller property developers. Robert commented: “RQ Capital is a property lending business that has the feel of the old traditional bank – in the sense that we aim to provide a personal and efficient service.

“With the uncertain economic times we are all facing, our clients are grateful to have that personal touch and be able to discuss their options with a friendly, expert team they can trust.”

George Craig, Director at RQ Capital, said: “As a small team we are immensely proud of the milestones we have achieved together over the past decade, and we are very positive about the future of the business.

“We work incredibly hard to provide exceptional customer service and this has helped us to grow and keep growing. To achieve further success, we plan to raise awareness of our services by increasing our digital presence and marketing activity.

“We are proud to be headquartered in Norfolk and to offer our services as a national provider. Locally we have access to a great network of property developers. We are also members of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, partners of the NFCI and Constructing Excellence in Norfolk.”

To celebrate the company’s ten-year anniversary, the business has launched a new website. Find out more here: https://www.rqcapital.co.uk/

Image provided by RQ Capital – The RQ Capital team pictured (left to right) Stephen Kenworthy Head of Finance, Paula Milligan Office Manager, Robert Gurney Managing Director, and George Craig Director.

We’re thrilled to
announce a significant step in the growth of Leading Business Services as we further
expand our presence into the Midlands, with the addition of three highly
experienced professionals to our team, based in Nottingham.

Having joined us in
April 2025, Michael Roome brings nearly 30 years of experience in the Business
Recovery and Insolvency industry. A qualified Insolvency Practitioner, Michael
has a wealth of knowledge in supporting both individuals and businesses through
financial difficulty. He also works closely with lenders to develop strategies
that mitigate risk and maximise recoveries.

Also joining Michael
are Ross Welham and Kimberley Wapplington — both bringing vast experience and
proven capability in the insolvency and restructuring space. Their combined
expertise further strengthens our growing team and enhances our capacity to
support more clients through challenging times.

This expansion is an exciting milestone for
Leading and reflects our continued growth, both in reach and reputation. We’re
delighted to welcome Michael, Ross and Kimberley on board.

Your Partner in
Planning for a Stronger Tomorrow

At Leading Business
Services, we believe that no business should wait until a crisis hits.

Whether you’re
experiencing financial strain or simply want a health check to strengthen your
foundations, our business advisory team is here to help.

You can contact our friendly and experienced
team on 01603 552028 or email us at mail@leading.uk.com.

In this week’s Business Insights Chat, Ian Fitch speaks to Mark Ferguson, managing director of Castle Colour Packaging, a specialist packaging manufacturer in Norwich. They produce packaging for well-known brands including Pritt Stick and Eat Natural, among many others. The business has a focus on being the best it can be, while leading in sustainability and recyclable products.

Mark’s insights into lockdown offer a unique perspective in this series, as they were identified as an essential business at the start of the first lockdown. They were able to continue trading, albeit with new safety measures in place for staff, while also having to adapt to new and changing demands for their products. He describes how it was all about feeling safe at work and staying efficient.

Mark reflects on their government COVID spot check, and how the resilience and commitment of his team played a huge part in their successes during the last year. He also explains the measures that the company put in place to aid the wellbeing of the team.

He discusses the opportunities they identified for Research and Development through their work on sustainability; what his personal weaknesses are, and how he strives to make everyone around him better than him; the benefits of having a non-executive director on your board; how promoting from within is good for business; how running a business is like playing a game of rugby; and how experience outside family businesses is key, citing his time as a young man spent working for McDonald’s as a fantastic opportunity to learn about processes and discipline.

Mark’s personal journey, as a man at the top of a key part of the ‘pandemic economy,’ and the success he has had building Castle Colour, make for a fascinating listen.

You can listen to Business Insights Chat on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts. This is the last in this series of Business Insights Chat, so make sure you subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss out on the release of series 2 later on this year. 

Listen here!

Join us for an evening of luxury and elegance!

We are delighted to invite you to the exclusive Saxon Air X Jo Malone London event—a night where aviation meets elegance. This one-of-a-kind experience will captivate your senses and provide a sophisticated setting to connect, unwind, and be entertained.

What’s in store:

Prepare to be mesmerised by a blend of sophisticated entertainment:

• Full casino: Try your luck and enjoy the thrill of classic casino games.
• Private jet tour: Explore luxury aviation firsthand and unlock exclusive charter discounts.
• Live string quartet and singer: Enjoy enchanting music to set the perfect ambiance.
• Burlesque performances: Experience the allure and glamour of live burlesque.
• DJ and dance floor: Keep the night alive with music from our vibrant DJ.
• Charity auction: Participate in our auction with all proceeds going to support The Feed, making your night even more meaningful.

To watch the event trailer: There Is Something In The Air | Saxon Air Event Trailer – YouTube

Exclusive corporate package for Norfolk businesses:

 As a valued Norfolk business, we are pleased to offer a special corporate package—10 tickets at a 20% discount. This is a fantastic opportunity to reward your team, entertain clients, or simply enjoy an elegant evening with colleagues. Immerse your team in an unforgettable experience of sophistication, entertainment, and networking.

Why attend?

• Reward your team: A unique way to celebrate and recognise your team’s hard work.
• Network in style: Connect with other Norfolk businesses in a luxurious setting.
• Support a great cause: Your participation helps us raise funds for The Feed, supporting those in need in our community.

Secure your corporate package today!

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to indulge in a night of luxury and elegance.

To take advantage of this exclusive offer, simply order a corporate package following this link Saxon Air Event scented by Jo Malone London Tickets, Sat, Sep 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

If you prefer, you also have the option to purchase individual tickets—simply select this option in your basket. 

You can also elevate your experience with a Wolterton weekend stay—email us at facilities@saxonair.com for details.

Due to the limited availability of tickets, we encourage you to secure your spot promptly. 

We look forward to welcoming you and your team to an evening that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.