The Challenge
Founded in early 2020 by seasoned hotelier Hector Ross, The Signet Collection is a visionary British hospitality brand that creates extraordinary boutique hotels in memorable locations. With UK staycations remaining popular, the hotel group required a trusted lender operating in the hospitality sector, to fund their next project.
Opportunity & Outcomes
We provided a £3.8M loan to The Signet Collection, to acquire Barnsdale Lodge Hotel in Oakham, Rutland, and refurbish and upgrade it to a 4-star Signet-branded spa resort. Hector Ross, founder of The Signet Collection, commented on the transaction: “I’ve now worked with OakNorth Bank for a number of years for both our Mitre Hotel in Hampton Court and The Retreat at Elcot Park, so I know they listen, they believe in backing entrepreneurs, and will work collaboratively to make plans come together. There’s a real can-do attitude amongst the team, and an understanding that in construction and hospitality, things don’t always go to plan, so timeframes can sometimes be longer than expected. They also move faster than any other UK lender I’ve ever worked with – if you go to them on a Monday with an opportunity but caveat that you need the capital in two weeks’ time, they’ll get it done.”